2012 Nike EYBL Peach Jam: Prospect-Central's All-Tournament Team!!!

2012 Peach Jam All-Tournament Team

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Written by: Prospect-Central

The 2012 Nike EYBL officially came to a close this past Sunday, with the Oakland Soldiers capturing the coveted Peach Jam tittle and defeating the CIA Bounce 51-50.  The level of basketball displayed these past three months was extremely high, as the tournament definitely lived up to it's name, "Elite Youth Basketball League."  There were a number of players that had memorable performances, but only a select few were truly head & shoulders above the rest.  Without further adieu, here's Prospect-Central's 2012 Peach Jam All-Tournament Team!!! * Below is a higlight video of the 2012 Nike EYBL Peach Jam; every game played by Prospect-Central's All-Tournament Team from the 2012 Nike EYBL Peach Jam & highlight video; five honorable mentions from the 2012 Nike EYBL Peach Jam and then a highlight video of the 2012 Nike EYBL Peach Jam Champion Oakland Soldiers.



* 2012 Nike EYBL Peach Jam Statistical Leaders

TYUS JONES pg / 6'1'' 170 / Howard Pulley
Howard Pulley vs. Mac Irvin Fire - Statistics
Howard Pulley vs. CIA Bounce - Statistics
Howard Pulley vs. Texas Titans - Statistics
Howard Pulley vs. Wisconsin Playground - Statistics
Howard Pulley vs. BABC - Statistics
Howard Pulley vs. Oakland Soldiers - Statistics

JAMES YOUNG sg / 6'6'' 200 / The Family
The Family vs. All-Ohio Red - Statistics
The Family vs. Team Takeover - Statistics
The Family vs. Baltimore Elite - Statistics
The Family vs. E1T1 - Statistics
The Family vs. Mean Streets - Statistics
The Family vs. MoKan Elite - Statistics

ANDREW WIGGINS sf / 6'7'' 200 / CIA Bounce
CIA Bounce vs. BABC - Statistics
CIA Bounce vs. Howard Pulley - Statistics
CIA Bounce vs. Mac Irvin Fire - Statistics
CIA Bounce vs. Texas Titans - Statistics
CIA Bounce vs. Wisconsin Playground - Statistics
CIA Bounce vs. Team United - Statistics 
CIA Bounce vs. MoKan Elite - Statistics - SEMI-FINALS
CIA Bounce vs. Oakland Soldiers - Statistics - FINALS

AARON GORDON sf/pf / 6'8'' 215 / Oakland Soldiers
Oakland Soldiers vs. NJ Playaz - Statistics
Oakland Soldiers vs. Team Final - Statistics
Oakland Soldiers vs. Indy Spiece - Statistics
Oakland Soldiers vs. Boo Williams - Statistics
Oakland Soldiers vs. Team United - Statistics
Oakland Soldiers vs. Howard Pulley - Statistics
Oakland Soldiers vs. CP3 All Stars - Statistics - SEMI-FINALS
Oakland Soldiers vs. CIA Bounce - Statistics - FINALS

JULIUS RANDLE pf / 6'9'' 240 / Texas Titans
Texas Titans vs. Wisconsin Playground - Statistics
Texas Titans vs. BABC - Statistics
Texas Titans vs. Howard Pulley - Statistics
Texas Titans vs. CIA Bounce - Statistics
Texas Titans vs. Mac Irvin Fire - Statistics



HONORABLE MENTIONS

JOEL BERRY pg / 6'0'' 180 / E1T1

KAMERON WILLIAMS sg / 6'2'' 260 / Baltimore Elite

STANLEY JOHNSON sf / 6'5'' 200 / Oakland Soldiers

SEMI OJELEYE sf / 6'6'' 220 / MoKan Elite

RONDAE JEFFERSON sf / 6'7'' 215 / Team Final


OAKLAND SOLDIERS: 2012 Nike EYBL Peach Jam Champions

2012 Nike EYBL Peach Jam Finals: CIA Bounce vs. Oakland Soldiers!!!

2012 Peach Jam Championship

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Written by: Prospect-Central

Andrew Wiggins: CIA Bounce

While the date 4/20 has special meaning for millions of cannabis sativa lovers worldwide, for hardcore basketball junkies it meant something entirely different; the start of the 2012 Nike EYBL!!!

The 2012 Nike EYBL began over three months ago, with 40 teams made up of some of the best high school basketball players in the country.  The teams competed in a series of three tournaments, trying to earn a spot into the coveted Peach Jam.  Twenty-four teams were eventually invited to North Augusta, South Carolina for the EYBL Finals and today there are two teams left standing; CIA Bounce & the Oakland Soldiers.

CIA Bounce are led by the #1 player in the Class of 2014 Andrew Wiggins and have been the odds on favorite to win the championship since April.  As good as Wiggins is, CIA Bounce is not a one-man team.  Both Class of 2013's Tyler Ennis & Xavier Rathan-Mayes have played extremely well and deserve much credit for the Canadian teams success.

Aaron Gordon: Oakland Soldiers

The Oakland Soldiers were the pre-season #1 AAU team in the country, but were decimated by injuries the entire season.  The fact they're about to compete for a Peach Jam tittle, says a lot about their mental toughness.  The Soldiers are led by #4 player in the Class of 2013 Aaron Gordon and a Top 15 player in the Class of 2013 Jabari Bird.  They have some other solid ballers on the squad as well, including Top 30 player in the Class of 2014 Stanley Johnson.  If they go onto win the Peach Jam tittle, the Soldiers will have truly earned their "Purple Hearts."

Regardless of the outcome, the game between CIA Bounce & The Oakland Soldiers should not disappoint. The teams have a combined 9-1 record at the Peach Jam and have been two of the more exciting teams to watch.  There are a number of future NBA players on both sqauds including a few possible lottery selections as well.  As of right now I have Aaron Gordon in the 2014 NBA Mock Draft Lottery and Andrew Wiggins & Jabari Bird in the 2015 NBA Mock Draft Lottery (assuming Wiggins doesn't reclassify.)  So sit back, relax, and get ready to watch the 2012 Nike EYBL Peach Jam Championship Game!!! * Below is the 2012 Nike EYBL Peach Jam 17U championship game followed by the 17U semi-finals and the 16U championship game.  Click tittle to watch games.

* 2012 Nike EYBL Tournament Leaders

17U PEACH JAM FINALS

CIA Bounce vs. Oakland Soldiers - Statistics 

17U PEACH JAM SEMI-FINALS

CIA Bounce vs. MoKan Elite - Statistics 

Oaklnad Soldiers vs. CP3 All-Stars - Statistics

16U PEACH JAM FINALS (2OT)

Texas Titans vs. Southern Stampede - Statistics

Nike EYBL Peach Jam 2012: Andrew Wiggins vs. Julius Randle LIVE!!!

Julius Randle: Texas Titans

Andrew Wiggins: CIA Bounce

   
   VS.

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Written by: Prospect-Central

Once again two-heavyweights from the high school hardwood collide as the #1 player in the Class of 2014 Andrew Wiggins & the talented CIA Bounce take on the #2 player in the Class of 2013 Julius Randle & the Texas Titans from the 2012 Nike EYBL Peach Jam in North Augusta, South Carolina.  Through the first two days of the event, Julius Randle is leading all players in scoring and rebounding with 26 ppg & 14 rpg while Andrew Wiggins is fourth in scoring with 20.7 ppg.  CIA Bounce is currently 3-0 and the Texas Titans are 2-1.  CIA Bounce are the favorites to win the entire tournament by many analyst.

These two future superstars are fresh off their battle from the 2012 LeBron James Skills Academy earlier this month and both have been playing at a high level all summer.  They were head-and-shoulders above the best high school basketball players in country, as they put on a clinic in front of not only college coaches and scouts, but the entire 2012 USA Olympic team as well.  Andrew Wiggins reportedly got the best of Randle, and I'm sure Julius has not forgotten.

Both players have their eyes set on a Peach Jam tittle and both seem willing to do anything to make that a reality.  This is sure to be an epic battle and the first of many more to come. So when you're watching Andrew Wiggins & Julius Randle compete against each other in future NBA games, you can look back at this game as possibly the stepping stone for an outstanding 20 year rivalry. * Below are highlights of the game between Andrew Wiggins (CIA Bounce) & Julius Randle (Texas Titans) from the 2012 Nike EYBL Peach Jam.  Click the tittle for replay of the entire game from 7/20/12.

      Andrew Wiggins (CIA Bounce) vs. Julius Randle (Texas Titans)  -  Statistics

HS Basketball Class of 2016 Freshmen Watch List: Point Guards!!!

Class of 2016: Point Guards

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Written by: Prospect-Central

Even though the 2012-13 high school basketball season is a long ways away, Prospect-Central has put together a "Freshmen Watch List" for some players that might make an immediate impact come the fall.  While there's no guarantee any of these players will live up to their high billing, it's safe to say more than a few should perform very well during their freshmen year of high school basketball.

There are ten players chosen and fifteen honorable mentions for point guards, shooting guards and small forwards.  Since "True" centers are so hard to come by, power forwards and centers are lumped into one position.  While the players are labeled a certain position, some of them will probably play different positions depending on what their high school team needs.  Many of these players are still growing, so that will change the position they play as well.

As always, there are many more players worth mentioning, but unfortunately there has to be some snubs.  While I'm not exactly sure if some of the ballers featured will play up to their potential or not, I do know the Class of 2016 is extremely talented and by the time they graduate high school should be one of the better basketball classes from the past decade. Below are twenty-five freshmen point guards from the Class of 2016.  Names are in no particular order.  At the end of the article click for the other players on Prospect-Central's Class of 2016 Freshmen Watch List.

Click NAMES for Videos!!!

SEVENTH WOODS pg/sg / 6'2'' 170 / Columbia, SC
There aren't many guards in the Class of 2016 as versatile as Seventh Woods.  Very polished basketball player who can contribute in nearly every area of the game.  Extremely athletic and absolutely explodes in transition.  Terrific ball handler with excellent court awareness and vision.  Shows the willingness to find the open teammate.  Very capable shooter with 3-point range.  Good defender who plays the passing lanes very well.  Relentless work ethic with a true passion for the game.  Plays his AAU ball with the SC Ravens & Karolina Diamonds.  Has already been playing varsity basketball for Hammond High School (Columbia, SC) since the 8th grade.  Led the team in scoring, assists, steals & blocks during the 2011-12 season. Seventh has said he would like to wear Carolina Blue one day.  After it's all said and done, Woods will probably be better than the Seventh best point guard from the Class of 2016!!!

ANTHONY COWAN pg / 5'11'' 160 / Largo, MD
A solid point guard with excellent fundamentals, ball handling and vision, Anthony Cowan has a chance to be a nice player once the 2012-13 high school basketball season rolls around.  Has some craftiness in his game as well.  Very good at getting in the lane and creating contact.  Lives at the charity stripe.  Perhaps the best part of Anthony's game is his uncanny ability to find the open man. Drops ridiculous dimes that makes you think he almost has "X-Ray" vision (lol).  Respectable jump shot with 3-point range. Has been compared to current Duke Blue Devil Quinn Cook. Plays his AAU ball with the extremely talented DC Assault.  Anthony will attend Our Lady of Good Counsel High School (Olney, MD) his freshman year, but I won't be surprised if he eventually plays for one of national powerhouses in the D.C. area.  Interested in Georgetown University.  John Thompson III better get on the phone A.S.A.P.!!!

C.J. HEDGEPETH pg / 5'11'' 165 / Evansville, IN
Considered by many to be one of the best point guards from the state of Indiana in the Class of 2016, C.J. Hedgepeth is a dynamic baller with excellent strength and deceptiveness.  Very unselfish player who flourishes in transition due to his speed and quickness, C.J. can also create plays for himself or his teammates in a half-court setting.  Creates favorable angles around the basket due to his length and is starting to develop a very nice dribble-drive pull-up jumper.  Has 3-point range if given time and space.  Solid defensive player as well.  Needs to work on his left hand, but that will surely come with time.  Plays his AAU ball for the Indy Hoosiers.  Will attend Evansville North High School his freshman year and should make a nice contribution to the team come the 2012-13 season.

DEVEARL RAMSEY pg / 5'11'' 170 / Los Angeles, CA
With his speed, strength and athleticism, Devearl Ramsey has to be one of the more explosive guards from the Class of 2016. Easily one of the fastest players in his class with the ball in his hands, Devearl reminds me of a young Ty Lawson in the making. Perhaps the best part of his game is his ability to create off the bounce.  Has a terrific stutter-step move and pull-up jumper. Exceptional at getting to the rack.  Has also displayed nice vision and court awareness.  Shows a willingness to play defense as well.  Plays his AAU ball for one of the best teams in the country California Basketball Club (formally Cali Styles) and has already received a scholarship offer from USC.  He'll attend Sierra Canyon his freshman year and it's clear high school basketball will be getting another terrific player in Devearl Ramsey.

De'AARON FOX pg/sg / 6'2'' 160 / Katy, TX
Straight from the Lone Star State comes De'Aaron Fox.  Blessed with excellent basketball instincts and court awareness, Fox is a true floor general.  Very cerebral player with terrific leadership skills, De'Aaron is basically an extension of the coach on the floor.  Very good ball handler with either hand, seems almost ambidextrous at times.  Adept at setting up his teammates as well as creating for himself, there really isn't too much the lefty can't do. Similar game to Rajon Rondo in some respect.  Really gets after it on the defensive side of the ball as well.  Excellent athleticism, quickness and length, De'Aaron Fox is easily one of the best point guards in the country from the Class of 2016.  Plays his AAU ball for the Houston Defenders and will attend Cypress-Fairbanks (Cypress, TX) his freshman year of high school.  Dream college is Kansas, "Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!!"

AARON AUGUSTIN pg / 5'10'' 170 / Duluth, GA
Possibly the best point guard from the state of Georgia in the class of 2016, Aaron Augustin is the definition a dual threat.  Can create for himself or his teammates with his tight handles, explosive first step, vision and instincts.  Sees the play before it develops and usually makes the right decision.  Excellent basketball IQ.  Shows terrific leadership skills.  Wants to have the ball in his hands with the game's on the line.  Exceptional work ethic and true competitor.  Truly hates to lose and is willing to put in the time necessary to get better.  Has a number of trainers and mentors to make sure he stays on the right path.  Plays his AAU ball for CP3 All-Stars and will attend Peachtree Ridge High School this season.  Don't be surprised if Arron Augustin  has a very nice freshman campaign.

TAILOUR HALL pg / 6'0'' 160 / Jacksonville, FL
Tailour Hall's so quick, his picture's a blur!!!  Seriously though, Hall's probably one of the nicer point guards from the Class of 2016 to emerge from the Sunshine State.  Perhaps the best part of Tailour's game is his transition play.  Always has his head up when advancing the ball on the break.  Tight handles and quickness make him very hard to keep out of the lane.  Can finish with either hand.  More of a scoring point guard right now, but still does a good job distributing the ball.  Plays solid defense and seems to have a good work ethic. Needs to add some weight to his frame as well as work on the release point of his jump shot, but there's still a lot to like about his game.  Plays his AAU ball for the North Florida Spartans and started on varsity last year as an 8th grader for University Christian (Jacksonville, FL). He was the teams leading scorer and should continue his stellar play as a freshman. Knowing the Florida Gators, I'm sure Billy Donovan's already friends with him on Facebook.

DERRYCK THORNTON pg / 6'0'' 160 / Simi Valley, CA
Labeled as the best point guard prospect on the West Coast from the Class of 2016, Derryck Thornton plays with a flair and passion that's almost contagious.  Has the athleticism, quickness, toughness & length needed to succeed at the high school level. Excellent ball handling abilities allows him to create plays seemingly out of thin air.  Smart player who usually optimizes offensive possessions.  Terrific in transition or a half-court setting. As good as Derryck is on offense, it's the other side of the ball where he's most impressive.  Has to be one of the best on-the-ball defenders from the Class of 2016.  Looks almost like Celtics shutdown defender Avery Bradley at times.  AAU teammates with previously mentioned Devearl Ramsey on the California Basketball Club.  USC & New Mexico have already offered, but Derryck has his eyes on a bigger fish, Kentucky Wildcats.  What a surprise!!!

TEMPLE GIBBS pg/sg / 6'1'' 175 / Scotch Plains, NJ
The younger brother of Ashton (Pitt) and Sterling Gibbs (Seton Hall), Temple Gibbs is an excellent basketball player in his own right. Originally from the Class of 2015, Temple's reclassification has done wonders for his game.  Capable of playing both guard positions, he seems to be more of a scorer than a facilitator at the moment.  Has some nice wiggle in his game which allows him to create penetration.  Able to knock down the three-ball given time and space.  Very confident player who doesn't seem to back down from a challenge.  Plays his AAU ball with Team Scan.  St. Anthony's, St. Joseph's and Seton Hall Prep are just a few high schools he's considering for his freshman year.  Since his brothers play in the Big East, he may be headed in that direction as well (if the Big East hasn't fallen apart by then).

JOSHUA PARRISH pg/sg / 6'2'' 185 / Mansfield, TX
Extremely strong and physical for his age, Joshua Parrish is a well-put-together guard from the Lone Star State.  His growth will ultimately determine his future position, but as of right now he's more than capable of running the point.  Does a good job of using his size to his advantage by creating penetration and finishing through contact.  Excellent rebounder for his position and seems to play lock down defense as well.  Needs to develop a consistent stroke, but that should come with time.  Plays his AAU ball with Texas Elite.  I'm not exactly sure where Joshua will attend high school come the fall, but there are a number of excellent programs in the state of Texas that would love to have a point guard with his capabilities. Should be interesting to see how his game develops over the years.


HONORABLE MENTIONS
ALANI MOORE pg / 5'10'' 175 / Germantown, MD
VIJAY BLACKMON pg/sg / 6'1'' 160 / Fort Wayne, IN
BRAD HAWKINS pg / 5'10'' 160 / Camden, NJ
RAKYM FELDER pg/sg / 6'1'' 185 / Fort Mill, SC
JASHAUN AGOSTO pg / 5'6'' 130 / Garfield, WA
LONZO BALL pg/sg / 6'3'' 165 / Chino Hills, CA
JAMIR HARRIS pg / 5'10'' 160 / Piscataway, NJ
DENNIS SMITH, JR. pg/sg / 6'0'' 145 / Fayetteville, NC
RYAN MURPHY pg / 6'0'' 170 / Calabasas, CA
DYAIRE DOBERE-HOLT pg / 6'0'' 175 / Troy, NY
PAYTON PRITCHARD pg / 6'0'' 165 / West Linn, OR
A'SHON RIGGINS pg / 6'0'' 175 / Hamilton, OH
VAUGHN COVINGTON pg / 6'0'' 160 / Sicklerville, NJ
LOREN JACKSON pg / 5'6'' 140 / Bradenton, FL
BRAXTON BEVERLY pg/sg / 6'1'' 170 / Vicco, KY

FRESHMEN WATCH LIST
SHOOTING GUARDS
SMALL FORWARDS
POWER FORWARDS / CENTERS

HS Basketball Class of 2016 Freshmen Watch List: Shooting Guards!!!

Class of 2016: Shooting Guards

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Written by: Prospect-Central

Even though the 2012-13 high school basketball season is a long ways away, Prospect-Central has put together a "Freshmen Watch List" for some players that might make an immediate impact come the fall.  While there's no guarantee any of these players will live up to their high billing, it's safe to say more than a few should perform very well during their freshmen year of high school basketball.

There are ten players chosen and fifteen honorable mentions for point guards, shooting guards and small forwards.  Since "True" centers are so hard to come by, power forwards and centers are lumped into one position.  While the players are labeled a certain position, some of them will probably play different positions depending on what their high school team needs.  Many of these players are still growing, so that will change the position they play as well.

As always, there are many more players worth mentioning, but unfortunately there has to be some snubs.  While I'm not exactly sure if some of the ballers featured will play up to their potential or not, I do know the Class of 2016 is extremely talented and by the time they graduate high school should be one of the better basketball classes from the past decade. Below are twenty-five freshmen shooting guards from the Class of 2016.  Names are in no particular order.  At the end of the article click for the other players on Prospect-Central's Class of 2016 Freshmen Watch List.

Click NAMES for Videos!!!

JOSHUA LANGFORD sg/sf / 6'5'' 205 / Huntsville, AL
There might be some debate as to who the best players are from the Class of 2016, but there's no debating who the best prospect is from the state of Alabama, Joshua Langord!!!  Might be the top scorer in the entire class as well.  Can score in the post, off the dribble-drive, or the catch-and-shoot.  Despite his large physique, Langford is extremely explosive off the bounce.  Gets to the rim with ease and finishes through contact.  Improved ball handler and passer who's more than capable of handling pressure defenses.  Excellent rebounder for his position and is willing to do whatever it takes to win.  Very high motor and never takes a play off.  Plays his AAU ball for the Atlanta Celtics as well as Team Penny (coached by Anfernee Hardaway).  Langford will attend Madison Academy (Madison, AL) for his freshman year of high school and should make an immediate impact from the rip. If college coaches are smart, they would have offered him a scholarship yesterday.

MUSTAPHA HERON sg/sf / 6'5'' 190 / Meriden, CT
A rising prospect out of the Nutmeg State, Mustapha Heron's game is just like his dreads...Long!!!  The southpaw seems to have a polished perimeter game for his age, displaying a very effective pull-up jumper.  Utilizes his length against smaller players very well, while relying on his ball handling and quickness against larger opponents.  Does a terrific job starting the fast break from rebounding.  Solid athlete who finishes above the rim. Confident player that doesn't appear to get rattled very easily. Started his AAU career with the Gauchos (New York, NY) and now plays on the 17U Connecticut Basketball Club despite only being 14-years-old. Will attend Capitol Prep (Andre Drummond's 1st high school) come the fall.  With Mustapha Heron on the squad, I'm sure his high school coach will be singing "Hakuna Matata!!!"

NYRHIQUE SMITH sg / 6'2'' 175 / Asbury Park, NJ
Cool as the other side of the pillow is a perfect way to describe the game of Brick City's own NyRhique Smith.  A silky smooth baller with the vision and ball handling of a point guard and the scoring instincts of a shooting guard.  Able to get to the rack almost effortlessly.  More crafty than explosive with a well rounded offensive repertoire.  Solid mid-range game with the ability to stroke the 3-ball.  Excellent basketball IQ.  Uses his length quite effectively on the defensive side of the ball as well. Plays for the New Jersey Playaz on the AAU circuit and is considering attending St. Anthony's, St. Benedict's, St. Peters Prep & Hudson Catholic. NyRhique Smith is definitely a freshman to keep an eye on.

ERON GORDON sg / 6'2'' 185 / Indianapolis, IN
The younger brother of New Orleans Hornets star Eric Gordon has really begun to step out of his older brothers shadow. Already possessing a gown mans physique, Eron is a physical guard with a solid skill-set and excellent athleticism.  His father Eron Gordon, Sr. said Eron is actually a better player than Eric was at the same stage.  His brother likes what he sees as well. Eric said, "He has a better knack for scoring than I did.  He can give you 25, 30 points in many different ways.  He hits the jump shot.  He takes the ball to the basket.  He's got a mid-range game.  He really mixes it up."  While that may be true, Eron's jumper is still a work in progress, as he's currently trying to fix the release point of his shot.  He can definitely stroke it, but his form somewhat resembles Shawn Marion's.  Plays his AAU ball for the Eric Gordon All-Stars (go figure) and he'll be attending Indiana's powerhouse North Central High in the fall.  Already has two scholarship offers from Indiana & Purdue.  The future is extremely bright for the young Eron Gordon.

TYUS BATTLE sg / 6'4'' 175 / Edison, NJ
The "Kid Mamba" is yet another player emerging from Brick City ready to make some serious noise his freshman year of high school.  Tyus Battle is a smooth guard who's terrific at getting in the lane and creating for himself or his teammates.  Has an instinctive feel for the game to go along with his excellent physical attributes.  Has nice range on his jumper and can finish above the rim.  Outstanding work ethic with a great mental approach to the game.  Needs to add some weight to his frame, but that should come with time.  Plays his AAU ball with both the 16U Team Final squad as well as the 16U New Jersey Road Runners.  Tyus was going to attend Gill St. Bernard's School his freshman year, but has decided to keep his options open.  Wherever he ultimately ends up, he should be able to contribute from day one.  Likes the idea of wearing Carolina Blue one day and he's definitely on pace to making that a reality.

MARK VITAL sg / 6'3'' 180 / Lake Charles, LA
Flying out of the Bayou and I do mean flying, is the athletic Mark Vital.  With his tight handles, quick first step and tremendous hops, Mark is a highlight reel waiting to happen.  He's terrific at slashing to the rim and truly excels in transition. Creates good separation from defenders with his explosiveness. While he tends to rely on his athleticism to score, he has shown a nice 17 foot pull-up jumper and the ability to make plays in a half-court setting.  Appears to be a solid on the ball defender as well.  He does need to work on his left hand though, as he tends to go right too often.  Plays his AAU ball with Southern Elite and he'll attend Washington Marion High School (Lake Charles, LA) his freshman year.  If he continues to develop his overall game, Mark Vital should be another nice prospect from the Class of 2016.

ADRIAN MOORE sg / 6'4'' 180 / Conway, AR
When you start dunking a basketball in the 6th grade, it's safe to assume you're going to be decent athlete.  Calling Adrian Moore a decent athlete would be an understatement however.  Very explosive leaper who plays well above the rim, Moore has the size and quickness to play either guard position.  Shows a solid mid-range game and rebounds well for his position.  Underrated defender who plays good on ball defense.  Adrian needs to tighten up his handle, but he has an excellent work ethic so I'm sure that will come with time.  Plays on possibly the best 14U AAU team in the nation Dunk Dog Elite.  Should contribute right away at Conway High School.  Scott Drew and Baylor University have been sending Adrian recruiting letters since the 7th grade and there are a number of other big-time college programs interested as well.

DEVONTE GREEN sg / 6'3'' 180 / Manhasset, NY
The brother of former UNC Tar Heel and current San Antonio Spur Danny Green, Devonte is originally from the Class of 2015, so he's slightly older than some of the other players featured. That really shouldn't matter though because he can flat out get buckets.  He's got a sweet stroke with range out to the arc.  Does a nice job creating space and getting his shot off in traffic. Excellent at using his ball handling, speed and quickness to get in the lane and create plays for himself or his teammates.  Solid athleticism and finishes above the rim.  Pretty good defender as well.  Plays his AAU ball for Team Scan and last year as an 8th grader played high school basketball for Our Savior New American (Centereach, NY).  He actually had a nice season despite still being in middle school and I imagine he'll play even better this year.  Would like to follow in his brothers footsteps and eventually attend UNC.

JAYSON TATUM sg/sf / 6'5'' 180 / St. Louis, MO
There really isn't too much the Missouri native can't do on the basketball court.  A multi-dimensional baller with terrific length, Jayson Tatum is capable of playing either guard position as well as on the wing (which is probably the position he'll mainly play). Has an exceptional basketball IQ and a nice feel for the game. Does a good job creating plays for himself or his teammates off the dribble-drive.  Rebounds well for his position and can knock down an open jumper.  Once he adds a bit more athleticism to his game, there's no telling how good Jayson can become.  If he doesn't grow anymore (which isn't likely), I can see him being like Syracuse's Michael Carter-Williams to some degree.  Plays his AAU ball for W.I.T.T.S. Elite and will attend Chaminade Prep (St. Louis, MO) his freshman year (even though his father Justin Tatum is the head coach of nearby Soldan High School).  Dreams of being a Buckeye one day, and if I was Thad Matta, I'd have a scholarship ready and waiting.

JAKOLBY LONG sg / 6'4'' 185 / Edmond, OK
A solid looking baller from the Sooner State, Jakolby Long is considered by many as the best prospect from Oklahoma in the Class of 2016.  Always an excellent slasher, Jakolby is really starting to develop his perimeter game as well.  His ball handling and jumper are beginning to tighten up as he displays the versatility needed to play either guard position.  Very good at creating penetration and finishing through contact.  Shows a willingness to pass the ball.  Does a nice job using his length on both sides of the floor and his athleticism seems to be steadily improving.  Jakolby plays his AAU ball for Athletes First and over the next four years should be a name heard about quite often on the Oklahoma high school basketball scene.


HONORABLE MENTIONS
JAMES "MJ" WALKER sg/sf / 6'4'' 195 / Rex, GA
MALIK CROWFIELD sg / 6'4'' 175 / LaPlace, LA
UNIQUE McLEAN sg / 6'2'' 175 / Brooklyn, NY
REGGIE GARDNER sg / 6'3'' 175 / Bowie, MD
ZACK NORVELL sg / 6'4'' 175 / Chicago, IL
MALIK MONK sg / 6'3'' 180 / LePanto, AR
A.J. LAWSON sg / 6'4'' 175 / Bryan, TX
KOBI' JORDAN-SIMMONS sg / 6'4'' 170 / Alpharetta, GA
KWE'SHAUN PARKER sg / 6'2'' 175 / Fayetteville, NC
DEANDRE HUNTER sg / 6'4'' 170 / Philadelphia, PA
NICHOLAS SHEROD sg / 6'3'' 175 / Richmond, VA
DRAKE DAVIS sg/sf / 6'4'' 195 / Baton Rouge, LA
TRACEY BURNETT sg / 6'3'' 175 / Huntsville, AL
TYONE MALONE sg / 6'4'' 180 / Springfield, MA
CHRISTIAN ELLIS sg / 6'3'' 185 / Tracy, CA

FRESHMEN WATCH LIST
POINT GUARDS
SMALL FORWARDS
POWER FORWARDS / CENTERS