It is still very early for the 2019 class in the state of Arizona, but players like 6-foot-4 rising freshman wing Josh Green is making me a quick believer in his future potential as a college prospect. Josh Green, the younger brother of Mountain Ridge rising senior Jay Green, is the top-rated prospect in Arizona's 2019 class and he proved it this weekend in this year's Summer Sizzle, as he led his I-10 Celtics to tournament championships in the 15U and 16U Divisions.
Green is a hire-energy and active wing prospect with nice bounce off the floor, and a knack for the basketball. He always seems to be around the basketball and puts up points in a hurry. He is a sure-fire young talent that looks to be another young high-major prospect for the future. Green's motor is what makes him so attractive, and he has a bright future ahead of himself. Green was the top performer for the 15U team, and was among the top performers on the 16U team this weekend.
The 16U team was led by the 16U Tournament MVP Brandon Williams. Williams is a 6-foot-1 rising sophomore guard (2018 prospect) from California that put on a scoring exhibition in the event this weekend. A top-rated guard prospect for the future that can put up numerous points in a hurry, and also while under serious defensive intensity. Williams is a future elite-high major guard prospect.
The 16U team also received strong play 6-foot-4 rising sophomore guard Austin Caluppo. Caluppo, a native of California as well, is a very talented but enigmatic shooter of the basketball with unlimited range on his shot and high-energy on the floor. He has never seen a shot that he doesn't like, but when he is on, watch out. Caluppo also has very deceiving bounce off the floor, and is able to throw down some serious dunks in transition. He has the potential to become a very serious prospect over the next 2-3 years.
This is I-10 Celtics group of prospects are very good and filled with some of the best young talent in the state and in the West. A very good group to watch develop over the next 2-3 years.
Recruiting Notes: Incoming freshman forward, 6-foot-5 wing Majok Deng is a tremendous young talent that led his team to a runner-up finish in the 15U Division of the tournament. Deng proved why he is considered among the elite overall prospects in the 2019 class in this weekend's event - showing strong, athletic play with a serious motor on both ends of the floor. Majok is tough and gritty as a defender and creates havoc for his opponents. He should become a lock-down defender over time, and has the attitude it takes to become a top-rated college prospect over time.
Majok looks to be headed to Salpointe Catholic High School next fall. Where he lands next fall, I will be keeping a close eye on this young man's future.
