UGA Basketball 2019 Recruiting Class Preview
Tom Crean’s first season as the head coach for the Georgia basketball program was disappointing to say the least. However, in only one year as head coach, Crean has ultimately flipped the outlook on the program, and has turned many heads through recruiting.
Crean has put together the school’s greatest recruiting class in history by securing signatures from five top-100 players, one of those being the highest recruit in the program’s history in Anthony Edwards.
Crean’s efforts in this class will definitely translate to success on the court in the 2019-2020 season, and could ultimately lead to a NCAA Tournament appearance.
Toumani Camara: 6’6 200lbs, 4-star Forward, Hollywood, FL
On any other given year, Toumani Camara would be listed as the highlight of the entire class. However, the abundance of talent here in the 2019 class has caused many to over look Camara.
While listed at 6’6, many have rumored that he has shot up to 6’8. Camara’s height gives him the option to play small forward, or move down to the power forward position if needed. This definitely supports Crean calling Camara a “swiss army knife” due to his versatile frame.
Camara also has a huge leaping ability, and shows a lot of power when attacking the basket. He’s even showed the ability to take over a game by dropping 40 points by himself in a game during his senior year.
Sahvir Wheeler: 5’8 175lbs, 4-star Point Guard, Houston, TX
Sahvir Wheeler was originally signed to play at Texas A&M, but was granted a release after their coaching change. Bulldog fans will certainly count this one as a blessing.
While height would normally be a concern, Wheeler’s handles, speed, and passing abilities make him a true, elite point guard. Wheeler is also a good mid-to-deep range shooter, which gives reason to the comparisons of former Bulldog point guard, J.J. Frazier. Wheeler’s elite skills and ability to push the ball up the court will bring a new dimension to Crean’s team, and one that has fewer turnovers.
Jaykwon Walton: 6’6 195lbs, 4-star Guard/Forward, Montgomery, AL
Jaykwon Walton was previously committed to Mississippi State, but ultimately chose to sign with Georgia. Walton, originally from Columbus, GA, has a great frame that allows him to rebound and be a solid defender. Walton also has an elite deep range stroke, and can be a catch-and-shoot guard or forward for the Bulldogs. Walton still needs to develop when it comes to attacking the basket, but will be a solid piece for Crean in 2019, and years to come.
Christian Brown: 6’6 205lbs, 4-star Small Forward, Mouth of Wilson, VA
Christian Brown, originally from Columbia, SC, is well-known recruit across the country. Brown played for the USA Junior National team a few years back, and played for a national championship during his senior year at Oak Hill Academy. Brown was also rated a 5-star recruit at one point.
He has shown his athleticism and his explosiveness in getting to the basket. Brown also rebounds well, and has a good outside stroke. Brown has potential to be a lock down defender in Crean’s scheme.
Anthony Edwards: 6’5 215lbs, 5-star Shooting Guard, Atlanta, GA
If you weren’t already a fan of Georgia basketball, Anthony Edwards will make you be one. Anthony Edwards, arguably the most exciting recruit in program history, shook waves across the country when he chose the in-state Bulldogs over Florida State, Kansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
Edwards has the elite skills to take over any game at any time, so expect him to be the primary ball handler this season. He has a good stroke, explosive athleticism, great court-vision, and has the trait of being an aggressive scorer. Edwards is also developing to be an elite defender. Add in his skills with his length and build, and you get an elite combo guard. We’ve seen what Tom Crean can do with players like Dwyane Wade and Victor Oladipo. Expect Edwards to turn into the same caliber player of them.
Donnell Gresham Jr. : 6'1 203lbs, Graduate Transfer, St. Paul, MN
The Dawgs were also able to snatch an experienced point guard in graduate transfer Donnell Gresham Jr. from Northeastern. Gresham has decent size for a point guard, and has developed a nice outside shot. Gresham's NCAA tournament experience will allow him to establish a leadership role on the team in 2019.
With two spots remaining in the 2019 recruiting class, expect Crean to fill these spots sooner rather than later. 3-star big-man Rodney Howard has cut his list to just Georgia and Georgia Tech after requesting a release from Ole Miss. Christopher Maidoh, an underrated big man out of Scotland, Pennsylvania, is also in the mix for the Bulldogs.
Look for Crean to add two post players to close out the 2019 class, and head into the season with a loaded roster.
