Words. Austin Burton
All over the country, high school basketball players are headed back to the classroom (or will be soon) following another summer of AAU tournaments, elite skills camps, and national showcase games. The crew at YAY AREA’S FINEST put together a comprehensive highlight of this year’s best rising seniors and the work they put in on the summer circuit.
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Words. High School Hoop
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 >
Words. Jason Jordan
When news broke Thursday that North Carolina forwards David Wear and Travis Wear were indeed transferring, message boards across the country ran rampant with speculation and rumors. Everyone wanted to know how Roy Williams and the Tar Heels could cope with just two true post players on the roster next season. Who would they try and snag at the last minute from the 2010 class? Would they scour the JUCO ranks?
One thing is certain: Rumors that Norfolk Christian (Va.) junior James McAdoo — a 6-9 power forward committed to UNC for the 2011 class — would be foregoing his senior year to enroll in Chapel Hill a year early are just that; rumors. MORE >
Words. Jason Jordan
Twelve of the 50 players in the HSH national ranking took home the coveted Gatorade Player of the Year honor in their respective states. Here’s a look:
* FLORIDA — Brandon Knight, PG, Pine Crest H.S. (Ft. Lauderdale)
* GEORGIA — Ryan Harrow, PG, Walton (Marietta)
* IOWA — Harrison Barnes, SF, Ames MORE >
Words. Jason Jordan
If it were up to Pike H.S. (Indianapolis) point guard Marquis Teague, he would’ve picked Louisville a year ago. But his dad, Shawn, wanted the junior point guard to hold off and see what other schools had to offer.
“It was the right decision to wait, I believe,” said Teague, who is ranked 9th in the HSH National Top 50. “Now I’ve looked at everything and I’m about ready to decide.”
Teague said that his list includes Cincinnati, Kentucky, Louisville, Indiana and Purdue. MORE >
Words. Jason Jordan
After helping Team USA claim the gold medal in the FIBA Americas U16 Championship this past summer, Norfolk Christian High (Va.) forward James McAdoo was named the 2009 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.
McAdoo, 16, is the youngest player ever to win the award.
“When they told me that I won the award I was kinda shocked,” McAdoo said. “It’s a great honor. I got a nice plaque with the team’s picture on it and a really nice crystal ball. It’s real nice! This is probably the biggest award I’ve received so far.” MORE >
