Updated Ranking of the Top 10 College Basketball Recruits in Class of 2019

The interesting thing about the Class of 2019 is that making a top ten list of prospects is more difficult this year than last year.

While the Class of 2018 is looking like a weaker crop of top players without 5-star power, the Class of 2019 already had a lot of prospects playing up one or two grade levels and putting on big performances. 

It's still early for a group that just finished freshman year of high school, but there is a lot to be excited about with the early depth that has been shown near the top. With good big men, exciting guards and talented forwards, the Class of 2019 has intriguing pieces to follow for the next few years.

Here's a look at 10 prospects to keep track of over the next few years. This won't be how this early list ends, but these players should be in good position to track as major difference makers in college if they keep on this path.

Recruiting ratings via 247Sports.

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and information were obtained firsthand.

10. Chol Marial, Center

Measurables: 7'1"; 210 pounds

High School and hometown: Cheshire Academy; Jacksonville, Florida

Why he's special: You don't get many young centers who are over 7' tall and can move like Marial. A major shot-blocking presence who is also improving as a rebounder and offensive player, Marial has the kind of athletic gifts rarely seen in a player his size.

Room for improvement: Adding strength will be a major concern for Marial going forward. With a slender build and skinny legs, it's going to be difficult for him to add a ton of strength, but he'll have to try to play in the post against heavier players. Also, figuring out the offensive end and how to be most effective are big keys for Marial.

9. Balsa Koprivica, Center

Measurables: 7'0"; 230 pounds

High School and hometown: University School; Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Why he's special: With great natural size and athleticism, Koprivica can already make high-level plays for a young center and has a good frame to add on more strength. A capable rebounder, who can also defend near the rim, Koprivica is improving his game on the offensive end and has good touch around the basket.

Room for improvement: Koprivica will continue to work on conditioning and adding strength, but he's done a great job of addressing those areas in recent months. Foul trouble can also be an issue for Koprivica and if he learns to wall up effectively, it could be big for him defensively.

8. D.J. Jeffries, Power Forward

Measurables: 6'7"; 185 pounds

High School and hometown: Olive Branch High School; Olive Branch, Mississippi 

Why he's special: Already featuring offers from Kentucky and Kansas coming off of July, Jeffries is a tremendously talented rebounder who is also developing as an all-around offensive threat. An immense talent with a lot of upside, Jeffries is the type of player who could be a double-double machine at the next level.

Room for improvement: Still not a playmaker defensively, Jeffries needs to be more involved on that end. Adding strength would allow Jeffries to finish through contact once he gets to the basket. Perimeter shooting is also a work in progress for Jeffries. 

7. Trendon Watford, Forward

Measurables: 6'7"; 195 pounds

High School and hometown: Mountain Brook High School ; Birmingham, Alabama

Why he's special: Already playing two grade levels up in the 17U level this summer, Watford had some good games while making plays all over the floor. The younger brother of former Indiana forward Christian Watford, Trendon is productive as both a scorer and rebounder.

Room for improvement: Playing up also meant some challenges for Watford such as sustaining his production every game and dealing with increased physicality. Watford adjusted nicely over time, but it's still going to take some added strength and reps to play that well at that level.

6. Matthew Hurt, Power Forward

Measurables: 6'9"; 195 pounds

High School and hometown: John Marshall Senior; Rochester, Minnesota

Why he's special: A big-time scorer who can knock down three-pointers, hit pull-ups or score near the basket, Hurt can get it done even playing two grade levels up at the 17U level this summer. Also a solid rebounder who can defend around the basket a bit, Hurt is a good athlete who is quick off the floor and moves well.

Room for improvement: At around 200 pounds, Hurt needs to definitely add strength to his frame, but he has such a high skill level that it's hard to complain about much else. Adding strength would allow Hurt to play more in the post, where he showed decent toughness making plays around the basket.

5. Onyeka Okongwu, Center

Measurables: 6'9"; 210 pounds

High School and hometown: Chino Hills High School; Chino Hills, California

Why he's special: As the starting center for national powerhouse Chino Hills this past year, Okongwu showed a ton of potential as a rebounder and defender and those trends continued this summer with his play in front of coaches. Still developing on the offensive end, Okongwu can change games with his play around the basket.

Room for improvement: Okongwu needs to improve his offensive skills in order to score on anything away from the rim. Hitting the weight room will also be important if Okongwu wants to play against top centers at the next levels who are heavier.

4. Vernon Carey Jr., Power Forward

Measurables: 6'9"; 236 pounds

High School and hometown: University School; Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Why he's special: With size and skill, Vernon Carey Jr.—the son of former NFL lineman Vernon Carey—has a lot of intriguing elements to his game. He can step out and hit jumpers, finish around the rim and put the ball on the floor a little bit. Rebounding at his size is also a strength.

Room for improvement: Since Carey is so talented, there are times that his shot selection is questionable and he also floats away from the hoop. Carey can also get lost in the shuffle offensively and not run the floor as hard the next few possessions.

3. Scottie Lewis, Shooting Guard

Measurables: 6'5"; 165 pounds

High School and hometown: Ranney School; Eatontown, New Jersey

Why he's special: A freak athlete with an ever-improving skill level, Lewis can make above-the-rim plays that others can't while also handling and scoring in a variety of ways. Since he's a great vertical leaper, Lewis can snag rebounds at a high level and showed ability as a passer as well. Defending is also a plus for Lewis since he is such a good athlete.

Room for improvement: This spring, Lewis couldn't do much from three-point range, but he looked much better during the summer and his jumper is workable. Limiting turnovers and adding more assists will also be important for Lewis. Finally, strength to finish at the rim wouldn't hurt either.

2. Charles Bassey, Center

Measurables: 6'10"; 220 pounds

High School and hometown: St. Anthony Catholic; San Antonio, Texas

Why he's special: Gifted with incredible hands and a great feel for the game, Bassey is a good passer who can make outlets or pocket passes. Also with good touch at the basket and an ability to rebound around his area, Bassey is the type of big man who can control a game with his overall play.

Room for improvement: Bassey still has to grasp where he is best used on the offensive end, but he's quickly figuring things out. Conditioning and being able to get up and down the floor are also important for Bassey's future.

1. R.J. Barrett, Small Forward

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

Measurables: 6'6", 180 pounds

High School and hometown: Montverde Academy; Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Why he's special: The Canadian wing is special as he's demonstrated a high-level ability to score, rebound and defend for the next level. With gifted athleticism, a solid jumper and an ability to get his own shot, Barrett averaged 18.4 points per game at the FIBA U17 World Championships.

Room for improvement: Barrett is solid, but not great, from three-point range as he can run hot or cold. Free throws were also something Barrett struggled with during the summer. If Barrett limits games where he commits wild turnovers, then he'll be tough to stop.