Busting Brackets
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Xavier Basketball: Analyzing the 2019 recruiting class for the Musketeers

By Lukas Harkins

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 09: Xavier Musketeers fans are seen during a game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Cintas Center on December 9, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Xavier won 96-69. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 09: Xavier Musketeers fans are seen during a game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Cintas Center on December 9, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Xavier won 96-69. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – FEBRUARY 17: Xavier Musketeers fans react. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – FEBRUARY 17: Xavier Musketeers fans react. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Dieonte Miles – Walton, KY

C | 6-foot-11 | 208 lbs | No. 184 overall

Arguably the most intriguing piece in this recruiting class, Dieonte Miles comes in with a college-ready body and plenty of athleticism. He runs the floor quite well for his size, boasts a lengthy wingspan, and seems to fit the mold of a modern big man with his rim-protecting potential. There is still plenty of room for him to grow as a player but it is impossible to overlook his physical and athletic gifts. His ceiling is extremely high and he could develop into a nightmare for opponents to gameplan around in the future.

For the time being, Miles is mostly a defensive-oriented player. With his size, athleticism, and instincts, he already shows signs of being a great shot-blocker and switchable big. Additionally, his high motor is evident when watching him play. Miles plays with a ton of energy and this allows him to be successful in a variety of ways. On the offensive end of the floor, Miles needs to refine his skill a bit more but has the ability to stretch the floor out to 3-point range on occasion. He has solid mechanics for a lefty big man and should continue to improve.

Miles might be the lowest-rated player in this recruiting class, but he still boasts a high ceiling. With the right development, he could emerge as one of the best “value commitments” as relative to his recruiting ranking. Watch out for him to be a major contributor given the time to improve and refine his game. His abilities with regards to running the floor, blocking shots, and hitting perimeter jumpers will make him terrifying down the road.