The SLAM Fresh 25 — 2009
Aggrey Sam gives you a quarter’s worth of prospects you’ll be hearing plenty about in a year–and for many, many years after that.
The Aggrey Sam Fresh 25 - 2009
| Rank | Name | Ht | Pos | Last | School | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lance Stephenson | 6-5 | SG/PG | 1 | Lincoln (NY) | Stephenson can do everything his Lincoln predecessors Steph and Bassy could--and he's bigger, if not better. |
| 2 | DeMarcus Cousins | 6-10 | PF/C | 3 | LeFlore (AL) | While his ballhandling and shooting range are intriguing, Cousins is an absolute beast around the hoop, where he owns the boards, is a presence on D and can score whenever he wants in the post. |
| 3 | Renardo Sidney | 6-10 | PF/SF | 2 | Fairfax (CA) | Almost unfairly talented, Sidney is a 2008 version of Derrick Coleman: he can shoot, pass and handle like a guard, but has the bulk, athleticism and footwork to dominate the paint and boards. |
| 4 | Xavier Henry | 6-6 | SG/SF | 6 | Putnam City (OK) | The Kobe comparisons are a bit premature, but the smooth wing's polished skills, hops and pure stroke have a similar impact on the prep level. |
| 5 | Derrick Favors | 6-9 | PF/C | 5 | South Atlanta (GA) | Favors is a traditional big man with fundamentals, top-flight athleticism and a great motor, rules the paint like no other post player in the class. |
| 6 | Kenny Boynton | 6-2 | SG/PG | 4 | American Heritage (FL) | A lightning-quick scorer with a high basketball IQ, Boynton is equally adept at putting defenders on skates as he is making their faces wet from way out. |
| 7 | Jordan Hamilton | 6-7 | SF | 10 | Dominguez (CA) | A deadeye shooter with great size and hops, the L.A. product is versatile enough to mix it up in the lane and push the point on occasion. |
| 8 | Dominic Cheek | 6-6 | SG/SF | 8 | St. Anthony (NJ) | Bob Hurley Sr. touts this rail-thin wing as potentially one of the best ever out of Jersey City--and after watching him slice up defenses off the dribble and rain in treys, it's hard to disagree. |
| 9 | Dexter Strickland | 6-3 | PG/SG | 7 | St. Patrick's (NJ) | The next superstar out of St. Pat's is incredibly smooth, polished versatile and unselfish--and it doesn't hurt that he's a freak athlete with a tremendous stroke. |
| 10 | Alex Oriakhi | 6-9 | PF/C | 14 | Tilton (NH) | A very early commit to Jim Calhoun's Huskies, Oriakhi is a true post player who finishes strong, owns the glass and either swats or alters every shot on defense. |
| 11 | Karron Johnson | 6-8 | PF/SF | 12 | Mt. Zion (NC) | A monster athlete whose future could be on the wing, Johnson is a Windex man who takes no prisoners on the inside--and will hammer on anybody foolish enough to jump with him. |
| 12 | Leslie McDonald | 6-4 | SG/PG | 11 | Briarcrest (TN) | An incredibly well-rounded guard, McDonald can do a little of everything--play the point, knock down jumpers and D up. |
| 13 | Maalik Wayns | 6-1 | PG | 16 | Roman Catholic (PA) | Kyle Lowry's protege, a Villanova commit, is a true point guard in the Philly tradition: hard-nosed, hard to contain off the dribble, a clutch shot-maker and defensive minded. |
| 14 | Terrell Vinson | 6-6 | SF/PF | 15 | Montrose Christian (MD) | Too strong for wings, too skilled for big men, Vinson is a mature player who produces every time out. |
| 15 | Clarence Trent | 6-7 | SF/PF | NR | Findlay (NV) | A high-flying athlete who excels in transition, the Washington state native blends wing skills and 3-point range with ruggedness on the interior. |
| 16 | Isaiah Armwood | 6-8 | PF/SF | 19 | Montrose Christian (MD) | "Upside" is the word most frequently associated with the long and athletic Armwood, however, his developing inside-out game and mean streak make him pretty effective right now. |
| 17 | John Wall | 6-3 | PG/SG | 18 | Word of God (NC) | A speed demon who can run the show and get buckets against the best of them, Wall's athleticism has ACC schools salivating already. |
| 18 | Quincy Acy | 6-8 | PF | 17 | Horn (TX) | The raw, high-energy big man is hungry on the boards, intimidates on D and is a lock to throw down at least one rim-rocking bang every time he steps on the floor. |
| 19 | Abdul Gaddy | 6-3 | PG | NR | Bellarmine (WA) | The recent Arizona commit is a polished true point who makes his teammates better, knocks down outside shots and uses his size to get to the cup. |
| 20 | Mason Plumlee | 6-10 | SF/PF | 20 | Christ School (NC) | A good shooter from 15 feet and out, skilled with the ball and surprisingly tough on the interior, Plumlee's best days are ahead of him. |
| 21 | Gregory Echenique | 6-10 | C | 21 | St. Benedict's (NJ) | A massive post presence with improving skills, the Venezuela native is an enforcer who finishes well around the hoop. |
| 22 | Shawn Williams | 6-6 | SF | NR | Duncanville (TX) | Once known as only a shooter, the Dallas-area native has starting to round out his game with more toughness, defensive effort, rebounding ability, post moves and finishing skills. |
| 23 | John Henson | 6-9 | PF | 22 | Round Rock (TX) | Henson still needs to add weight to his skinny frame, but his J, length and willingness to battle on the inside bodes well for the future. |
| 24 | Christian Watford | 6-8 | SF/PF | NR | Clay-Chalkville (AL) | Watford's size on the wing, lean frame, swoops to the hoop and finishing ability are somewhat McGradyesque. |
| 25 | Michael Snaer | 6-5 | SG | NR | Rancho Verde (CA) | A solidly-built athlete who excels in transition and can also D up, Snaer is an absolute sniper from deep. |
38 Responses to “The SLAM Fresh 25 — 2009”
Jul.23 at 4:24 pm
Ben says:
ferrrst…
Jul.23 at 4:52 pm
Shawn Kemp Jr. says:
Good sh*t Aggrey, and Lance at number one is a solid choice, but what do you think of Karron Johnson, Mt. Zion is my city of residence and i seen him play before he is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!Dude dunks on everything
Jul.23 at 4:59 pm
jr says:
2nd
Jul.23 at 5:28 pm
lawrence moten says:
Nice list, Lance probably isnt REALLY #1 anymore but he is solid top 5. You could move any of those around probably, but Renardo is a better overall prospect than anyone. Maybe lately John Riek has established himself, or at least started to, as the top overall prospect, but he should be #1 in the post-grad rankings and probably not be put with the class of 2009, since he isn’t graduating high school in 2009.
Jul.23 at 7:35 pm
see-murda says:
wow, nobody from Oak Hill, i guess they havnt recruited that far ahead yet?
Jul.23 at 8:09 pm
hoblin22 says:
Please tell me Tristan Thompson will be on the 2010 list.
Jul.23 at 9:07 pm
ty akins says:
lance at number 1 was a good choice. i believe he will be the best thing outta of coney island.
Jul.24 at 4:08 pm
John says:
what about the candian kid who’s brother was shot two years ago. i forgot his name, but he was featured in SLAM.
Jul.24 at 6:14 pm
Homie says:
John you’re thinking of Junior Cadougan (not sure I spelled that correctly). I was wondering that too.
Jul.24 at 6:51 pm
John says:
Oh yeah that’s his name. I remember they had him in the Toronto Star like everyday for a week when his brother got shot. It’s sad with the increased rate of violence in Toronto.
Jul.24 at 11:14 pm
Bruno Chu says:
Junior needs to work on his body. He still has some baby fat on him. I talked to him a couple of months ago and he is working hard on cardio and weights to chisel out.
Jul.25 at 3:28 pm
a. sam says:
Shawn: I really like Karron’s game and as he continues to polish his wing game and extend his range, I think his hops and strength will be even more dangerous, since he won’t have to rely on them as much. The best-case scenario for him is blossoming into a Caron Butler-type with even more athleticism.
lawrence: Lance just plays harder and is more dominant than Renardo, but I agree thast Renardo is the best talent. John Riek is probably the most INTRIGUING prospect, but is still very raw. I saw what was probably one of his first games on a big stage (at the Primetime Shootout in February) and really liked him, but his body and skills have to catch up with his potential. Remember the Hasheem Thabeet hype machine last year?
see-murda: Oak Hill’s best 2009 prospect last year was Terrance Boyd, who I’ve heard won’t return next season. I like his frame and aggressiveness, but he doesn’t crack my top 25. I’ve hear of a few big-name 09 prospects possibly transferring, but I don’t know who’s coming for sure yet.
hoblin22: Satisfied?
John/Homie: Junior was featured in SLAM, but the player whose brother was shot (at Duquesne University) is Olu Ashaolu, a member of the 08 class.
Bruno: I agree 100%.
Jul.25 at 4:32 pm
Aiden says:
Junior’s brother was also shot while they were in Toronto, one of the reasons he left.
Jul.25 at 5:13 pm
a. sam says:
Aiden: You are correct, my mistake.
Jul.27 at 11:42 am
Greg says:
Good list Aggrey! I like where you have Wyans. Dexter Strickland is the real deal and is there any truth to the rumor that Nolan Dennis is going to be suiting up alongside him at St. Pat’s? If so, thats trouble. Being from Philly I’m real excited about the 09 class with Wyans, Dalton Pepper, Greg Robbins, Rahlir Jefferson, and my man, Aaric “Mr. Potential” Murray. Throw in Jesse Morgan and Lijah Thomspon….you will be watching some real big time talent the next 2 years in the Philly area.
Jul.27 at 6:25 pm
a. sam says:
Greg: Thanks. I think ‘Lik could be the best true point in 09. I’ve heard the Dennis to St. Pat’s rumors, but I was told it’s not a done deal yet. I hear great things about Dennis, but when I saw him in person, he wasn’t at his best. Still, he’s clearly very talented. I LOVE Rahlir Jefferson and Aaric Murray. I live in Philly myself, so I’m hopeful you’re right.
Jul.30 at 2:04 pm
Greg says:
Aggrey, you should head out to the Media Men’s league on Wednesday night to check out Murray. His team plays against Lynn and Lamar Greer and Hakim Warrick in the first round of the playoffs. Speaking of Media League and 09, Oscar Griffin had a pretty big night out there last night.
Jul.31 at 10:40 am
a. sam says:
Greg: what time do they play wednesday? I might try to make it out there. I wasn’t a big fan of Oscar early on in his career (thought he was hyped up), but he’s growing on me.
Aug.1 at 12:24 pm
Greg says:
Murray and his team play at 6:30. Not sure if Hakim Warrick is around but I know Lamar and Lynn Greer are both playing tonight.
Aug.2 at 2:09 am
bmd says:
How is Xavier Henry Number 6??The kid is SICK,Rivals and Scout both have him at now lower than 5.This list is a Joke.
Aug.3 at 12:06 am
darrell says:
dont no one talk bad bout lance cuz i’ve gotten recognized on da playgrounds now afta stealing his lay-up he did in his feshman yr lol
Aug.9 at 12:20 pm
TJ says:
A. Sam, I noticed a few articles back, in the comments section you asked that I e-mail you regarding A. Murray. I just saw that today and I do not have your e-mail. Just hit me at tjmann44@gmail.com and I’ll help you out.
Aug.13 at 6:03 pm
a. sam says:
Greg: I got your comment too late to make that game. I’m mad I didn’t hit Media this year, but at least I can catch the pro-am at Drexel. bmd: We’re not Rivals or Scout. That said, rankings are not set in stone.
Aug.15 at 8:25 pm
Mike says:
Derrick Favors should be number 1 on your list.
Aug.18 at 12:19 am
Chukaz says:
Yo, you missed me. I’m graduating in 09 and I should at least crack the top 10.
Aug.19 at 2:01 pm
shaun says:
this is a good list but noel johnson should be in the top ten or atleast on the list and john riek reclassfied to 2008 and he is ranked number 2 how is he not in the top 5 for 2008? i saw noel johnson and maalik waynes play at hte nba camp and johnson was a beast and waynes was overshadowed by the speed and play making ability of dash harris
Aug.20 at 1:14 am
bmd says:
your right ur not rivals or scout.With that being said,XAVIER HENRY IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THIS CLASS.This kid has all the tools,you will see him in the league VERY SOON.
Aug.21 at 12:07 am
Domo says:
RIGHT ON POINT WITH LANCE AT THE #1 SPOT . ANY THOUGHTS ON JAMIL WILSON. HE’S RANKED # 3 ON RIVALS.
Aug.21 at 1:12 pm
Ben Osborne says:
Isn’t riek a senior now? Looking forward to some revised rankings…
Aug.22 at 12:24 am
Domo says:
i had an eror on jamil wilson ranking. i mistakenly said he was # 3 but i meant 33 was his ranking on rivals. my fault
Aug.23 at 1:00 am
EMac says:
Terrence roderick My Man U.A.B get ready 4 takeover hahah
Aug.23 at 1:00 am
EMac says:
Terrence roderick My Man U.A.B get ready 4 takeover hahah
Aug.29 at 11:02 pm
Mr. Mills says:
What about Peyton Siva from Seattle, Wa
Sep.3 at 8:56 pm
Mr. Egg says:
You have a great list. If you get a chance check a kid from Louisville Atherton name Troy Weatherford. A true point guard and knows the game. He’s probably the best point guard in town. He’s from the same hometown as Rajon Rhondo, Allan Houston, Darrell Griffith, Wes Unseld and Derek Anderson. Check out his stats on MaxPrep.
Sep.16 at 10:31 am
Greg says:
Taran Buie from Bishop Magin, in NY can play better then half these chumps
Sep.16 at 10:36 am
MisterRobertonSanzeas says:
I’m form Shen, i seen TARAN play… nasty, but he’s only a sophmore, and I would still agree with you, but let’s not forget about the prodigy from Saratoga Jordan Stevens, bought time he got some exposure, he was playing varsity in like 7th grade
Nov.7 at 1:02 pm
DEE VA says:
I SEEN THA MAN PLAY IN VA THATS WERE WE FROM THA BOY IS AH MAN AMONG BOYS
Mar.21 at 11:36 pm
Dukefan says:
Lance is a solid numba 1, but watch out 4 Kenny Boynton he’s an explosive scorer