Words. dimemag

ESPN’s Dave Telep and Paul Biancardi compare super recruits Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker based on athleticism, skills, intangibles, and potential.

Words. Bryan Horowitz

Watching Jay Williams address the completely enrapt New Hampton Prep basketball team late Sunday night at the Hoophall Classic, it was clear he was firmly in his element. Basketball has obviously always been a big part of Williams’ life, but you could make a case he’s never been quite as immersed as he is now.

As an ESPN college basketball analyst, Williams splits his time between calling games and working on studio shows, while also commentating for the network’s rapidly expanding interest in high school ball. The latter assignment gives him the opportunity to take part in one of his favorite pastimes: mentoring young athletes. There isn’t a player on any level that doesn’t have the utmost respect for the former No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft, and he commonly takes time to pull players aside and offer a few words of wisdom. MORE >

Words. High School Hoop

You know how ESPN the Magazine regularly runs the “Player X” feature in the front each issue? For those who aren’t familiar, the magazine works with an elite athlete in a major sport to talk, unfiltered, about what really goes on in his/her sport. The athletes are anonymous, so they are free to talk about whatever they want to without fear of repercussions from their league, team, teammates or fans. It’s almost always a great read and is consistently one of the best features in the Magazine.

Now ESPN has done the “Player X” feature with an elite high school athlete who is being recruited by a slew of Top 25 colleges where he dishes on what really happens during the recruiting process. The first installment is like reading from the “He Got Game” script when Jesus Shuttlesworth goes on his “Big State” recruiting visit with Rick Fox. MORE >

Words. High School Hoop

When you’re in high school, very things are more important than popularity. It doesn’t matter if you’re a mathlete or one of the best basketball players in the country – eveyone wants to be popular.

ESPN has recruited eight of the nation’s tophigh school boys’ basketball players (all featured in our own Top 50) and given them an opportunity to showcase their personalities and skills to see which player is the most popular among high school basketball fans nationwide. MORE >