Fansided

Incoming college basketball recruits who could be 2020 NBA Draft lottery picks

By Evan Kurland

MARIETTA, GA - MARCH 25: James Wiseman attends the 2019 Powerade Jam Fest on March 25, 2019 in Marietta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images for Powerade)
MARIETTA, GA - MARCH 25: James Wiseman attends the 2019 Powerade Jam Fest on March 25, 2019 in Marietta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images for Powerade) /
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SPRINGFIELD, MA – JANUARY 15: University School Sharks forward Vernon Carey, Jr. (22) during the first half of the Spalding Hoophall Classic high school basketball game between the Oak Hill Academy Warriors and the University School Sharks on January 15, 2018, at the Blake Arena in Springfield, MA .(Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SPRINGFIELD, MA – JANUARY 15: University School Sharks forward Vernon Carey, Jr. (22) during the first half of the Spalding Hoophall Classic high school basketball game between the Oak Hill Academy Warriors and the University School Sharks on January 15, 2018, at the Blake Arena in Springfield, MA .(Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

9. Vernon Carey, Duke

Current Strengths: Carey enters college with a man’s body at 6’10” and 275 pounds. Just an extremely strong prospect that will never be out-muscled. Son of a former NFL offensive lineman and the genealogy checks out. Carey is extremely skilled for someone his size and possesses a soft and nimble feel to the game. Carey plays hard and will always be running in transition, he is a without a doubt a team player. Carey is a rare modern player who has multiple post moves and can create his own hook and spin shots from the post, he has great body control and knows how to use his backside to seal off opposing defenders. Carey has legitimate range out to the college three but has not always been consistent, however, he is always working to improve his game as he loves basketball. Defensively, Carey will be a rim-protector and plus-rebounder if the system he plays in calls for him to be near the basket instead of the perimeter.

Room for growth: Carey has the size but his wingspan is slightly below the ideal NBA standards (wingspan measured at 7’0″.) Carey will need to show advanced shot anticipation and feel around the rim on defense since wingspan matters so much to NBA teams. Overall, Carey doesn’t have major weaknesses. His commitment to staying at an ideal playing shape/level of conditioning will always be monitored since it has changed over his high-school years. Remember, his father was an NFL lineman so Carey likely has the ability to add more weight if he does not adhere to a specific dietary/workout regiment.