The most distinct difference in the HSH/2K Sports national Top 50 player ranking and everyone else’s is that we disregard class. To us, a baller is a baller; doesn’t matter how old you are or when you’re slated to graduate.
Our rankings also aren’t based on what type of prospect you’ll be in the future, what college you pick or don’t pick, or what city you’re from. For this updated version of the Top 50 — the first we’ve done since the Class of 2010 seniors graduated — all that matters is what you did on this summer’s AAU circuit and what you did last season. We had eyes and ears at pretty much every major event, and saw every player on this list multiple times. MORE >
Kyrie Irving is making moves on our rankings (Photo from the NBPA Top 100 Camp)
Now that we’re a solid four months into the AAU season, it’s time for the report card – HighSchoolHoop’s new Top 50. Some have joined us and some have gotten the boot, some have climbed to the top and some have slipped into mediocrity. Still, as you well know by now, our rankings disregard class, which means even being on the list makes you a certified baller. MORE >
Check out this highlight mix of Harrison Barnes ripping up Linn-Mar in the Iowa State Championship game this past spring to cap off a perfect 26-0 season for Ames High School.
If it’s true what Harrison Barnes says – that contrary to popular speculation he’s not favoring Duke – he’s surely not doing much to quiet the rumors.
After leaving the NBA Top 100 Camp in Charlottesville, Va., Sunday, Barnes, a 6-6 swingman from Ames, Iowa, made the trek down to Chapel Hill, N.C. to visit North Carolina. At the NBA Camp, Barnes, the top-rated prospect in the HighSchoolHoop top 50, told InsideCarolina.com that he planned to participate in the first two days of the Tar Heels camp and “go back to Ames.”
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Super recruit who backed out of his N.C. State commitment now has his eye on UNC, Florida and Kentucky.
You’d be hard pressed to find another player with the freakish hops and never-ending motor of Word of God Academy (N.C.) forward C.J. Leslie. Whether it’s pinning an opposing player’s shot to the backboard or throwing down a tomahawk jam in heavy traffic, Leslie, rated the No. 12 prospect on the HighSchoolHoop Top 50, never wants for “oohs” from the crowd. But as much as Leslie loves the attention he gets for his amazing athletic abilities, he cringes at the notion that people only remember his high-wire act.
“I hate that,” says Leslie. “There is so much more to my game that just stuff.”
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What do Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony and Tony Parker have in common? Other than all being NBA superstars, these three – along with almost 60 others – have played in the legendary World Basketball Tournament in Douai, France.
Now in its 23rd year, the World Basketball Tournament features the best under-19 talent in the world with the top national teams from Australia, Canada, France, Lithuania, Puerto Rico and the United States (represented by the 2K Sports Preseason All-American Team). With five days of competition, the tournament will prepare each squad for the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship later this summer. MORE >
Rivers' quickness makes defenders want to back up, but his shooting ability makes them have to guard him close. No player in the country hunts and finds his shot as aggressively as Rivers, who tallied more 40-point games than anybody in the country this summer. The scary part is that he's getting better and better every day.
Miller dominates all facets offensively, but his best attribute may be his ability to keep the defense off balance with his shooting ability from deep. Miller averaged 32 points during the 2010 AAU season.
Committed to Kentucky. Combines a quick first step with some of the best handles on this list to dominate opponents. Teague is a gifted scorer in a variety of different ways and involves teammates to balance his repertoire.
Committed to Texas. Kabongo may be the best leader in the senior class, and his ability to create for his teammates is exceptional. He's ultra quick and breaks down the defense with ease to finish in the lane or knock down the jump shot.
Committed to North Carolina. Solid with his back to the basket, but better at finishing plays. He's skilled enough to knock down the short jumper and has an overactive motor.
Muhammad is smooth but effective, evidenced by his 31-point average during the AAU season. His jump shot is accurate and he uses his big, strong body to absorb contact and finish in the paint.
Committed to Kentucky. Lean and quick, Davis uses his athleticism and skill to dominate in the paint. He's versatile enough to consistently knock down jump shots and has a solid handle. Davis gave opposing big men fits all summer.
The youngster ranked this high? Yes indeed! Purvis is the perfect combination of athleticism and skill and has a gear that most only dream about. His jumper has improved, and he's a lockdown defender that gets to the cup whenever he wants against whoever he wants.
Committed to Ohio State. Don't let the height fool you, Ross is quicker than most perimeter defenders and long enough to finish in the lane for high-percentage shots, yet has the ability to consistently hit outside shots. He's added a fadeaway that's almost as automatic as a layup.
