Vernon Carey Jr. (No. 2 recruit)
- Pick: Michigan State
The son of former Miami Dolphins offensive lineman, Vernon Carey, Vernon Carey Jr. is put together like a stretched-out version of his father (Carey Sr: 6-foot-5, 340 lbs) Carey Jr: 6-foot-10, 260 pounds). Carey has been a man amongst boys for most of his career and it likely won’t change once he joins the NCAA next season.
Not just a bruiser, Carey has worked to extend his range deeper away from the basket over time and now has the option of making an impact from just about every spot in a half court offense.
Like Wiseman, Carey has also been heavily recruited by the blue bloods of college basketball over the duration of his high school career. Scan his Instagram page and you’ll see posts of him in Duke, Michigan State, and North Carolina uniforms (all with the “NOT COMMITTED” advisory).
While everyone has been coming strong after him, there’s really one program left under consideration that truly needs a player like Carey in the fold. Tom Izzo and Michigan State have had some success recruiting in the one-and-done era (Miles Bridges, Jaren Jackson Jr.), but no one would confuse his ability to attract the premier talent in high school with Mike Krzyzewski or John Calipari.
Led by an all-Big 10 post presence in returning junior, Nick Ward, Carey could get a good look at what could be in store for him if he were to chose East Lansing. Cassius Winston would likely be back giving Carey a proven veteran at point guard to run the show. Michigan State gives Carey the best shot at just being himself during his one-year stay in college.