[MalcolmxParticipant]

New ESPN High school basketball player rankings have come out and I must say they look pretty accurate to me. The top 5 remained the same but a few top 20 guys actually made a jump inside of the top 20. They say that whenever you are already a top 20 player and you still make a jump in the rankings then you are performing at an extremely high level.

Three players that climbed were Stanley Johnson,Theo Pinson and Isaiah Whitehead.

In my mind I knew these guys would get a bump up because they all have performed at an elite level when their high school teams traveled to big time tournaments. Stanley Johnson and his Mater Dei team won the Tarkanian Classic last month with him having some 30 and 40 point games. Theo Pinson had a stellar first quarter against Findlay prep in the Hoophall classic,his team just doesn’t have enough fire power to compete with a powerhouse like Findlay and Isaiah Whitehead dominated the City of Palms classic last month sharing MVP honors with Ben Simmons of the 2015 from Montverde academy. Whitehead also showed Point guard skills while there with many scouts saying he was the best scorer and passer at the event.

Tyler Ulis almost made the top 20 but landed at 24 which seems about right for the little guy. He tweeted out that he is the shortest Mcdonalds All American ever. He takes pride in being small and being able to ball at that level and I like that.

Thomas Welsh who has been having a monster senior year and I think he earned his votes into the All American game while playing at the UA Holiday Classic.He had the biggest jump in the rankings overall.Jumping from #90 to #36.

A few questions I have: Does anyone feel Cliff Alexander should be the Number 1 player in high school basketball?What he did against Montverde was kind of breathetaking.

Also D’angelo Russell is rated the number 1 SG in the nation with Whitehead second. I honestly feel Whitehead is better than him.Does anyone else think Whitehead is better than Russell? 

Just a question for fun: Who is the best player you have ever seen while they were in high school in person? I’m not counting what they did while in the NBA or College. I’m talking about while they were in high school who was the best you seen with your own eyes. My pick would be Jayvaughn Pinkston currently at Villanova. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 Nice write up man! I think Cliff is borderline to be number 1. I just don’t think he is as polished as Okafor and is more of a pure athlete, knocking him down a little. I don’t know a whole lot about the class as beyond the truly top guys so I can’t comment on much else. I will say the best high schooler i saw in person was definitely Shaun Livingston. I thought he was Magic 2.0. So graceful , lanky, athletic but could dish with the best of em. Tyson Chandler would be second and Jimmy McKinney third.

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 Nice write up man! I think Cliff is borderline to be number 1. I just don’t think he is as polished as Okafor and is more of a pure athlete, knocking him down a little. I don’t know a whole lot about the class as beyond the truly top guys so I can’t comment on much else. I will say the best high schooler i saw in person was definitely Shaun Livingston. I thought he was Magic 2.0. So graceful , lanky, athletic but could dish with the best of em. Tyson Chandler would be second and Jimmy McKinney third.

[mshipp215Participant]

I used to get excited about those rankings but I’ve come to the realization that they don’t matter much. McDermott wasn’t even in the top 100 coming out of HS and look at him now.

And hmm, to answer you question for fun… There are so many good people out of Philly but to name a few that I actually played with/against in HS or AAU are Kyle Lowry, Sean Singeltary, The Morris Twins, Dionte Christmas but while in high school, no one was better than Maureece Rice.

[mshipp215Participant]

I used to get excited about those rankings but I’ve come to the realization that they don’t matter much. McDermott wasn’t even in the top 100 coming out of HS and look at him now.

And hmm, to answer you question for fun… There are so many good people out of Philly but to name a few that I actually played with/against in HS or AAU are Kyle Lowry, Sean Singeltary, The Morris Twins, Dionte Christmas but while in high school, no one was better than Maureece Rice.

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 Russell is the truth.. So is Zeke Whitehead.. Its hard to rank but D Russ can do more on the court

[MalcolmxParticipant]

 You think Russell is a better slasher and better defender than Whitehead? I think only thing he does better is shoot. This is why I think Whitehead is better.

The great Tom Konchalski said Whitehead is the best And-1 finishing guard in the nation.Also he can slash and change directions. I see Russell Slash when he can get to the rim in a straight line and that’s about it. Not taking anything away from Russell because he can play obviously. 

Also what I want to know is why is Rashad Vaughn slotted as being one and done but Russell and Whitehead are not? Does not seem right ot me.

 

 

[MalcolmxParticipant]

 You think Russell is a better slasher and better defender than Whitehead? I think only thing he does better is shoot. This is why I think Whitehead is better.

The great Tom Konchalski said Whitehead is the best And-1 finishing guard in the nation.Also he can slash and change directions. I see Russell Slash when he can get to the rim in a straight line and that’s about it. Not taking anything away from Russell because he can play obviously. 

Also what I want to know is why is Rashad Vaughn slotted as being one and done but Russell and Whitehead are not? Does not seem right ot me.

 

 

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 Russell is the truth.. So is Zeke Whitehead.. Its hard to rank but D Russ can do more on the court

[SpartanGloryParticipant]

 Cliff Alexander is a true beast and should be number 1.

 

And what about about Dujuan Wagner? Probably one of the best high school players ever.

[SpartanGloryParticipant]

 Cliff Alexander is a true beast and should be number 1.

 

And what about about Dujuan Wagner? Probably one of the best high school players ever.

[CameronCrazy11Participant]

I was lucky enough to see Greg Oden, Mike Conley, Eric Gordon, and Jeff Teague all play in person. I would rank them Oden, Gordon, Conley, and Teague. All of them were just as good, if not better, than advertised.

[CameronCrazy11Participant]

I was lucky enough to see Greg Oden, Mike Conley, Eric Gordon, and Jeff Teague all play in person. I would rank them Oden, Gordon, Conley, and Teague. All of them were just as good, if not better, than advertised.

[Skeating12345Participant]

 I have played against Julius randle, Justin Jackson, Kelly Oubre, Myles Turner, Harrison Twins, and Justise Winslow. The toughest matchup was probably Randle. Randle was completely unguardable. No one could matchup with his size and Strength. Turner has incredible length and his skill set for his size is crazy. 

[Skeating12345Participant]

 I have played against Julius randle, Justin Jackson, Kelly Oubre, Myles Turner, Harrison Twins, and Justise Winslow. The toughest matchup was probably Randle. Randle was completely unguardable. No one could matchup with his size and Strength. Turner has incredible length and his skill set for his size is crazy. 

[MalcolmxParticipant]

 I also seen Tobias Harris in high school but he was getting destroyed by Jayvuaghn Pinkson. Around New York we all felt Jayvuaghn was the better player but Tobias was the better prospect.I also seen Khem Birch,Andre Drummond,Angel Nunez,Kyle Anderson and Kyrie Irving in person during their high school days. But no one impressed me like Pinkston.

[MalcolmxParticipant]

 I also seen Tobias Harris in high school but he was getting destroyed by Jayvuaghn Pinkson. Around New York we all felt Jayvuaghn was the better player but Tobias was the better prospect.I also seen Khem Birch,Andre Drummond,Angel Nunez,Kyle Anderson and Kyrie Irving in person during their high school days. But no one impressed me like Pinkston.

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 Kellu OuBre is really good. I love the youngbul Theo Pin, hes nice. Reminds me of Jamal Crawford. But i think D Russ is a better playmaker and shooter, he can do more. Whitehead can slash and is very athletic. Whitehead is more Monta Ellis but D Russ could be Steph Curry like.. But Are the Martin twins on there?? those dudes are complete BEAST. They impressed me allot

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 Kellu OuBre is really good. I love the youngbul Theo Pin, hes nice. Reminds me of Jamal Crawford. But i think D Russ is a better playmaker and shooter, he can do more. Whitehead can slash and is very athletic. Whitehead is more Monta Ellis but D Russ could be Steph Curry like.. But Are the Martin twins on there?? those dudes are complete BEAST. They impressed me allot

[McDunkin]

 

Stanley Johnson, that’s my Don Cheadle looking SF

 

 

[McDunkin]

 

Stanley Johnson, that’s my Don Cheadle looking SF

 

 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

http://nbadraft.net/forum/favorite-high-school-player-0

As far as the rankings, cool to see a change, though their will be a lot of moves by end of season. I think Oubre is a top 10 guy, could even be top 5 by an NBA standpoint. Just massive wingspan, very smoove. Excited to see him against Johnson during Hoop Summit practices this year. Also will love to watch Myles Turner and Jahlil Okafor. I think ESPN wrote this and I may agree with it, saying Cliff Alexander is probably the best HS player, Jah probably in college and Turner may be the best NBA prospect. Will know more when I see them live.

Guys I think may be way too low right now are Chris McCullough, Dwayne Morgan, Malik Pope (who has been killed by injuries, if he stays healthy, should be top 15-20 if not higher), Kameron Chatman, Kaleb Joseph and Jonah Bolden. All of those guys are really intriguing athletes. Think that Edmond Sumner could be a sleeper as well. He is smooth, skinny as hell, just like the way he plays. Tyler Ulis and Reid Travis are awesome high school players and should be great college guys, just not sure about the next level.

Another guy people should look out for is [Player: Anas Osama Mahmoud]. Have just heard good things about him, that he is pretty athletic for a big guy. I saw a video of him practicing a eurostep, was kind of crazy for a 7-footer. As far as Tyler being the smallest McDonald’s All-American ever, is he really? I thought it might be Drew Lavender:

http://statsheet.com/bhsb/players/drew-lavender

Still, by most accounts I have heard, Ulis deserved it. He is just so hard to stop at this level. As much as McDonald’s would probably love to see all of their alumnus make the NBA, it is about HS achievement. Not saying Tyler will not make it, just will of course be an up hill battle at his size.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

http://nbadraft.net/forum/favorite-high-school-player-0

As far as the rankings, cool to see a change, though their will be a lot of moves by end of season. I think Oubre is a top 10 guy, could even be top 5 by an NBA standpoint. Just massive wingspan, very smoove. Excited to see him against Johnson during Hoop Summit practices this year. Also will love to watch Myles Turner and Jahlil Okafor. I think ESPN wrote this and I may agree with it, saying Cliff Alexander is probably the best HS player, Jah probably in college and Turner may be the best NBA prospect. Will know more when I see them live.

Guys I think may be way too low right now are Chris McCullough, Dwayne Morgan, Malik Pope (who has been killed by injuries, if he stays healthy, should be top 15-20 if not higher), Kameron Chatman, Kaleb Joseph and Jonah Bolden. All of those guys are really intriguing athletes. Think that Edmond Sumner could be a sleeper as well. He is smooth, skinny as hell, just like the way he plays. Tyler Ulis and Reid Travis are awesome high school players and should be great college guys, just not sure about the next level.

Another guy people should look out for is [Player: Anas Osama Mahmoud]. Have just heard good things about him, that he is pretty athletic for a big guy. I saw a video of him practicing a eurostep, was kind of crazy for a 7-footer. As far as Tyler being the smallest McDonald’s All-American ever, is he really? I thought it might be Drew Lavender:

http://statsheet.com/bhsb/players/drew-lavender

Still, by most accounts I have heard, Ulis deserved it. He is just so hard to stop at this level. As much as McDonald’s would probably love to see all of their alumnus make the NBA, it is about HS achievement. Not saying Tyler will not make it, just will of course be an up hill battle at his size.

[MalcolmxParticipant]

 What is your take on the D’angelo Russell, Isaiah Whitehead and Rashad Vaughn thing? Who is better and who is the best pro prospect in order. Whitehead and Vaughn are almost identical. Vaughn has one more inch in height and one more inch in Wingspan and both have kind of the same body with Whitehead looking a bit more chiseled. Russell has the longest wingspan of the 3. This is the only position in high school basketbal that has 3 players in the discussion as the top at the postion.

[MalcolmxParticipant]

 What is your take on the D’angelo Russell, Isaiah Whitehead and Rashad Vaughn thing? Who is better and who is the best pro prospect in order. Whitehead and Vaughn are almost identical. Vaughn has one more inch in height and one more inch in Wingspan and both have kind of the same body with Whitehead looking a bit more chiseled. Russell has the longest wingspan of the 3. This is the only position in high school basketbal that has 3 players in the discussion as the top at the postion.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

They all seem pretty close to me. Probably feel that Vaughn has a bit more strength, which is impressive given that he is the youngest. Do like Whitehead’s offensive skill set and believe he will be set up to have the best freshman season. Still, think I do like Russell the most, just feel he is quite versatile and provides the most across the board. Also, Whitehead is almost a year older than Russell, a year and a half older than Rashad. Think that could play a part into him more than likely being the best high school player, just not sure that keeps him as the best prospect.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

They all seem pretty close to me. Probably feel that Vaughn has a bit more strength, which is impressive given that he is the youngest. Do like Whitehead’s offensive skill set and believe he will be set up to have the best freshman season. Still, think I do like Russell the most, just feel he is quite versatile and provides the most across the board. Also, Whitehead is almost a year older than Russell, a year and a half older than Rashad. Think that could play a part into him more than likely being the best high school player, just not sure that keeps him as the best prospect.

[MalcolmxParticipant]

 I really like Kelly Oubre I’ve seen him in person too. He played a hell of a game when I seen him.

Only one of the Martin Twins is in the top 100. Caleb Martin is the one.

Stan is a man. Plays bully ball and is actually young compared to others in the class. 

 

 

[MalcolmxParticipant]

 I really like Kelly Oubre I’ve seen him in person too. He played a hell of a game when I seen him.

Only one of the Martin Twins is in the top 100. Caleb Martin is the one.

Stan is a man. Plays bully ball and is actually young compared to others in the class. 

 

 

[PhillySports0Participant]

 I saw Kyrie, Gilchrist, Tristan Thompson, Cory Joseph, Dion Waiters, Doron Lamb, and Lance Stepehenson all play in a day. Lance Stephenson was one of the best high school scorers I think I’ve ever seen, youtube or in person he could fill it up with ease. 

That same day Doron Lamb dropped 54 against St. Peters and Myles Davis scored 48 with lamb guarding him. That was a performance that I dont think I’ll ever see while I’m at a game again.

 

 Also saw Kyrie Irving make about 3 dudes fall in one game and Gilchrist win the MVP over kyrie in that game. Dion Waiters scored around 30 and Joseph/Thompson dominated whoever they played I cant remember. That day I don’t think I can ever duplicate in my life 

[PhillySports0Participant]

 I saw Kyrie, Gilchrist, Tristan Thompson, Cory Joseph, Dion Waiters, Doron Lamb, and Lance Stepehenson all play in a day. Lance Stephenson was one of the best high school scorers I think I’ve ever seen, youtube or in person he could fill it up with ease. 

That same day Doron Lamb dropped 54 against St. Peters and Myles Davis scored 48 with lamb guarding him. That was a performance that I dont think I’ll ever see while I’m at a game again.

 

 Also saw Kyrie Irving make about 3 dudes fall in one game and Gilchrist win the MVP over kyrie in that game. Dion Waiters scored around 30 and Joseph/Thompson dominated whoever they played I cant remember. That day I don’t think I can ever duplicate in my life 

[reanimatorParticipant]

Really like UNC wings : Justin Jackson who reminds me of Shawn Marion and Theo Pinson who reminds me of Jamal Crawford. 

I’m a Michigan Wolverine so of course I think Kameron Chatman is going to excel under Beilein given that he can shoot, pass, handle and post-up. We also have a 3 star recruit named DJ Wilson who has all the physical tools but hasn’t put it all together, wouldn’t be surprised if he is the next unheralded guy we turn into a pro prospect after Darius Morris, Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr and Caris LeVert…

If Ohio St can turn 6’5” D’Angelo Russell into a PG as planned then I love his potential.. so offensively potent and smooth. I look forward to him and Keita Bates Diop battling Zak Irvin, LeVert, Chatman.

Shaqquan Aaron is also interesting with his length and ballhandling.. definitely has that Seattle circus style of play in the mold of Jamal Crawford with slightly more height 

My two favorite classes have to be:

San Diego St with Malik Pope, Zylan Cheatnam and Trey Kell 

Georgetown with Isaac Copeland, Paul White and LJ Peak 

Basically, this and 2013 are the recruting classes that should rejuvenate the wing position in the NBA 

 

 

 

 

[reanimatorParticipant]

Really like UNC wings : Justin Jackson who reminds me of Shawn Marion and Theo Pinson who reminds me of Jamal Crawford. 

I’m a Michigan Wolverine so of course I think Kameron Chatman is going to excel under Beilein given that he can shoot, pass, handle and post-up. We also have a 3 star recruit named DJ Wilson who has all the physical tools but hasn’t put it all together, wouldn’t be surprised if he is the next unheralded guy we turn into a pro prospect after Darius Morris, Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr and Caris LeVert…

If Ohio St can turn 6’5” D’Angelo Russell into a PG as planned then I love his potential.. so offensively potent and smooth. I look forward to him and Keita Bates Diop battling Zak Irvin, LeVert, Chatman.

Shaqquan Aaron is also interesting with his length and ballhandling.. definitely has that Seattle circus style of play in the mold of Jamal Crawford with slightly more height 

My two favorite classes have to be:

San Diego St with Malik Pope, Zylan Cheatnam and Trey Kell 

Georgetown with Isaac Copeland, Paul White and LJ Peak 

Basically, this and 2013 are the recruting classes that should rejuvenate the wing position in the NBA 

 

 

 

 

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