Arguably the nation’s best defensive player, Rakeem Christmas, is ready to begin the basketball season at the Academy of the New Church. And as one of the top prospects in the country, you know more than a few coaches will be watching. Right before his first game last week, Christmas cut his list of schools from eight to five: Florida International University, University of Florida, Georgetown University, University of Oklahoma and University of Texas. MORE >
Yesterday afternoon I went up to The Sports Club/LA to watch the kids from the Boost Mobile Elite 24 train and practice before tonight’s game. With 24 of the best high school players in the country, competition sets in when you’re playing in front of the media. MORE >
Trust me. We understand your frustration with the lack of hoop being played since NBA Summer League ended, but this weekend in NYC features two of the best events of the year: Boost Mobile Elite 24 and Nike Tournament of Champions. And it all starts this Friday up at Rucker Park. MORE >
The Class of 2011’s Rakeem Christmas has had a long summer of outstanding performances at some of the most coveted basketball events. With the AAU basketball season drawing to a close, one of the nation’s best defensive players has garnered attention participating in the NBA Players Top 100 Camp, as well as the Amar’e Stoudemire and LeBron James Skill Academies. Before wrapping up his summer events next week at the Boost Mobile Elite 24 game at Rucker Park, the rising junior and his family decided on the schools he plans on looking closely at for options of attendance in 2011. MORE >
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.
