A-10 Basketball: 6 talented prospects from 2019 recruiting class

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HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 02: Fans in the Virginia Commonwealth Rams student section cheer before the National Semifinal game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship against the Butler Bulldogs at Reliant Stadium on April 2, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Tre Mitchell (UMass)

As UMass’ most highly-rated recruit since Dejon Jarreau (now a star at Houston), Tre Mitchell should be one of UMass’ most important players from the very beginning of his tenure. Ranked 82nd nationally on 247Sports, Mitchell is a versatile, passing big who can play with his back to the basket or step outside for a three if it’s open.

With Rashaan Holloway out of the picture and Khalea Turner-Morris likely out until midseason, Mitchell is someone that Coach McCall can rely on to step in and immediately take some attention off of scoring guards like Carl Pierre, Samba Diallo, and Keon Clergeot. I’m not necessarily expecting Mitchell to become this season’s version of Obi Toppin and take UMass to the top, but I do believe that he has the talent to capitalize on the opportunity in front of him and to be one of the most productive young bigs in the conference. Don’t be surprised if he winds up averaging near double-digits in points per game and around half that number in rebounds and assists.

Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland (VCU)

VCU fans should be ecstatic about this upcoming season. The Rams were already expected to win the conference heading into the offseason, and that was before the conference’s highest-rated freshman announced his intention to hop on board.

Ranked 62nd on 247Sports, Hyland is an aggressive and lanky combo-guard who will immediately be an integral part of HC Mike Rhoades’ game plan, even if that means coming off of the bench in relief for Marcus Evans or De’Riante Jenkins. Evans’ ability to stay healthy has been a major point of concern regarding VCU’s ability to make a run in the NCAA Tournament, but even if he should find himself sidelined (here’s to hoping he doesn’t), Hyland’s elite talent should enable him to adequately take over as the team’s quarterback.

The bottom line is that whether it happens sooner or later, I feel confident in saying that A10 fans will be very aware of Hyland by the time this season is through. I’d be shocked if he isn’t on the all-conference rookie team at season’s end, and he could even wind up one of the regular all-conference teams as well. He’s that good.

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