We’ve been following Perry Ellis for a while now. In fact, on the cover of Dime #49, we introduced him as the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. While that’s yet to be seen, the 6-8 senior from Wichita Heights High School (Wichita, Kan.) did sign his letter of intent to play at Kansas this morning. And we’ve found out that he’ll be wearing No. 34, Paul Pierce‘s old number, when he does. MORE >
How many players have hit buzzer-beaters in the Boston Garden? The first people that come to mind are John Havlicek, Larry Bird and Paul Pierce. So while kids from all over the world dream of hitting a game-winning shot on the parquet floor of the Garden, Rene Castro got to realize that dream two seasons ago as a high school freshman.
And after hitting that clutch shot that helped Milton High School advance to the Division II MIAA State Finals, Castro has blown up on the New England and national basketball scene ever since. MORE >
We caught up with Austin Rivers just before he boarded a plane to Boston to support his dad, Celtics head coach Doc Rivers, for tonight’s NBA regular-season opener against the Miami Heat.
Asked who he’d picking to win the big game, Austin said, “I think you know the answer to that!”
Touché on the “who,” but what about the “why?” MORE >
Second Baptist School (Houston, Texas) point guard L.J. Rose is a rarity. Not just because he’s got a ridiculously quick first step, wicked handles or a dead-eye jump shot.
Rose, a sophomore, is rare because he’s devoid an ego.
He doesn’t mind not starting from Day One when he lands on a college campus in two and a half years. He talks about academics the way most stars talk about a coach’s system. And he doesn’t think staying all four years necessarily means you’re not ready for the NBA. MORE >
Although just a junior, Winter Park (Fla.) point guard Austin Rivers is the 5th-rated prospect in the HSH Top 50. He’s been verbally committed to Florida for over a year, but this fall, Rivers decided to open things up and let Duke recruit him as well, making his one of the most captivating recruiting stories in the country.
The younger son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers and younger brother of Indiana University PG Jeremiah Rivers, Austin has agreed to give HSH exclusive access by chronicling his thoughts in this regular diary where he’ll keep everyone updated on everything from his personal life to his high school season to his thoughts on Duke and Florida. MORE >
In the most stacked McDonald’s High School All-American of all-time, with the likes of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Chauncey Billups, Vince Carter, Stephon Marbury, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Antawn Jamison, Robert “Tractor” Traylor, Jelani McCoy, Wayne Turner, God Shammgod and Ron Mercer, the dunk contest lived up to the hype as well.
The son of former NBA player Sonny Parker has the most complete game in the country. When 40 high-major head coaches hang out at open gym sessions at your high school, as Parker has had, it’s a case of obvious elite talent. Parker also has a Gold medal from the FIBA Americas 16 tournament to add to his accolades. With due respect to the senior class, Parker as a junior, has next. Click here for the latest Jabari Parker highlights and news
If one looked in a basketball dictionary under “power forward”, they’d find a picture of Randle. He’s a prototypical frontcourt power player that can’t be stopped, most of the time. Randle looks like he’s ready physically to step into an NBA training camp, as a high school junior. If Parker wasn’t around, Randle would be the best prospect in the country, regardless of class. Click here for the latest Julius Randle highlights and news
Subject to an intense recruiting chase among UCLA, Kentucky, UNLV, Duke and others, the hyper-athletic slasher is the best senior in the land. He assaults rims with vicious bounce, and plays harder than anyone in the country. A consistent long-range shot is all Muhammad needs to have a complete game, at this point. Click here for the latest Shabazz Muhammad highlights and news
A skilled and big point guard, it’s hard to believe Harrison has two more years of high school left. He’s physically imposing, distributes the basketball, and has the flair for the marvelous. In concert with his twin, Aaron, he has tons of promise at the next level and beyond. Click here for the latest Andrew Harrison highlights and news
Committed to UCLA
The Magic Johnson of high school hoops, Anderson is a tall drink of water that most often plays point guard at 6’-8”. He’s taking his game to Westwood, and will star in college once he has a position, as he could potentially play three positions in college. Anderson has tremendous court vision and basketball IQ, and is a terrific teammate. Click here for the latest Kyle Anderson highlights and news
Committed to Michigan
The blur of power forward activity, McGary’s motor is always running. A bouncy big forward, McGary is constantly around the ball and battles on the interior. The Indiana native will be an impact player when he takes his game to the college level at Michigan, Kentucky, Duke, North Carolina, Florida or Maryland. Click here for the latest Mitch McGary highlights and news
Playing for one of the top grassroots teams in the country, the Boston Amateur Basketball Club, Noel has made his name as a defensive dynamo. If there was a shot to be blocked, or a carom to be grabbed, chances are that Noel did so. While his offensive game is still developing, no one holds down the paint like Noel. Click here for the latest Nerlens Noel highlights and news
Committed to Baylor
A 7-footer with wing forward skills, to say Austin has a unique game puts his versatility mildly. The slender center is headed to Baylor, and only needs to add strength and consistency to be at the head of his class. Austin can put the ball on the floor, and has a well-developed scoring package. Click here for the latest Isaiah Austin highlights and news
Committed to Arizona. The blue collar big man will decided between Arizona and Kansas, and whichever power college basketball program gets him will be happy to have him hold down the fort in the paint. With every skill a coach wants from an interior presence, Tarczewski is plug-and-play at center at the next level. Click here for the latest Kaleb Tarczewski highlights and news
The bouncy native of Canada has a devastating combination of strength and athleticism, reminding some of former NBA star Larry Johnson. Bennett still has a long college list that hasn’t been narrowed, but the take no prisoners power forward is sure to have an impact as a freshman in college next year. Click here for the latest Anthony Bennett highlights and news
Committed to Oklahoma State.
Rightly named, Smart is an intelligent and tough-minded player that has won as many games as anyone in the Class of 2012. He’s part of a pipeline from Dallas, TX, to Oklahoma State, and could step in and run the show for the Cowboys from day one. Smart may eventually end up at point guard, but has the skill to play three positions in high school.
Committed to Syracuse.
The beefy interior player is still deciding between Syracuse, Ohio State and Kentucky, and is a forceful true center that demands attention in the paint. Coleman reminds natives of upstate New York of Derrick Coleman (no relation), and is a grinder that is matched by few in terms of size and talent. Click here for the latest DaJuan Coleman highlights and news
Committed to Kentucky.
An all-around scoring guard, Goodwin has the size and scoring streak that should step in and immediately have success in the Kentucky dribble drive motion offense. He’s the first, but not the last, member of the Wildcats’ 2012 recruiting class, and an elite national talent. Click here for the latest Archie Goodwin highlights and news
The younger brother of New Mexico standout Drew Gordon, Aaron starred for USA’s 16U basketball team over the summer, with an outstanding statistical performance in both scoring and rebounding. Gordon is bouncy and skilled, and will be the top player in the Bay Area this year. Though his brother is clearly a talent, it’s not hard to see for the long term that Aaron Gordon will be the top sibling in the family. Click here for the latest Aaron Gordon highlights and news
Committed to Arizona.
Having relocated from Oakland, CA, to prep basketball factory Findlay Prep for his senior season of high school will only sharpen Ashley’s game as he will play against other D-1 prospects on a daily basis. The power forward moves well, and can both face up and score with his back to the basket. If Ashley lives up to his potential, he’ll be part of a stellar recruiting class for Arizona. Click here for the latest Brandon Ashley highlights and news