Charles Bassey, a 5-star center and Top 10 player in the 2019 class, has reclassified and committed to Western Kentucky. That means he’ll be playing in the upcoming season. Have a day, Hilltoppers!
We've got a new member in the WKU family. Hilltopper Nation, please help us welcome five-star center Charles Bassey, who will reclassify and join the Tops in the 2018 class! #GoTopshttps://t.co/ww90KMHDU9 pic.twitter.com/WgfqWpACEB
— WKU Basketball (@WKUBasketball) June 13, 2018
Strictly by the numbers, this is a HUGE get for Hilltoppers’ head coach Rick Stansbury. This marks back-to-back classes in which he has nabbed a 5-star recruit (the last being Mitchell Robinson, who left school before ever playing). Charles is a 6’10” 220 lbs center who can absolutely dominate down low. He was the #2 ranked player in the 2018 class. After reclassifying, he’s ranked #6. But even outside the numbers, this is a HUGE get for a team that is on the upswing. This commitment by Bassey will only add fuel on a fire that was already starting to grow.
The Stansbury Effect
In the previous 3 seasons before Rick Stansbury took over, the Hilltoppers did not make a postseason appearance. They were ranked 179th, 141st, & 169th in the KenPom rankings. In their first year under Stansbury they were ranked 232nd. However, last year Stansbury started to turn things around. They rose all the way to 47th in the rankings, including a semifinals appearance in the NIT. Now, with the Bassey signing, the Hilltoppers ascent into relevance will continue to accelerate.
Jason’s Take
Wow. Just wow. NOBODY saw this coming. This is such a coup for Western Kentucky and Rick Stansbury. With Bassey’s dominant skill set down low, he will start immediately for the Hilltoppers. He will be able to fill the void left in the frontcourt by seniors Dwight Coleby & Justin Johnson from last year’s team. Bassey will be a defensive presence when guarding the paint. His ability on the glass will be a boon for a team that finished 168th team in the country in rebounding. While his scoring ability down low is well documented, he also has a soft touch, and has the ability to step out and knock down a jumper from the outside.
The bottom line is that Western Kentucky and head coach Rick Stansbury are ecstatic. Charles Bassey will be a superstar for the Hilltoppers, and they could end up being the favorite for Conference USA. Things are looking up for the fans of the red and black in Bowling Green, KY. And with the commitment of 5-star C Charles Bassey, their smiles just got that much bigger.
