Words. Jason Jordan

Super recruit who backed out of his N.C. State commitment now has his eye on UNC, Florida and Kentucky.

You’d be hard pressed to find another player with the freakish hops and never-ending motor of Word of God Academy (N.C.) forward C.J. Leslie. Whether it’s pinning an opposing player’s shot to the backboard or throwing down a tomahawk jam in heavy traffic, Leslie, rated the No. 12 prospect on the HighSchoolHoop Top 50, never wants for “oohs” from the crowd. But as much as Leslie loves the attention he gets for his amazing athletic abilities, he cringes at the notion that people only remember his high-wire act.

“I hate that,” says Leslie. “There is so much more to my game that just stuff.” MORE >

Words. Aron Phillips

What do Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony and Tony Parker have in common? Other than all being NBA superstars, these three – along with almost 60 others – have played in the legendary World Basketball Tournament in Douai, France.

Now in its 23rd year, the World Basketball Tournament features the best under-19 talent in the world with the top national teams from Australia, Canada, France, Lithuania, Puerto Rico and the United States (represented by the 2K Sports Preseason All-American Team). With five days of competition, the tournament will prepare each squad for the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship later this summer. MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

Photo. fredericksburg.com

Fresh off of a strong showing at the Tournament of Champions with DC Assault, Joshua Hairston, a 6-8 forward who hails from Courtland High School (Va.), must now prepare to take on the world in the World Basketball Tournament in Douai, France from June 8-15. Hairston, one of the nation’s best high school talents, will be part of the 2K Sports All-Star Team that battles squads from Australia, Spain, Lithuania, Puerto Rico, France, Canada, and Croatia the second week of June. [Editor's note: We will be covering the whole tourney right here on highschoolhoop.com, complete with video of the team's trip.]

Hairston, a Duke commit who checks in at No. 35 on the HighSchoolHoop top 50, chatted with us about everything from his grueling schedule to why basketball isn’t the only thing he’s looking forward to in France. MORE >

Words. dimemag

Here at highschoolhoop.com, we have the definitive rankings of the Top 50 Players in the Nation, regardless of class. We’re going to pay homage to the best America has to offer by counting down to No. 1, giving each player a moment to shine.

First up is No. 50, Kyrie Iriving from St. Pat’s in Elizabeth, New Jersey… MORE >

Words. HShoop

DeMarcus Cousins (photo. Nike)

First it was Derrick Favors. Then John Henson rose out of nowhere to take the crown. And now, with the dust settled, it seems like there’s a new big man who has established himself as head and shoulders above the rest of the class: DeMarcus Cousins. MORE >

Words. HShoop

July is the most important month of the summer for recruits looking to move up in rankings and also to land a scholarship from their dream school. With the month of July come the summer skills camps. The Lebron Skills Academy tipped off two days ago and a few players have been living up to their hype and even exceeding it. One player that has stood out is 6-10 power forward John Henson from Round Rock HS (TX). Word is that Henson is making a strong argument to be the top player in the class of 2009, ahead of current number one Derrick Favors. Click here for full story.