Memphis Basketball: Breaking down the 2019 recruiting class

James Wiseman – Memphis, TN

C | 7-foot-0 | 210 lbs | No. 1 overall

James Wiseman is the top-rated player in the entire 2019 recruiting class and is the crowning jewel of this group. At this moment, he seems like a lock to be a “one-and-done” but that one year has a chance to be special. He is a tremendous talent and the expectation should be that he takes on a starring role during his only season at Memphis. A true 7-footer with a versatile game and plenty of size, Wiseman will be an impact player right away for the team. That, though, shouldn’t come as a surprise given his national ranking as a player.

Even though he does not stretch the floor exceptionally well as a jump-shooter (can knock down some perimeter jumpers), Wiseman is a dynamic offensive threat. He is excellent in the post with a variety of moves, finishes above the rim, and is a terror as a result of his ability to run the floor for a big man. On the defensive end of the floor, he should be very solid even if he never develops into an elite rim-protector. His positioning is excellent and he uses his frame well to make stops without fouling.

Wiseman understands his abilities quite well when on the court and does not force the issue all that much. He is smart with regards to when he should attack on both ends of the floor and this will make him a very valuable piece. Wiseman could be the best player on the Memphis roster next season due to his ability to impact the game in so many ways. He should also emerge as a monster in the post.

This is clearly an insanely talented recruiting class for the Memphis Tigers. Coach Hardaway has the program trending in the right direction and it will be interesting to see how all of these talents mesh together during this coming season. Memphis has top-10 talent but not a lot of experience.