Word of God Academy (Raleigh, N.C.) forward C.J. Leslie is one of the 10 best prep players in the country, period. Originally committed to N.C. State, Leslie re-opened his recruiting last year, making his one of the most intriguing stories in the 2010 class. The All-American also happens to be one of its most exciting players. C.J. agreed to give High School Hoop exclusive access in a regular diary about his season and the recruiting process as he inched closer to a decision. In his latest entry, C.J. talks about finally picking a college:MORE >
Mabry better than Roscoe? Cory Joseph a Runnin’ Rebel? Is the Naismith Award Selby’s to lose? Jason Jordan has fielded all of your e-mails and tackles each of these questions and more in this installment of “Mail Day with JJ.”
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Feeling Mabry over Smith
Great scoop on TaShawn Mabry (Rocky Mount High, N.C.). Do you think he will get a Duke offer soon? Also, what is going on with Roscoe Smith (Oak Hill Academy, Va.)? I actually like TaShawn a little better.
- S. Crystal
Most people would call you loony for saying that you like TaShawn better than Roscoe, but most of those people just read and believe what they see on recruiting sites. MORE >
Rocky Mount (N.C.) forward TaShawn Mabry is nearing the end of his recruitment, and North Carolina State has scored the coveted last official visit. MORE >
Rocky Mount High (N.C.) star TaShawn Mabry will head to South Beach for an official visit to Miami on Sept. 17-18, Mabry’s father Michael confirmed today.
In addition to Miami, Mabry, a 6-6 senior forward, holds offers from Florida, Virginia Tech, Charlotte, Virginia Commonwealth, North Carolina State, Old Dominion and Clemson.
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It was around this time last month that Rocky Mount (N.C.) High’s TaShawn Mabry, a 6-6 rising senior forward, told HighSchoolHoop about how nearly every national recruiting service was sleeping on him. (Read “TaShawn Mabry Demands Respect”)
Mabry said that this summer things would be different and so far he’s backed it up. MORE >
One hundred and twenty-eight teams played in nearly every gym on Tobacco Road vying for the Tournament of Champions crown. In the end, Philly-based Team Final’s backcourt duo of Dion Waiters, the tournament’s MVP, and Mike Gilchrist was too much for CP3 of Winston Salem, N.C.
Waiters and Gilchrist were just two of the many prospects who caught our eye during the weekend.
Here’s a breakdown of who turned in impressive showings…
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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
