HoopsNext.com

As promised, here are the first few mini scouting reports for my list of the top 25 high school players in the class of 2010. I will be adding a few more every day. I have added a new page up top for the top 25 list. This will be its new permanent home.

1. Harrison Barnes SF 6′8” 209 lbs. North Carolina

• Has the ‘it factor.’ Great character guy who finds ways to win. Has one of the highest basketball IQ’s in his class.
• At 6′8” 209 lbs, he has the prototypical size for the wing position. Has the frame to put on more muscle.
• Able to score in every way imaginable. Can stroke it from deep, has a killer mid-range game and can get to the hoop off the dribble and finish with either hand. Utilizes the triple-threat position better than any player in this class.
• Good passer that always keeps his head up while dribbling and is able to find the open man.
• Silky smooth player that always plays the game under control and at his pace.
• Solid defender that uses his length to create havoc for opposing teams.

In my opinion, if high school players were still eligible to enter the draft, Barnes would be battling it out for the first overall pick in the 2010 draft. This kid is going to be a VERY special player. Likely the number 1 pick in the 2011 draft.

2. Brandon Knight PG 6′3” 183 lbs. Undecided

• Very smart kid on and off the court. Has a 4.2 GPA to go along with a high basketball IQ.
• Great speed and vision on the court. Explosive first step and changing speeds with the ball in his hands allows him to get to the hoop whenever he pleases. Also uses a nice cross-over dribble to get into the paint.
• Prefers to go right. Needs to mix in a few drives left at the next level to keep defenses honest.
• Improving jump shot that will open things up for him as he continues to progress.
• Great energy on the court. Always active and playing hard.
• Good on-ball defender due to size, speed and most importantly, effort.

As of right now, Knight has not decided what college he will attend next fall. Florida, UConn, Kansas, Miami and Kentucky are all still on his radar. If I had to guess, I would say that he stays home in Florida and plays for the Gators. Whichever program that he goes to, will be getting a very good floor general. Potential lottery pick in the 2011 draft.

 3. Jared Sullinger PF 6′8” 262 lbs. Ohio State

• An absolute beast down low in the paint. Uses size and strength to be a dominant scorer in the post.
• Has a very good understanding of how to position himself in the post. Always creates good angles for his teammates to get the ball down low to him. Has terrific hands which allow him to catch bullet passes from penetrating guards.
• Big time rebounder who owns the glass. Will pull double-digit boards for Ohio St on a nightly basis.
• Has some perimeter skills as well. Solid ball handler and he can also shoot it out to 18 feet.
• A coaches son that brings all of the intangibles. Toughest player on this list.

Sullinger will produce right away for the Buckeyes. He is an absolute man-child at 6′8” 262 lbs. There are better NBA prospects that are rated lower than him on this list, but he just might be the best recruit out of anyone on this list, Barnes included, because he will probably stay in school for a few years to prove to scouts that he can be effective despite being a little on the short side for a NBA PF. The recent success of Paul Millsap and Carl Landry will help him convince scouts that he can be effective in the pro’s despite being an inch or two shorter than the average power forward.