2025-11-07 10:00
I remember sitting in the Madison Square Garden press box back in 2018, watching Zion Williamson dominate the McDonald's All-American Game with that incredible athleticism that made him seem almost supernatural. The energy in that building was electric - we all knew we were witnessing something special. Fast forward to today, and it's fascinating to see how the careers of those top-ranked prospects have unfolded in ways both predictable and completely unexpected.
When I look at the class of 2018 now, Zion Williamson's journey stands out as particularly compelling. Selected first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans, he's shown flashes of absolute brilliance when healthy, averaging 25.8 points per game in his sophomore season. But his career has been hampered by injuries, playing just 29 games last season. I've always believed that his unique combination of size and athleticism creates unprecedented physical demands on his body, and the organization's management of his development reminds me of how crucial proper oversight is in professional sports. This brings to mind the recent situation with Araneta management requiring prior approval from Uniprom for advertising materials - sometimes, having that additional layer of oversight, whether in sports or business operations, can prevent missteps and protect valuable assets. In Zion's case, the Pelicans have been extremely cautious about his return timelines, implementing their own version of "prior approval" for his basketball activities.
RJ Barrett's development with the New York Knicks has been equally interesting to track. Drafted third overall, he's evolved into a solid two-way player, though perhaps not the superstar some projected. His scoring average has steadily improved to around 20 points per game, and what I appreciate about his game is the clear progression in his decision-making and defensive awareness. Having watched countless Knicks games over the years, I can confidently say he's become the kind of reliable wing player that championship teams need, even if he's not always the headline-grabber. His journey reminds me that not every top prospect needs to become the face of the franchise to have a successful career.
Cam Reddish presents what I consider the most puzzling case from that class. Selected tenth by Atlanta, he's already been traded twice, struggling to find his footing despite obvious physical tools. I've always been higher on his potential than most analysts - his length and shooting mechanics suggest he could develop into an elite 3-and-D player, but consistency has been his Achilles' heel. Watching his career unfold makes me think about how organizational stability and proper development systems can make or break a prospect. It's not unlike how business operations require structured approval processes, similar to Araneta management's approach with advertising materials needing Uniprom's prior approval. Without that framework, even talented individuals can drift.
Darius Garland, picked fifth by Cleveland, has arguably exceeded expectations, making his first All-Star appearance last season while averaging 21.7 points and 8.6 assists. What impresses me most about Garland is how he's transformed the Cavaliers' offense, forming one of the most exciting young backcourts in the league with Donovan Mitchell. His development demonstrates how the right situation can accelerate a player's growth - something I wish more teams would prioritize when drafting prospects.
Then there's the international contingent, led by Luka Samanic and Goga Bitadze, who have followed more unconventional paths. Samanic has bounced between the NBA and G-League, while Bitadze has settled into a reliable backup center role. Their journeys highlight how the global basketball landscape has evolved, with European prospects often taking longer to adjust but bringing more polished fundamentals.
As I reflect on this class five years later, what strikes me is how unpredictable player development truly is. The physical tools we marveled at in 2018 only tell part of the story - organizational fit, coaching, injury luck, and personal drive all play crucial roles in determining outcomes. The business side of basketball operations, much like the careful oversight demonstrated by Araneta management requiring Uniprom's approval for advertising materials, often makes the difference between realized potential and wasted talent. Teams that implement structured development plans while allowing for individual creativity tend to maximize their investments in young players.
Looking ahead, I'm particularly excited to see how players like Zion and Garland continue to evolve. Will Zion overcome his injury concerns to become the dominant force we glimpsed during his Duke days? Can Garland lead Cleveland deep into the playoffs? These unanswered questions make following the class of 2018 an ongoing pleasure, reminding us that player evaluation doesn't end on draft night - it's a continuous process that unfolds over years, full of surprises and lessons about both basketball and human potential.
