USA TODAY’s inaugural Chosen 25
Cole Anthony tops 2019 boys basketball list
The USA TODAY Chosen 25 2019 boys basketball rankings are compiled by staff writer Jason Jordan with input from USA TODAY staff, recruiting experts and national writers. The Chosen 25 is based heavily on high school and current production on the stat sheet and otherwise. It also takes into account how a player projects at the next level and beyond. We excluded players who haven’t suited up in the last six months. If a player’s college commitment isn’t listed, he is undecided.
1. Cole Anthony
Archbishop Molloy (Queens, N.Y.) Small forward, 6-3, 180: Good luck finding a more dominant player this spring; the son of former NBA star Greg Anthony does it all for the PSA Cardinals (N.Y.) in the Nike EYBL.
2. James Wiseman
Memphis East
Forward, 6-11, 220: After leading Memphis East to a state title in March, Wiseman has continued his strong play leading the Bluff City Legends (Tenn.) in the Nike EYBL.
3. Vernon Carey Jr.
University School (Fort Lauderdale) Forward, 6-10, 260: Led University to a state title and the final of the GEICO Nationals in April, averaging 26 points and 10.4 rebounds; now he’s starring for Nike Team Florida.
4. Trendon Watford
Mountain Brook (Ala.) Forward, 6-9, 220: Led Mountain Brook to a state title in March and picked up where he left off in the Nike EYBL for the Georgia Stars.
5. Charles Bassey
Aspire Academy (Louisville) Center, 6-10, 220: Been dominant this spring, averaging 17.1 points, 8.6 rebounds for YIIS (Texas) on the Adidas Gauntlet.
6. Tyrese Maxey
South Garland (Texas)
Combo guard, 6-3, 195: Proving why he’s arguably the country’s most talented scorer, averaging 23.8 points for Houston Hoops in the Nike EYBL.
7. Matthew Hurt
John Marshall (Rochester, Minn.) Forward, 6-9, 210: One of the most versatile players in the country, uses his size and length to dominate. He averaged 34 points and 15 rebounds for Marshall.
8. Isaiah Stewart
La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) Forward, 6-9, 230: Workhorse in the paint, uses his size to overpower the opposition. This spring he’s averaging 17.5 points and 10.8 rebounds for City Rocks (N.Y.) in the Nike EYBL.
9. Cassius Stanley
Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) Shooting guard, 6-5, 190: One of the most athletic players in the country, creates a headache of a matchup. He led the Trail Blazers to the Open Divi-
10. Jalen Lecque
Christ School (Arden, N.C.) Shooting guard, 6-4, 185: Super athlete and a threat for a SportsCenter- esque highlight every time he touches the ball. He leads Renaissance (N.Y.) in the Nike EYBL.
11. Ashton Hagans
Newton (Covington, Ga.)
Point guard, 6-4, 180: Known for making his teammates thrive. He averaged 20 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds for Newton. College: Kentucky.
12. Bryan Antoine
Ranney School (Tilton Falls, N.J.) Shooting guard, 6-4, 180: Led a talented Ranney squad, averaging 21 points and 2.5 steals. Now he’s continuing his strong play for Team Rio (N.J.) in the Under Armour Association.
13. Precious Achiuwa
St. Benedict’s Prep (Newark) Forward, 6-7, 180: Dominated for the Gray Bees, averaging 18.5 points, 10.5 rebounds. Now he’s with New Heights (N.Y.) in the Under Armour Association.
14. Scottie Lewis
Ranney School (Tilton Falls, N.J.) Small forward, 6-5, 185: Athletic, versatile wing capable of guarding all five positions. He averaged 16.4 points, five rebounds and 4.1 assists for Ranney.
15. Onyeka Okongwu
Chino Hills (Calif.)
Forward, 6-7, 220: Led the Huskies to the Division I state title, averaging 28 points and 12 rebounds. Okongwu runs with the Compton Magic (Calif.) on the Adidas Gauntlet. College: Southern California.
16. D.J. Jeffries
Olive Branch (Miss.)
Forward, 6-7, 250: Led Olive Branch to a state title, averaging 21 points. Now he’s dropping 15 points for the Bluff City Legends (Tenn.) in the Nike EYBL. College: Kentucky.
17. Josiah James
Porter Gaud (Charleston, S.C.) Point guard, 6-6, 195: Physical point guard who thrives as a facilitator. James, who runs with TMP (S.C.), turns
18. Wendell Moore Jr.
Cox Mill (Concord, N.C.)
Small forward, 6-6, 205: Do-it-all player who can score on all three levels and guard all five positions. Moore is averaging 17.2 points for Team CP3 (N.C.) in the Nike EYBL.
19. Josh Green
IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) Shooting guard, 6-6, 210: Athletic scorer who can fill it up from anywhere on the floor. He’s averaging 20.3 points for West Coast Elite (Calif.) on the Under Armour Association.
20. Will Baker
Westlake (Austin)
Center, 6-11, 235: Skilled in the paint with the ability to knock down the perimeter jump shot. He’s been a force for Basketball University (Texas) this spring.
21. Keion Brooks
North Side (Fort Wayne, Ind.) Small forward, 6-9, 185: Versatile forward who averaged 23 points and 8.6 rebounds for North Side. He’s nearly matching that production for the Indy Heat.
22. Armando Bacot
Trinity Episcopal (Richmond, Va.) Forward, 6-9, 235: Matchup problem in the paint because of his wide-ranging offensive repertoire. He averaged 25 points and 11 rebounds for the Titans.
23. Trayce Jackson-Davis
Center Grove (Greenwood, Ind.) Forward, 6-9, 220: Significant matchup problem in the paint and has the ability to knock down the perimeter jump shot. He’s playing for the Indy Heat.
24. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Bishop Miege (Roland Park, Kan.) Forward, 6-9, 210: Pumping in 19.5 points per game and an Under Armour Association-leading 11.4 rebounds per game for KC Run GMC (Kan.).
25. Kahlil Whitney
Roselle Catholic (N.J.)
Small forward, 6-6, 180: Torching the competition in the Nike EYBL for Mac Irvin Fire (Ill.), averaging 23.4 points while shooting 49% from three.