Andre Drummond rose to #10 on the new HSH national Top 50 on the strength of his 2010 summer. The 6-10 center from St. Thomas Moore (Oakdale, Conn.) was everywhere, from Germany with the U-17 USA national team to Florida at the AAU nationals.
In a recent issue of Sports Illustrated, Drummond’s game was compared to a cross between Dwight Howard and Kevin Garnett. Here is some of the rising junior’s best work from this summer, where he played with the Connecticut Basketball Club:
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 >
Featuring 14 of the nation’s top high school juniors and six of the premiere sophomores, USA Basketball just announced that the 2009-10 USA Men’s Developmental National Team will reassemble for a fall mini-camp on Oct. 9-11 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. MORE >
Other than perhaps winning an NBA title, there is nothing better than USA Basketball. Representing your country in international competition, playing against the top players from around the world, having the chance to win a gold medal - all of these things are at stake each and every game. Yesterday, USA Basketball announced the 21 top young prep talents that have been named to the 2009-10 USA Basketball Men’s Developmental National Team. 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.
