Word of God Academy (Raleigh, N.C.) star forward C.J. Leslie is the #10-rated prospect in the HSH Top 50. Previously committed to N.C. State, Leslie recently re-opened his recruiting and has opted to wait until the spring to decide on a college. That alone makes his one of the most intriguing stories in the 2010 senior class, and Leslie also happens to be one of its most exciting players.
Erasto Hatchett is the coach of Word of God Christian Academy (a.k.a. John Wall’s alma mater) in Raleigh, N.C. After coaching at Cannon School in Concord, N.C., the past few years, he was named the head coach of Word of God in August, and has led his team comprised of several D-1 prospects to a 12-4 record through Monday. Hatchett, who played at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, is also the brother-in-law of prized N.C. State basketball commit Ryan Harrow. I sat down with Hatchett following a win last week and asked him about his kids, his visions and his life as the head coach of an aspiring national power. MORE >
If you don’t know about 6-3 freshman phenom Rodney Purvis, then you don’t know prep hoops. Our friends at Hoopmixtape caught up with the kid from Upper Room Christian Academy in Raleigh, N.C. (the same hometown as good friend John Wall) showing out against Wayne Country Day. Check out some of the highlights.
Upper Room Christian Academy (Raleigh, N.C.) point guard Rodney Purvis has decided to switch from the CP3 All-Stars AAU to the Boo Williams Summer League for the upcoming AAU season, because BWSL is allowing him to run the point exclusively.
“At this point, I want to concentrate on being a point guard full-time,” said Purvis, who will run with the 16-and-under team. “I just think it’s important for me to continue to develop.”
That might sound a bit extreme since Purvis is just a 15-year-old freshman, but when you’re good enough to be dubbed “the next John Wall” things have a way of taking off fast. MORE >
Word of God Academy (Raleigh, N.C.) star forward C.J. Leslie is the #10-rated prospect in the HSH Top 50. Previously committed to N.C. State, Leslie recently re-opened his recruiting and has opted to wait until the spring to decide on a college. That alone makes his one of the most intriguing stories in the 2010 senior class, and Leslie also happens to be one of its most exciting players.
With the 37th Annual City Of Palms Tournament starting December 18th, our good friends at Hoopmixtape decided to unearth some clips of the player that everybody is talking about: John Wall. Last year, Wall put on a clinic with some ridiculous in-game moves and dunk contest dunks. Check it out below.
Signed with North Carolina. Barnes combines a flawless and versatile offensive repertoire with an intensity on both ends that separates him from his peers.
You’d be hard pressed to find someone faster in the 2010 class and beyond. Knight seems to make the right plays every time and has an array of breakdown moves that create easy scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Signed with Ohio State. Sullinger is a master at using his big frame to absorb contact and finish in traffic. He’s active, has great hands and a wide array of low post moves.
Somewhat committed to Florida. Rivers’ quickness makes defenders want to back up, but his shooting ability makes them have to guard him close. Add in wicked passing skills and Rivers is the complete package.
Signed with Duke. Quick, fast and skilled, Irving is a big time scoring point guard who also makes his teammates better with his exceptional court vision.
Big-time scorer who doubles as an underrated passer, Wroten fills up the stat sheet and plays with a confidence that translates into success. However, he could miss his entire junior season after injuring his knee playing football.
Combines a quick first step with some of the best handles on the list to dominate opponents. Teague is a gifted scorer in a variety of different ways and involves teammates to balance his repertoire.
Versatile enough to breakdown defenders on the wing and athletic enough to put them on a poster, Leslie may very well have the best high-wire act on the list.
Signed with Texas. Thompson defines the new age big forward, slim and versatile player who reaps the benefits of running the floor. Thompson is constantly active, which allows him to excel on the offensive and defensive glass.
