When listing the top point guards in the 2011 class, it’s hard not to mention Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) star Quinn Cook near the top.
All Cook has done is remain consistent throughout the summer while running DC Assault, win gold with USA Basketball’s under-17 team, and cap off the AAU season with an MVP performance at adidas Nations.
“It’s been fun,” said Cook. “There were things that I felt I could’ve done better, but all in all I was OK with how I did this summer.” MORE >
While everyone had football on the brain for yesterday’s Super Bowl Sunday, the day also featured one of NYC’s most touted high school hoops rivalries between Christ the King (Queens, N.Y.) and Rice (Harlem, N.Y.). In front of a packed house on the Middle Village campus, I made the trek from the 4 to the J to the M for what could have been the greatest high school basketball spectacle ever. MORE >
Although just a junior, Winter Park (Fla.) point guard Austin Rivers is the 5th-rated prospect in the HSH Top 50. He’s been verbally committed to Florida for over a year, but this fall, Rivers decided to open things up and let Duke recruit him as well, making his one of the most captivating recruiting stories in the country.
The younger son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers and younger brother of Indiana University PG Jeremiah Rivers, Austin has agreed to give HSH exclusive access by chronicling his thoughts in this regular diary where he’ll keep everyone updated on everything from his personal life to his high school season to his thoughts on Duke and Florida. MORE >
SEATTLE — Watching Terrence Jones play in-person for the first time, I struggled to find an NBA player to compare him to. A versatile 6-9 lefty who seems to do everything with an effortless grace, Jones is a mix of Joe Johnson and a prime Tracy McGrady, but in a stark contrast, has an outward demeanor and coach-on-the-floor intensity reminiscent of Kobe Bryant.
Showing his entire skill set and basketball IQ while dominating one of the better teams on the West Coast, Jones was the shining star at Monday’s annual King Holiday Hoopfest at the University of Washington’s Bank of America Arena. MORE >
When people talk about the NBA’s preps-to-pros success stories, they usually lead with Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady, LeBron James and Dwight Howard. Despite being one of the first to make the leap successfully — reaching six NBA All-Star Games in his career — O’Neal is often overlooked. The year after KG set the trend in motion, Jermaine and Kobe were picked in the first round of the ‘96 Draft. MORE >
After a year of anticipation, Prodigies has arrived. Detailing the careers of high school prodigies Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, this is more than an NBA mix; it’s the evolution of three men from young phenoms to superstars.
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.
