“Blast from the past” The Top 25 AAU Teams from 2003
Imagine how good a team has to be to have Ty Lawson and Roy Hibbert coming off the bench? What about a front court of 6’10 Dwight Howard, 6’11 Randolph Morris, and 6’9 Josh Smith with Javaris Crittendon coming off the bench. Al Jefferson led the way for his Jackson Tigers squad while UNC’s Tyler Hansborough came off the bench for the St. Louis Eagles. The Alabama Lasers started two McDonald's All-Americans, D.J. White and Richard Hendrix, bringing Demarre Carroll off the bench. Rotary was loaded, with Marvin Williams being the “guy” and Rodney Stuckey as a running mate. Southeast Pump N Run was led by McDonald's All-American Mike Williams and Alabama Commit Glen Miles. There were so many future NBA players who filled these big-time rosters. At a time when there weren’t many teams or circuits, 15’s and 16’s weren’t as prevalent, you really had to be like that to be in the mix. Check out the top 25 teams below:
1. D.C. Blue Devils (Adelphi, Md.)
Coach: Rob Jackson
Affiliation: Nike
Top Dog: F Brian Johnson (6-9, 235, SR)
Starters: G Isaiah Swann (6-2, 187, SR); F James Gist (6-7, 205, SR); WG-WF Cheyenne Moore (6-5, 175, SR); G Eric Price (6-1, JR)
Others: F Davis Nwankwo (6-8, 220, SR); BF-C Peter Prowitt (6-10, 245, SR); SG Marcus Ginyard (6-4, 175, JR); C Roy Hibbert (7-1, SR); G Justin Castleberry (6-2, JR); G Brad Ferrell (6-5, SR); G Tywon Lawson (5-10, SOPH)
Strength: Depth
Weakness: Chemistry
Notes: The Blue Devils second team may be as talented, if not more so, than many teams' starting five, and that?s why they get our nod for the top team in the land. They have guards, forwards, offensive players, shot-blockers and anything else you?d want. Johnson is in demand by Duke, UNC, Florida and Maryland while the Terps are also in pursuit of Swann. Prowitt has committed to Stanford and Price and Ginyard are two of the top juniors in the nation. Perhaps the only thing that can beat this team is a total collapse of team chemistry.
Opening Major Tourney: Boo Williams
2. Atlanta Celtics (Atlanta, Ga.)
Coach: Wallace Prather
Affiliation: Adidas
Top Dog: F Dwight Howard (6-10, 235, SR)
Starters: WF Josh Smith (6-9, 205, SR); C Randolph Morris (6-11, 235, SR); SG Dwayne Day (6-5, 185, SR); PG Montavious Waters (6-3, SR)
Others: G Jarvis Crittendon (6-4, SOPH); BF Ousmane Konate (6-8, 240, SR); F Michael Walker (6-7, 185, SR); BF Warren McClendon (6-6, 250, SR); WG Quay Marbury (6-5, SR); F Desmond Williams (6-6, SR); G Eddie Dawson (6-1, SR)
Strength: Size
Weakness: Backcourt leadership
Notes: Howard, Smith and Morris comprise one of the best frontcourts in the history of AAU basketball. The Celtics can bring in even more in Konate, who committed to Missouri and is rehabbing from a leg injury, off the bench. Prather has plenty of quality guards at his disposal, but the key will be keeping these guys interested game after game. Waters will have the most difficult job in AAU basketball _ to keep all three guys on the frontline happy. It won't be easy.
Opening Tourney: Texas Classic (Houston, Texas)
3. Jackson Tigers (Jackson, Miss.)
Coach: Larry Stamps
Affiliation: Nike
Top Dog: C Al Jefferson (6-8, 270, SR)
Starters: BF Charles Rhodes (6-8, 220, SR); PG Charlie White (5-11, SR); SG Bobby Clark (6-5, 180, SR); WF Charles Thomas (6-7, 210, SR)
Others: BF Mekel Marshall (6-8, 240, SR); WG-WF Kevin McCoy (6-4, SR); PG Bryant Spillers (6-2, SR); G Marves Fairley (6-2, SR); G Michael Hoover (6-2, SR)
Strength: Size
Weakness: Backcourt depth
Notes: The chemistry should be there with Rhodes, Clark and Thomas all playing together at Jackson Lanier. Jefferson may be the top player in the 2004 class while White is an underrated floor leader who led Provine High to the state crown this past season. Rhodes is versatile and couldn't play this past season after transferring in from Forest, but he could be a top 25-caliber player when this summer is over. Marshall is coming back from a knee injury and gives the team another big body. </b>
Opening Tourney: Boo Williams
4. Michigan Hurricanes (Flint, Mich.)
Coach: Chris Grier
Affiliation: Adidas
Top Dog: WF Roy Bright (6-6, 200, SR)
Starters: BF Marquise Gray (6-6, 200, SR); WG James Hardy (6-5, 180, SR); PG Churchill Odia (6-5, 170, SR); C Goran Sutton (6-10, SR)
Others: WF Miguel Hall (6-3, SR); SG Brian Moten (6-4, SR); Tunj Soroye (6-10, 240, SR); F Derrick Nelson (6-5, SR); WG Courtney Jennings (6-3, SR)
Strength: Versatility
Weakness: Backup floor leader
Notes: Grier has gone out of state to pick up some of the top players in the nation. Bright comes via North Carolina and is one of the top wings in the country while Odia and Soroye played at Montrose Christian (Md.). Hardy lives a couple hours away in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and is a terrific wing guard, and Gray (Michigan State) is a rebounding machine whose offensive game is improving. Hall gives the team an Anthony Mason-type off the bench.
Opening Tourney: Texas Classic (Houston)
5. St. Louis Eagles (St. Louis, Mo.)
Coach: Eric Long
Affiliation: Nike
Top Dog: BF Kalen Grimes (6-8, 255, SR)
Starters: BF Matt Shaw (6-7, 220, SR); WF/WG Tommy Liddell (6-5, 180, SR); WG Xavier Price (6-3, 180, SR); PG Monroe Douglass Jr. (5-11, 160, SR)
Others: WG/WF Terry Evans (6-4, 185, SR); BF/C Drew Richards (6-9, 215, SR); PG/WG Aaron Jackson (6-3, 170, SR); BF Tyler Hansborough (6-8, 210, JR); WG Cameron Murkey (6-3, 190, SR); PG Tommie House (5-10, 170, SR); PG/WG Trevor Stone (6-2, 170, SR); WG J.B. Jones (6-2, 170, SR)
Strength: Athleticism, depth
Weakness: Finding enough playing time to keep everybody happy
Notes: Fresh off last year's Super Showcase title, this could be one of the most talented groups the Eagles have had. Loaded with athletes galore on the wing and underrated guards like Douglass, the Eagles will be anchored by Grimes, who is an absolute beast when motivated. Price and Evans are top-100 kids. Keep an eye out for Richards, who could emerge as a sleeper this summer. Hansborough is a very talented and skilled inside/outside guy who could emerge as one of the top 25 prospects in the Class of 2005. There is also a chance that the Eagles could have the services of 6-6 Kansas City native Brandon Rush for a few events.
Opening Tourney: Boo Williams
6. Alabama Lasers (Huntsville, Ala.)
Coach: Wig Pearson/Ronnie Flakes
Affiliation: Nike
Top Dog: BF/C D.J. White (6-9, 225, SR)
Starters: F Richard Hendrix (6-8, JR); PG Tank Beavers (6-1, SR); G Ron Steele (6-2, SR); G Courtney Beasley (6-3, SR)
Others: C Yamene Coleman (6-10, 220, JR); F Demarre Carroll (6-6, SR); G Antonio Odoms (6-3, SR); F Victor Fryer (6-6, SR); PG Marcus Young (5-10, SR); F Wesley Jones (6-7, SR); F Rafael Brown (6-7, SR); BF/C Charlie Parker (6-8, SR); PG Ryan Mashburn (6-0, SR); PG Keagan Bell (5-11, FR)
Strength: Point guard play
Weakness: Defense
Notes: White is a power forward who can mix it up underneath and also step up and knock down the 15-footer. He's got Alabama, Indiana, Florida, UNC, Auburn and Miss. State among his finalists. Hendrix is one of the top forwards from the 2005 class and should provide White plenty of help on the interior. Steele, who played with the Alabama Ice last summer, is a big addition and one of the more underrated floor leaders in the nation.
Opening Tourney: Boo Williams
7. Rotary Select (Seattle, Wash.)
Coach: Adam Sedlik
Affiliation: Adidas
Top Dog: F Marvin Williams (6-8, 220, SR)
Starters: PG Lyndale Burleson (6-2, 175, SR); BF Josh Heytvelt (6-8, 205, SR); WG Rodney Stuckey (6-4, SR); WF/WG Marcus Williams (6-6, JR)
Others: F Andrew Strait (6-8, SR); WF John Rogers (6-5, SR); PG Jordan Sutton (5-10, JR); WG/WF Terrence Williams (6-5, JR)
Strength: Experience; Scoring
Weakness: True Center
Notes: It?s hard to imagine a better 1-2-3 punch than Williams, Burleson and Heytvelt. Williams, who reminds some Danny Manning back in his Kansas days, can do it all and all he cares about is winning. His final six are UNC, Washington, Arizona, Kansas, Oregon and Duke. Look for Stuckey to emerge as a quality role player and Marcus Williams should provide plenty of help as well. Burleson is quick and has improved his decision-making in the past year since transferring from O'Dea to Franklin High.
Opening Tourney: Texas Classic (Houston)
8. S.C. All-Stars (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Coach: Pat Barrett/Reggie Theus
Affiliation: Reebok
Top Dog: SG Aaron Afflalo (6-4, 190, SR)
Starters: C David Burgess (6-10, 250, SR); F Amir Johnson (6-9, JR); PG Vincent Oliver (6-2, SR); WF Marcel Jones (6-7, 205, SR)
Others: BF Chris Henry (6-8, 210, SR); WG Marcus Johnson (6-4, JR); PG Marcus Everett (6-1, SR)
Strength: Balance
Weakness: Inside scoring
Notes: We're giving Barrett's crew the nod as the team to beat in Cali. Burgess gives the team a legitimate big man who knows his role while Afflalo, being recruited by plenty of high-majors including Kansas and Louisville, can score with anyone out West. Johnson is a talented young forward and Jones can light it up. Oliver played with Omar Wilkes at Loyola this past season and Johnson gives the team another scoring threat off the bench.
Opening Tourney: Las Vegas Easter Classic (Nev.)
9. Team Texas (Rowlett, Texas)
Coach: Darryl Horton/Wes Grandstaff
Affiliation: Nike
Top Dog: BF-C LeMarcus Aldridge (6-11, 220, SR)
Starters: PG Jason Horton (6-1, 170, SR); WF Rell Porter (6-7, 187, SR); BF Kevin Langford (6-8, 205, SR); WG Collin Dennis (6-3, SR)
Others: G Evan Risher (6-2, SR); G Antwaun Harris (6-2, SR); WG-WF Matt Holland (6-5, SR); Pavlos
Strength: Shooting
Weakness: Inside toughness
Notes: The inside-out combo of Horton and Aldridge could be unmatched anywhere on the circuit. Both are unselfish while Porter and Langford, the younger brother of Kansas swingman Keith Langford, will get a chance to show what they can do playing big-time minutes. Watch for Dennis, a terrific shooter from Richland Hills who will also fill in at the point when Horton needs a break. These guys are much better offensively than a year ago, but may lack that bruiser inside.
Opening Tourney: Boo Williams
10. Tim Thomas Playaz (Paterson, N.J.)
Coach: Jimmy Salmons
Affiliation: Adidas
Top Dog: WG-WF J.R. Smith (6-5, 190, SR)
Starters: BF Stanley Branch (6-7, 210, SR); WF Dave McClure (6-5, 195, SR); PG Sean Singletary (5-10, 170, PG); BF Taj Finger (6-8, 200, SR)
Others: PG Courtney Nelson (6-1, 160, SR); PG Jamual Warren (6-2, 190, SR); BF Joe Dyson (6-9, 245, SR); WF Jordan Fowler (6-5, 190, SR); F Alex Galindo (6-8, SR)
Strength: Quickness
Weakness: Size
Notes: This year's Playaz squad may not be very big, but Salmons? The team can flat-out run. With Singletary running things, there will be more open looks for guys like Smith and McClure, both of whom have attracted interest from Duke. Branch is an athletic shot-blocker, but won't be able to play with Salmons full-time because of his age, and Warren can also push the ball as quickly as almost anyone. The key will be whether they can handle themselves on the glass.
Opening Tourney: Hosted (and won) Spring Fest; Providence Jam Fest; Texas Classic (Houston)
11. Southeast Pump N Run (Huntsville, Alabama)
Coach: Mark Komara/Ronnie Stapler
Affiliation: Adidas
Top Dog: BF Mike Williams (6-8, 220, SR)
Starters: G Glenn Miles (6-5, 190, SR); WF Tyler Smith (6-6, 200, JR); Cyrus McGowen (6-11, 235, JR); PG Jonathan Wallace (6-2, 175, SR)
Others: SG Shay Shannon (6-3, 185, SR); SG Casey Stafford (6-3, 170, SR); PG Eric Howard (6-0, 160, SR); C F Dusty Moore (6-8, 225, JR); SG Jarvis Hill (6-2, JR); BF Joey Cameron (6-9, 225, SOPH)
Strength: Versatility
Weakness: Lack of true center
Notes: Williams is tough inside, but he'll be going against 7-footers at times and that could be asking too much of the physical power forward. He's looking at Florida, Alabama and Duke as his top three. Miles can play a few different positions and both Stafford and Shannon give Pump N Run quality outside shooters. Smith and Chase are both among the top rising juniors in the nation.
Opening Tourney: Texas Classic (Houston)
12. Tallahassee Wildcats (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Coach: John Adkins
Affiliation: Nike
Top Dog: G Darius Washington (6-1, 165, SR)
Starters: PG Taurean Green (6-0, 165, SR); WF Cornelius Ingram (6-5, 200, SR); PG Alex Gordon (6-0, 160, SR); C Jason Bennett (7-1, SOPH)
Others: F Michael Lee (6-7, SR); G Jon Mason (6-3, SR); F Ken Mitchell (6-7, SR)
Strength: Quickness
Weakness: Size
Notes: Adkins doesn't have a lot of size with this group, so they'll get out and run. Washington will do what he does best, which is score. Green and Gordon can both play the point while Ingram, a two-sport star who is being recruited by all the in-state schools for both football and basketball, will need to be physical and hit the boards. Bennett won't have to score much, but he's the only legitimate big man and will need to stay out of foul trouble.
Opening Tourney: Boo Williams
13. Riverside Church (New York, N.Y.)
Coach: Kenny Pretlow/Hakiem Yahmadi
Affiliation: Nike
Top Dog: PG A.J. Price (6-2, 165, SR)
Starters: C Derrick Caracter (6-9, 270, SOPH); SG Keith Benjamin (6-2, SR); BF Tyrell Biggs (6-6, 270, JR); PF Arturo Dubois (6-6, 230, SR)
Others: WF Dexter Gray (6-5, SR); PG Desean Gist (6-2, SR); BF John Oates (6-9, 245, SR)
Strength: Size
Weakness: Shooting
Notes: Price is an underrated guard who can score with the best of them and is being looked at by numerous Big East schools and some ACC programs as well. Caracter is a man among boys who played last season at St. Pat's _ and is just a rising sophomore. Biggs and Oates _ a pair of Don Bosco players _ give the team added beef up front while Benjamin, who comes from the same school as UConn's Ben Gordon, should form a formidable backcourt with Price.
Opening Tourney: Boo Williams
14. YOMCA (Memphis, Tenn.)
Coach: Keith Easterwood/Bobby Dodd
Affiliation: Nike
Top Dog: PG Andre Allen (5-9, 185, SR)
Starters: F Shawne Williams (6-8, 215, SR); SG Charles Hampton (6-2, 180, SR); F Jerrell Houston (6-8, 200, SR); WG-WF Jonathan Ball (6-4, SR)
Others: BF Keiron Jackson (6-9, 220, SR); BF Frank Holmes (6-8, 205, SR); WF David Jackson (6-5, SR); WG/WF Rorey Lawrence (6-5, SR)
Strength: Quickness, depth
Weakness: Perimeter shooting
Notes: Allen, who likes Memphis, Tennessee and UConn, will need to play more in control and distribute the ball to the plethora of offensive options on the floor. Hampton is a two-sport star who can stack up against anyone athletically while Williams is a terrific shooter who could stay home in Memphis for college. Easterwood expects big things from Ball, who was on the state title club at White Station. Houston and Jackson are both athletic big men at Memphis East.
Opening Tourney: Boo Williams
15. Nike Team Florida (St. Petersburg, Fla.)
Coach: Tom Topping
Affiliation: Nike
Top Dog: WG Jason Rich (6-4, 190, SR)
Starters: WF Keith Brumbaugh (6-9, JR); C Alexander "Sasha" Kaun (6-11, 245, SR) PG Trey Hopkins (6-1, SR); BF Andrew Reed (6-8, SR)
Others: PG Walter Hodge (6-0, JR); BF-C Robinson Louisme (6-8, 255, SR); F Zaronn Cann (6-6, 220, SR); F Greg Carr (6-6, SR)
Strength: Frontline
Weakness: Point guard
Notes: Rich, who likes Florida, Cincinnati, Texas, Oklahoma and UConn, is a hard-nosed athlete who has tremendous leadership skills and Brumbaugh and Cann have both played against older competition for the past two years. The key has been the addition of both Kaun and Louisme, both of which give the squad legitimate low-post options and rebounders. Look for Carr to surprise people with his perimeter play and passing abilities. Hopkins and Hodge will battle for the starting point guard spot.
Opening Tourney: Boo Williams
16. The Family (Detroit, Mich.)
Coach: Durand "Speedy" Walker
Affiliation: Nike
Top Dog: WF Ron Coleman (6-6, 210, SR)
Starters: WG Joe Crawford (6-4, 205, SR); WG-WF Malik Hairston (6-6, 185, SR); PG Chris Douglass-Roberts (6-5, JR); C Jamal Locke (6-7, SR)
Others: PG Marcus Crenshaw (5-10, SR); PG Jarrett Smith (6-2, JR); C Anthony Sparks (6-10, JR); F Lionel Sullivan (6-6, JR); PG Brandon Bradford (5-10, SR); G Eric Devendorf (6-2, JR); F Jairocey Simpson (6-7, JR)
Strength: Athleticism
Weakness: Size
Notes: Coleman, a prolific scorer, and the ultra-athletic Crawford have both already committed to Michigan while Hairston is another wing who can flat-out play. Crenshaw and Douglass-Roberts will see the majority of the time at the point while Sparks will give the team a big body in the middle.
Opening Tourney: Boo Williams
17. NC Gaters (Greensboro, N.C.)
Coach: Steve Shelton
Affiliation: Reebok
Top Dog: C-BF Cedric Simmons (6-9, 215, SR)
Starters: WF James Mays (6-8, 195, SR); G JamesOn Curry (6-2, 175, SR); PG Kenny Hunt (5-11, 185, SR); WF/WG Jason Thompson (6-5, 190, SR)
Others: BF-C Sam Faulk (6-8, 230, SR); F Travoris Watts (6-7, 200, SR); WF Larry Smith (6-6, 180, SR); WG Simon Harris (6-4, 210, SR); G Mack Montgomery (6-3, 190, SR); G Takayo Siddle (5-10, 170, SR); PG Marcus Hairston (5-10, 180, SR); PG JaRon Goodson (5-8, 160, SR)
Strength: Athleticism
Weakness: Inside bulk
Notes: Simmons has already committed to N.C. State while Curry is slated to attend North Carolina. Mays is a highly-touted wing from Garner High, but the strength of this club is its depth and athleticism.
18. Ft. Sooy No Limit (Urbana-Champaign, Ill.)
Coach: Verdell Jones
Affiliation: None
Top Dog: PG Shaun Livingston (6-5, 165, SR)
Starters: G Justin Cerasoli (6-4, 165, SR); C Nick Yelovich (6-9, SR); WF Rodney Edgerson (6-6, SR); G Brandon Lee (6-1, SR)
Others: BF DeAndre Miranda (6-7, SR); WG-WF Ollie Harrison (6-5, SR); WG Cameron Jones (6-6, SR); Lestan Hoskins (6-3, SR); WG-WF Sean Raboin (6-7, SR); BF DeMar McKnight (6-7, SR); PG T.J. Gray (5-8, SR)
Strength: Athleticism
Weakness: Size
Notes: Livingston, who appears to be favoring in-state Illinois out of his six finalists, and Cerasoli, who likes Ohio State and N.C. State, are arguably the two top floor leaders in the state of Illinois, and they should have no problem sharing the ball this summer. Edgerson is a senior who will prep next year at Winchendon, but the question will be whether they have enough horses down low.
Opening Tourney: Kingwood Classic (Houston)
19. Albany City Rocks (Albany, N.Y.)
Coach: Jim Hart/Anthony Marino
Affiliation: Nike
Top Dog: BF Dayshawn Wright (6-6, 230, SR)
Starters: PG Tiki Mayben (6-3, 155, JR); PG Greg Paulus (6-2, 175, JR); WF Will Daniels (6-6, SR); BF Sam Dolan (6-8, SR)
Others: PG Taquan Evans (6-3, SR); WF Josh Pelletier (6-5, SR); BF Brian Monahan (6-6, SR); WG Artavius Fisher (6-1, SR); WG Antwon White (6-3, SR); WF Jason James (6-4, SR); WG Steve Dagostino (6-1, SR)
Strength: Guards
Weakness: Not great man-to-man team
Notes: The Rocks feature two of the elite young floor leaders in America in Paulus and Mayben, so they?ll be tough to pressure. Wright is a force on the inside who likes Syracuse and he'll get help from Daniels and Dolan, who played at St. Thomas More this past season.
Opening Tourney: Boo Williams
20. Georgia Elite (Atlanta, Ga.)
Coach: Linzy Davis
Affiliation: Nike
Top Dog: BF-C Mohamed Tangara (6-10, 230, SR)
Starters: PG Tramell Wooten (6-3, SR); BF Richard Dorsey (6-9, 245, SR); WF Robert Dozier (6-9, 180, SR); WG Archie Miaway (6-4, SR)
Others: F Daniel Northern (6-9, 185, SR); WG Jay Anderson (6-4, SR); F Durand Murray (6-8, SR); G Elliott McCray (6-4, SR); PG Antwane Coates (5-8, SR); WG Yasin Id-Deen (6-2, SR)
Strength: Inside
Weakness: Perimeter shooting
Notes: You'll be hard-pressed to find a harder-working big man than Tangara, who is a defensive force and has really stepped up his offensive play as well. Dorsey is a teammate at Mt. Zion and also provides plenty of toughness and rebounding. Wooten, who loves Kentucky, is a well-rounded point guard unknown nationally, but that could change by July. Don't be surprised if this group gets even better with foreigners Tahi Sani and Sekou Drame for selected tournaments.
Opening Tourney: Boo Williams
21. Pump N Run (Northridge, Calif.)
Coach: Dana/David Pump
Affiliation: Adidas
Top Dog: PG Jordan Farmar (6-2, 165, SR)
Starters: WG Bryce Taylor (6-4, 180, SR); WG Justin Armstrong (6-4, SR); WF Bryan Harvey (6-5, JR); C/BF Lorenzo Mata (6-10, SR)
Others: Kashif Watson (6-0, JR); WF Nick Young (6-6, SR); C Craig Austin (6-9, SR)
Strength: Guard play
Weakness: Size
Notes: The Pumps will have two teams this summer, but this one should be the premier group. Farmar has gotten attention from some of the top teams in the country, including Arizona, while Taylor is one of the top wings on the west coast. Watson is a big-time guard out of Bishop Gorman (Nev.) and the younger brother of C.J. Watson.
Opening Tourney: Texas Classic (Houston)
22. South Carolina Ravens (Columbia, S.C.)
Coach: Deion Bethea
Affiliation: Nike
Top Dog: BF ReSean Dickey (6-9, 250, SR)
Starters: WG Zam Frederick (6-1, 190, SR); G Ronald White (6-3, 180, SR); BF Philip Merling (6-6, SR); WF Josh Dollard (6-7, JR)
Others: WF Cassan Breeden (6-8, JR); C Allen Taylor (6-8, JR); C Demetrius Nelson (6-7, SR); WF Randle Magwood (6-6, SR); PG Darius Lane (6-0, SR); PG Mike Irby (5-11, SR); PG Devin Downey (5-9, JR)
Strength: Athleticism
Weakness: Size
Notes: Dickey gives the team a legitimate low-post presence while Frederick and White can both play either backcourt spot.
Opening Tourney: Boo Williams
23. Illinois Wolves (Chicago, Ill.)
Coach: Troy Johnson
Affiliation: Reebok
Top Dog: F Shaun Pruitt (6-8, 215, SR)
Starters: BF Ollie Bailey (6-7, 225, SR); G Jaeh Thomas (6-2, 185, SR); WG-WF Frank Claire (6-6, SR); F Gordon Watt (6-6, SR)
Others: WF Kyle Carrabine (6-7, SR); WG Steve Holdren (6-4, SR); PG Jaryd Lloyd (5-10, SR); WG-WF Vince Humphrey (6-6, SR); WF Chris Cornelius (6-7, SR); F Sean Kirkendoll (6-6, SR); PG Aaron Anderson (6-0, SR); PG Robin Bester (5-11, PG); PG Matt Cunningham (6-0, SR)
Strength: Frontline; Depth
Weakness: Pruitt's health
Notes: Pruitt and Bailey may be one of the top forward duos in the nation and will complement one another especially well. Bailey is all-power, while Pruitt, who has had a pair of injuries that have limited his play in the last two years, brings plenty of finesse to the table. Thomas is an ABCD veteran who can play either backcourt spot while Claire and Watt give the team scoring punch from the wings.
Opening Tourney: Kingwood Classic (Houston)
24. New Jersey All-Stars (Burlington, N.J.)
Coach: Frank Berg
Affiliation: Nike
Top Dog: F Rob Kurz (6-8, 205, SR)
Starters: C DeSean White (6-7, 215, SR); PG Cedric Jackson (6-1, 185, SR); WG Paul Gouse (5-11, 185, JR); WF Chris Burns (6-6, SR)
Others: BF Greg Lewis (6-7, 235, SR); BF Kenny Sims (6-6, 240, SR); WF Brian Grimes (6-7, JR); G Terence Grier (6-0, 185, JR); G Joe McLean (6-2, SR)
Strength: Perimeter Play
Weakness: True Center
Notes: Kurz is one of the top shooters in the nation and at 6-8, he's a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. White is undersized, but if he comes to play, he can hold his own against almost anyone. Jackson comes over from Tim Thomas and will give the team a scoring point guard. Burns was a senior this past year who is qualified and is still looking.
Opening Tourney: Boo Williams
25. Athletes First (Oklahoma City, Okl.)
Coach: Gary Vick, Kermit Holmes
Affiliation: Nike
Top Dog: BF Darnell Jackson (6-8, 235, SR)
Starters: PG Clent Stewart (6-3, 170, SR); WF Quentin Chaney (6-6, 180, SR); G A.J. Hawkins (6-4, SR); F David Godbold (6-5, SR)
Others: F Matt Cannady (6-8, 225, SR); WF Taylor Griffin (6-5, JR); BF Drew Haymaker (6-8, 235, SOPH); F Shantell Norman (6-10, SOPH); F Keith Clark (SOPH)
Strength: Perimeter threats
Weakness: Depth
Notes: Jackson is a monster inside and has drawn the attention of numerous high-major schools, including Kansas and Oklahoma. Stewart is a consummate point guard, but is coming back from a broken foot and may not be at 100 percent for the early part of the summer. Chaney barely played last year because of a shoulder injury _ he's a good athlete who has also been pursued by the locals (OU and OSU) for football. Haymaker is one of the top rising sophomores in the nation and should see some time on the under-17 squad.
Opening Tourney: Nike Memorial Day Classic (the state won't allow its teams to compete until May 18)