5 high school players who can make Mark Byington's Vanderbilt basketball roster in 2024

Mark Byington is the new head coach for the Vanderbilt Commodores men’s basketball team having to start from scratch in 2024-25. The team consists of JQ Roberts, who is the only player left from last season, and 12 new players — two freshmen and 10 transfers.

5 high school players who can make Vanderbilt's basketball roster in 2024

No. 5: Karris Bilal

Karris Bilal is a three-star guard coming from Atlanta, Georgia, per On3. He is ranked 20th among point guards and 26th by 247 Sports. In Bilal's high school career at Riverwood High School, he has won numerous awards. In his junior year, Bilal led his team to the Georgia 6A Sweet 16 by averaging 22.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game

His list of honors includes 6A Freshman of the Year, First Team All-State, and two-time 6A Best Scorer. Bilal's decision to join Vanderbilt was influenced by the university's academic prestige and the vision of former coach Jerry Stackhouse.

No. 4: Jamie Vinson

At 6 feet, 11 inches tall and 220 pounds, Jamie Vinson hails from Oak Hill Academy in Austin, Texas, where he played as a three-star power forward. His commitment to Vanderbilt University has been seen as both surprising and essential for offense and defense because of his attributes.

Vinson, part of Vanderbilt's 2024 recruiting class, is anticipated to develop into a vital player under Byington's coaching.

No. 3: Jaylen Carey

Jaylen Carey, a 6-foot-8 forward, transfers to Vanderbilt after a solid freshman season at James Madison. During his time there, Carey averaged 7.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in 15 minutes per game. His size and versatility will be crucial for the Commodores, particularly given the team's heavy guard composition.

Carey's addition offers Byington a reliable forward option who can contribute both offensively and defensively.

No. 2: MJ Collins

MJ Collins is 6-foot-4 and weighs 195 pounds. During the 2023-24 season, the 10th-grade guard started 28 out of 34 games. He scored 8.4 points per game, with 3.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists. His highest score was 20 points against Louisville.

His shooting percentages — 36.7% from the field, 31.3% from three-point range, and 83.3% from the free-throw line — highlight his scoring ability. Collins' defensive skills and playmaking will be vital as the Commodores look to build a competitive team.

No. 1: Tyler Tanner

Hailing from Brentwood Academy, Tyler Tanner is a highly touted three-star recruit, ranked 133rd in the Class of 2024 by Prep Hoops and the No. 1 recruit in Tennessee.

The 6-foot point guard demonstrated his prowess, averaging 22.1 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. Tanner's stellar performance earned him the Gatorade Player of the Year award for boys basketball in 2023. He performed well academically, too, maintaining an A average.