Cliff Alexander; Credit – Student Sports
By Tramaine Hicks,
Before players are able to make their mark on the college stage and NBA stage the players had to start their journey in high school. Players had to demonstrate that they could not only be the best but also be the best in their respective classes. This list provides the best H.S talent in the country. These players have proven and demonstrated why they are the future of college basketball and the NBA.
Stanley Johnson; Credit – Adidas
Stanley Johnson SF Mater Dei H.S. – One of the best H.S Prospects in the country. Committed to the University of Arizona. Johnson is versatile player with length and size. With his 6’6 frame he is able to use his length to go by defenders and shoot over them. He is a decent passer and is not afraid to take the big shots. He recently led his Monarchs over Neumann- Goretti in the Spalding Hoop classic at Springfield College. Johnson is averaging 19.4 points a game.
Jahlil Okafor; Credit – Kelly Kline (Getty Images)
Jahill Okafor C. - Whitney Young High Sr. – Ranked as the #1 high school player in the country. The player is a man among boys. Standing at 6’10 Okafor’ uses his size to alter shots and gets to the rim with no problem. He has good hands and footwork. Okafor will show his growth and maturity at Duke next year. He is averaging 24pts and 14rbs a game.
Karl Towns C St. Joseph H.S. – Like Okafor Towns has the size to play in the NBA. At 6’11 Karl Towns is a force in the middle. He first displayed his talents playing with the Dominican Republic team showcasing his versatility. He is able to knock down NBA 3 pointers and get to the rim. Being one of the youngest players at the Olympic qualifier. He is headed to the University of Kentucky.
Cliff Alexander PF. Curie H.S- Another player with tremendous size and strength. At 6’9 many are comparing Alexander to Dwight Howard. His ability to go after loose balls and block shots makes him a beast in the middle. He is very athletic and a good low post scorer. He will attend the University of Kansas next year.
Emmanuel Mudiay; Credit – AP
Emmanuel Mudiay PG. Prime Prep Academy- One of the best Pg’s in his class Emmanuel is the next evolution of point guards. At 6’4 he has the length to see over small guards and the quickness to get pass bigger ones. A good passer and a scorer at will. His athleticism makes him nearly impossible to guard. He is one of a few players that are one and done in his class. He is taking his talents to SMU where the tutelage of Larry Brown will make him a good and complete guard and a future draft pick.
Ivan Rabb PF, Bishop O’Dowd H.S- Out of the Class of 2015, Rabb is one of the best big men in his class. At 6’9 Rabb runs the floor very well and is a good finisher in transition. When in the post he slam-dunks everything. Is a terrific rebounder and shot blocker? Still very young Rabb has a lot of upside. He has not chosen a school but whichever school he chooses will get a good and quality big man.
Kevon Looney PF, Milwaukee Hamilton H.S- Kevon Looney is a rare breed of players. He has size and length to play inside and out. He is compared to Kevin Durant. Looney is a good defender getting in passing lanes and blocking shots. He is a good spot up shooter and passer. Looney is not afraid to do the dirty work and is an unselfish player. He will be headed to UCLA where the Bruins are getting a competitor and versatile player.
Ben Simmons PF, Montverde Academy- One of are non-U. S players. Simmons has a good frame for his age. At 6’9 he is smooth and a good athlete. Simmons can jump out of the gym and can run the floor like a guard. He can use both hands especially around the rim. He has committed to LSU even though he is only a junior.
Malik Newman SG, Callaway H.S- The best player in the class of 2015. He is very athletic and the best scorer in his class. Newman is a great shooter and terrific ball-handler. He is not afraid to initiate contact and get into the heart of the defense. Does a very good job at creating his own shot. Newman is averaging 24 points per game.
Thon Maker C, Carlisle School – Thon Maker is not only the #1 player in the class of 2016 but he is the tallest player as well. He stands at 7 feet. He is a good shot blocker and defender.
Josh Jackson SF, Consortium College Prep – The 2nd rated player in the 2016 class. Jackson is a 6’6 small forward. He is smooth player and a good defender.
