Class of ‘08 Rankings as seen in PUNKS
The Aggrey Sam Fresh 50 - 2008 PUNKS edition
| Rank | Name | Ht | Pos | Last | School | College? | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyreke Evans | 6-5 | SG/PG | 1 | American Christian (PA) | UConn, L'ville, Memphis, Seton Hall, Texas, 'Nova | Unlimited range, a freaky handle, solid court vision and a newfound commitment to all-around play. |
| 2 | Brandon Jennings | 6-1 | PG | 2 | Oak Hill (VA) | Arizona | Probably the quickest player in the nation, can dominate with his passing and scoring. |
| 3 | Samardo Samuels | 6-9 | PF/C | 4 | St. Benedict's (NJ) | Louisville | An absolute beast in the paint, big-time rebounder and finisher with good agility. |
| 4 | Greg Monroe | 6-10 | PF | 3 | Cox (LA) | Georgetown | Big and versatile who blocks shots, boards and handles like a guard. |
| 5 | Jrue Holiday | 6-4 | PG/SG | 5 | Campbell Hall (CA) | UCLA | Unselfish, a defensive stopper, can run the show or get buckets with the best. |
| 6 | Delvon Roe | 6-8 | PF/SF | 7 | St. Edward (OH) | Michigan State | Hard-nosed slasher is also a force on the boards and with his back to the basket. |
| 7 | Devin Ebanks | 6-8 | SF | 6 | St. Thomas More (CT) | Indiana | Lanky wing scorer can hit from deep, on mismatches on the block or on slithery slashes. |
| 8 | Willie Warren | 6-4 | SG/PG | 8 | North Crowley (TX) | Baylor, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, OK St., Texas, Louisville, Oklahoma | Athletic combo guard can get buckets from deep and on powerful drives to the cup. |
| 9 | Demar DeRozan | 6-6 | SG | 9 | Compton (CA) | USC | Probably the top athlete in his class, his improved J and handle has made him a dominant scorer. |
| 10 | Elliot Williams | 6-5 | SG/PG | 12 | St. George's (TN) | Duke | Athletic combo guard embodies smoothness, but is also a tough defender, unselfish passer and explosive finisher. |
| 11 | Tyler Zeller | 6-11 | PF/C | 11 | Washington (IN) | North Carolina | Slender little brother of Notre Dame big man Luke has made his own name due to his ability run the floor and excellent range. |
| 12 | Al-Farouq Aminu | 6-8 | SF/PF | 10 | Norcross (GA) | Wake Forest | Fluid on the wing and skilled in the post, long combo forward has tremendous potential. |
| 13 | B.J. Mullens | 7-1 | C | 13 | Canal Winchester (OH) | Ohio State | Agile and skilled big man is a dunking machine who also impacts games by swatting shots. |
| 14 | Ed Davis | 6-9 | PF | 14 | Benedictine (VA) | North Carolina | Post scorer is slender, but polished and uses athleticism to be effective on D. |
| 15 | John Riek | 7-1 | C | 15 | Winchendon (MA) | UConn, Duke, Florida, NBA? | Sudanese shot-blocking phenom is still developing offensively, but can control games in the paint. |
| 16 | JaMychal Green | 6-8 | PF | 18 | St. Jude (AL) | Alabama | A beast in the paint, able to step outside to hit jumpers and a monster on the boards. |
| 17 | Scotty Hopson | 6-6 | SF/SG | 19 | University Heights (KY) | Mississippi State | Athletic swingman is a big-time athlete who can also rain in treys from deep. |
| 18 | Malcolm Lee | 6-5 | PG/SG | 17 | North (CA) | UCLA | Long scoring point guard has a tricky handle, good court vision and can hit the open J. |
| 19 | Terrence Jennings | 6-10 | PF/C | 20 | Notre Dame (MA) | Louisville | Mercurial post player who excels in transition is a monster athlete and dunks everything around the basket. |
| 20 | Romero Osby | 6-8 | SF/PF | 21 | Northeast Lauderdale (MS) | Mississippi State | Strong and athletic wing is an athletic finisher with enough ballhandling ability to develop into a point forward. |
| 21 | Emmanuel Negedu | 6-8 | PF | 22 | Brewster (NH) | Arizona | Tough Nigerian import is a big-time athlete with a non-stop motor that allows dominates the paint. |
| 22 | William Buford | 6-5 | SG | 27 | Brewster (NH) | Ohio State | Smooth wing has a beautiful stroke, never seems to waste motion and is an athletic finisher. |
| 23 | Luke Babbitt | 6-8 | PF/SF | 25 | Galena (NV) | Nevada | Combo forward is a good shooter, can put the ball on the deck, is tough in the post and holds his own on the boards. |
| 24 | DeAndre Liggins | 6-6 | PG/SF | 23 | Findlay (NV) | Kentucky | Big point guard has tremendous intangibles, court vision and unselfishness. |
| 25 | Tony Mitchell | 6-7 | SF | 29 | Swainsboro (GA) | Alabama | Prototype swingman can hit open jumpers, create his own shot and finish at the rim. |
| 26 | Mike Dunigan | 6-10 | C/PF | 16 | Farragut (IL) | Oregon | Tough-minded post player has improved post moves and continued to remain a force on D and on the backboards. |
| 27 | J'Mison Morgan | 6-11 | C | 32 | South Oak Cliff (TX) | LSU | Surprisingly nimble and possessing good ball skills for his size, "Bobo" is as big as a house. |
| 28 | Angel Garcia | 6-11 | PF/SF | 26 | Central (IN) | Memphis | Oversized perimeter player can really shoot it from deep, as well as put it on the floor. |
| 29 | Kenny Kadji | 6-11 | PF/C | 36 | IMG (FL) | Florida | Native of Cameroon is an athletic big man who is a skilled post scorer and active on the glass. |
| 30 | Iman Shumpert | 6-4 | SG/PG | 31 | Oak Park-River Forest (IL) | Georgia Tech | Heady combo guard is tough on D, an excellent shooter and a solid distributor. |
| 31 | Chris Singleton | 6-8 | SF/PF | 24 | Dunwoody (GA) | Florida State | Versatile athlete can hit the trey, handle the ball and finish with power. |
| 32 | Kemba Walker | 5-11 | PG | 28 | Rice (NY) | Connecticut | "EZ Pass" is a true point guard with great leadership qualities, a defensive mentality and court vision fitting of his nickname. |
| 33 | Eloy Vargas | 6-11 | PF/C | 39 | American Heritage (FL) | Florida | Versatile big man handles the ball like a wing and is an intimidator on the defensive end. |
| 34 | Mike Rosario | 6-2 | SG/PG | 30 | St. Anthony (NC) | Rutgers | Sweet-shooting combo guard can run the point, D up and get buckets. |
| 35 | Mookie Jones | 6-6 | SF/PF | 35 | Peekskill (NY) | Syracuse | Athletic wing has improved his range, but still slashes to the rack and hits the boards hard. |
| 36 | Courtney Fortson | 5-11 | PG | 30 | Patterson (NC) | Arkansas | Pound for pound, one of the toughest players in the country, puts pressure on foes on both ends. |
| 37 | Ty Walker | 7-0 | PF/C | 33 | New Hanover (NC) | Wake Forest | An intimidator on D, the slender big man can also step out a |
| 38 | Matt Simpkins | 6-9 | PF/SF | 38 | Bridgton (ME) | 'Zona, Cal, UConn, UNLV, USC, Wash. | Skilled inside-outside threat who can both post up and face up defenders. |
| 39 | Renaldo Woolridge | 6-8 | SF | 42 | Harvard-Westlake (CA) | Tennessee | Son of ex-pro Orlando Woolridge is a skilled and athletic scoring swingman. |
| 40 | Yancy Gates | 6-9 | PF/C | 44 | Withrow (OH) | Cincinnati | Powerful athletic freak often shows signs of becoming a dominant post player. |
| 41 | Terrelle Pryor | 6-6 | SF/PF | 43 | Jeannette (PA) | Fla., Mich., Mich. St., ND, Ohio St., Penn St., WVU | The nation's top football prospect as a QB is also a versatile and athletic wing. |
| 42 | Kevin Jones | 6-8 | PF/SF | 41 | Mount Vernon (NY) | West Virginia | Able to play on the block or facing the basket and has the size battle in the paint. |
| 43 | Dequan Jones | 6-8 | SF | 48 | Wheeler (GA) | Miami | Ridiculous athlete is lethal on the break and has improved the range on his J. |
| 44 | Darius Miller | 6-7 | SF | 40 | Mason County (NY) | Kentucky | Defensive-minded swingman is a solid athlete, good finisher and understands the game. |
| 45 | Nate Miles | 6-7 | SG/SF | 37 | Patterson (NC) | Connecticut | Versatile scorer can handle the rock, shoot it from deep and get to the cup. |
| 46 | Kenny Frease | 7-0 | C | 45 | Perry (OH) | Xavier | Huge post presence with a good touch also has decent agility and passing ability. |
| 47 | Rotnei Clarke | 6-1 | SG/PG | 46 | Verdigris (OK) | Ariz. St., Ark., Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Okla., Oral Rob. | Not a great athlete, but combines in-the-gym range with the ability to run the show. |
| 48 | Lance Goulbourne | 6-8 | SF/PF | 47 | Hun (NJ) | Vanderbilt | Long and athletic former tennis star is a good rebounder and big-time finisher. |
| 49 | Sean Mosley | 6-4 | SG/SF | 49 | St. Frances (MD) | Maryland | Tough and physical swingman with a solid basketball IQ and a nice stroke. |
| 50 | Isaiah Thomas | 5-9 | PG/SG | NR | South Kent (CT) | Washington | A small, but scoring-oriented point guard with outrageous athleticism and tremendous quickness. |
15 Responses to “Class of ‘08 Rankings as seen in PUNKS”
Nov.14 at 1:40 pm
SLAM ONLINE | » More PUNKS says:
[…] It’s easy to say this break between the end of summer and the start of basketball season is a down time for high school hoops. Contrary to popular belief, that’s false, regardless of what my long break between posts might indicate. Hopefully, you’ve all had the chance to check out our new PUNKS section on the site by now. The microsite, sponsored by Nike, you can get up-to-date news specifically about high school hoops, just like Mutoni does on the front page. There’s also the ongoing top 50 high school teams countdown, which should be finished by the beginning of the season (note: one team that was omitted, LeFlore HS of Mobile, Ala., would have easily made it, but the countdown was finished before top 2009 prospect DeMarcus Cousins transferred to the school). Then, we have the SLAM Fresh 50 rankings for the top high school players in the class of 2008, Fresh 25 for 2009 and Fresh 10 for 2010. I know I haven’t updated it in a while, but I actually have a reason this time. My newest rankings will be in PUNKS, our annual high school-only magazine, which is in stores now, and also features a couple stories by yours truly. Look out for my recap of the summer of 2007 in that. The best features of the PUNKS site, however, have nothing to do with today’s high school players. Similar to Russ’ DITC features, we have old school features from the SLAM archives about some of the best prep ballers from yesteryear , as well as SLAM All-Americans, going all the way back to 1994. Sounds good, right? Check it out and judge for yourself. […]
Nov.15 at 12:34 pm
d says:
I believe that you all do a wonderful job at Slam.At least you all aren’t using politics to rank players and are going by their ability. Since you are one of the few who actually believe that Romero Osby deserves to be included in the Top 20, when are you going to do a story on him?
Nov.20 at 12:36 pm
Mr. Phillups says:
This a Pretty Decent job with the class of “08″ Rankings. I Would Love for Someone with control of the rankings to go and check out the kidd “John Freeman” who now plays for Churchland High out of Portsmouth Va. The Kidd Is Serious. There Are Lots of people who seen him play and think if he had the same oppertunities as most of these kids in the class, That The rankings would Be in need for another Change. I mean 5′9 point gaurd with a first step of “Sonics” That can change his game to a more calm and complex tempo When needed. Court Vision Of a jason Williams, scoring ability of an modern day “Allen Iverson”. He also Played for Rahway High School out of Rahway, NJ With “Earl Clark”, Who now Attends the University of Liousville. Mr Freeman has the Heart Of a lion. a Begining to end type Kid, with a great “eye” for the Game…. In The Virginia area Check Him out.
Nov.23 at 1:24 pm
staxx says:
rek havok a.k.a. too easy a.k.a. tyrek evans is the best player i’ve ever seen….. period!!!
Nov.30 at 12:34 pm
Coach J.Wade says:
Well I would first Like to start of by saying i’m a Varsity Basketball Ball coach at Warlock high school out Of Edison, NJ. I am the Head coach of the Team NJ Selct Stars AAU Program, I’ve also coached alot of D1 players in my share time in coaching. But theres a point that i need to get across about one of my former players by the name “John Freeman” He about 5′8 155 point Gaurd. The thing i wanted to discuss with the fellow readers or any scouts out there that may also check this site. The Kidd can flat out play Ball, Were Talkin bout a Kidd That can go out and give u a possible double double in certain catagories if needed, Because of his work ethic. He’s an extremely hard worker on both ends. Really is not a Excuss type of guy jus goes out there in Plays every game like its his last, He has the heart of a lion. Iv’e Been with “John” for a couple of years now in jus have seen him Grown tremendiously throughtout the years i’ve known and coached him, Because when he first moved to Rahway, NJ everyone was talkin bout he’s this and that of a player and was a little hyped as a middle school kidd. after really seeing him play in a organized game people started to realize that he was a guy that needed work. Could’nt really shoot the ball well, made alot of bad decisions with the ball at times, and just was lacking the little things about the game that he needed. He has’nt really been on any Good aau programs before he got to Jersey. So he was’nt really getting the hype like all the other players were. Like Being invited to Camps in other things like that, that really gets players there notorioty. John and the kid “Dexter Strickland” used to get mad about there playing time as 7th graders at Rahway middle. So the Following year There were changes being made guys were Graduating on to High School So now it was time for them to Step up and take on new roles. “Dexter Strickland” Soon transfered to a Linden Public School. John of Course Stayed at Rahway way Middle, and was being Well Groomed by Guys like Earl Clark, Ishmail Johnson,Jason Johnson,Christain Johnson. Ya kno, These Guy were like the were Like Big Brothers to Him telling and Letting him Kno What he had to do to become the next best thing comming into high school. He took in the goods and just let everything happen the way it was suppost to. He Would constantly work on his game Rain,heel,sleet,Snow. Workin on his Difficulties and things that weren’t wat he would normally do. like his left hand all day just constantly doin things With his left till his arm got tired. workin on his post Moves, So That He would be already a step of his position when it came down To it. So beginning of his eighth grade season. he averaged about 18,7,and about 4. A couple games into the season he went off for 45 with the win for his team. From that point on he jus carried things like he’s suppost to be on top of wateva his is doing, this is a kidd that feels like he’s really the best on the floor at all times no matter the hype. He’s been growing up watching a little to much “Bubba Chuck” B.K.A Allen iverson at an early age (lol). But with all that hype came the grades. Guys have been tellin john to Stay on top of that its the key to success. even throught he’s had a really rough childhood life with dad not around, He still was told to do what he had to do. But also was diegnosed with “ADD” Smart kid but Learns things at his own paste. He entered the high school not eligiable. sat out a simester. got on track with his grades. Started playing that following summer beacause of injury’s. Played along side “Earl Clark” and others during Summer league. The Kidd really Showcased his Talent. Setting guys up, I mean i didnt epect him to come in at this level and make a complete impact the way he did as a rising sophmore. His name Started to really ring bells throughtout the county. As the season really begin. he had a little troubles but worked threw them like usual. He Had a good season playing along side the all American. He Played on my AAU team that following summer, and had a good outgoing in orlando FL. He moved at the end of that summer went to Bayside in Virginia beach virginia were i herd he was really played out of his starting spot. But Now is enrolled at a New School out of portsmouth Va, Chuchland High. i Spoke with John He Told me the history behind the game for the school wasnt soo good. But went there Because he herd The coach was a good coach. He’s there and Likes the current coaches. we’ll jus have to see what happends with him throughtout the year um pretty Sure the results will be Good!!!
Dec.26 at 2:09 am
Ben says:
I should be on that list Im 6′ with 34″ verticle i catch lobs over big men period
Dec.30 at 6:39 pm
E Dub says:
I think my boy Jonathan Woodside should be on there. He is 6′3″ and is a combo guard. This kid goes to Winter Haven High School(FL). Please check him out. Deuces!!
Dec.30 at 11:14 pm
Chris Hill says:
Where is Tony Woods (rome,ga) Rome High School he is arueably the best big man in his class.
Jan.2 at 6:21 pm
Lante says:
Hey wats up, i know romeo, the rapper, is going to USC in this class to play ball, full scholarship and everything, why isnt he ranked?
Jan.3 at 11:42 pm
SLAM ONLINE | » Generation Next: High School ballers says:
[…] This holiday season was festive for any basketball fan in America. I was thoroughly impressed with the T-Mobile Invitational as well as some other Christmas Tournaments I caught pieces of. Oak Hill (#1) and St. Anthony’s (# 6) are my favorites to watch. It was even more interesting after seeing some of the names mentioned by Aggrey Sam and Kelvin Powell in Punks. […]
Jan.9 at 1:10 pm
Spoken says:
Luke Babbit should be higher then 25
Ohio State was gunna give him a full ride before he decided to go to Nevada, But i think he will fit good there wolf pack is a young team with alot of potential.
Jan.9 at 1:14 pm
J. Smith says:
I’ve seen the Kid John Freeman Play Finally, The other night against Granby. It Kid of looks a little easy, almost like he can beat his man almost wheever he gets the ball but looks to get his team involved to make things easier on his Part. The Kid can Really Play.
Feb.11 at 9:34 pm
Bob Mason says:
Jonathan Woodside is a very talented combo guard, I’ve seen this kid do alot of amazing things with his team, Winter Haven Blue Devls of Winter Haven FL, He is special. He may not be one of the greatest but his potencial is limetless, for a 6′3 guard he has this fire in his eyes, the disire to win games and be on the BIG stage. He is worthy of Being with all these other players that we talk about from time to time. If u don’t know u should, he’s the type of player that every coach wants, like a Chris Pual but scores better. Jonathan Woodside can change any team he goes on for the better.
Mar.9 at 4:47 pm
James Kole says:
The TOP 50 In The State Of florida.(2008)
The Real Top 50. 1. Eloy Vargas 6′9 2008 PF Plantation (American Heritage) FL Florida
2. Kenneth Kadji 6′10 2008 C Bradenton (Pendleton School) FL Florida
3. Ray Shipman 6′4 2008 2G Miami (Monsignor Pace) FL Florida
4. Luke Loucks 6′4 2008 PG Clearwater (H.S.) FL Florida State
5. David Loubeau 6′8 2009 PF Davie (Westlake Prep) FL Texas A&M
6. Dashan Harris 6′0 2008 PG Montverde (Academy) FL Texas A&M
7. Jared Swopshire 6′7 2008 WF Bradenton (Pendleton School) FL Louisville
8. Steve Tchiengang 6′8 2008 WF Montverde (Academy) FL Vanderbilt
9. Dago Pena 6′5 2008 WF Punta Gorda (Charlotte) FL Florida Atlantic
10. Marcus Capers 6′4 2008 2G Montverde (Academy) FL Washington State
11. Fred Riley 6′4 2008 2G Ocala (Vanguard) FL Florida Atlantic
12. Drazen Zlavoric 6′8 2008 PF Miami (Sagemont) FL Georgia
13. Kevin Foster 6′7 2008 PF Lakeland (Kathleen) FL George Mason
14. Adam Pegg 6′10 2008 C Clearwater (H.S.) FL Delaware
15. Kore White 6′8 2008 PF Ft. Lauderdale (Dillard) FL Marshall
16. Ivan Aska 6′6 2008 PF Ft. Lauderdale (Boyd Anderson) FL Murray State
17. Terrance Santil 6′7 2008 PF Miami (Monsignor Pace) FL Virginia Commonwealth
18. Shaquille Johnson 6′2 2008 PG Jacksonville (Lee) FL
19. Miguel Paul 6′0 2008 PG Lakeland (Kathleen) FL Missouri
20. Anthony Salters 6′0 2008 PG Tallahassee (Rickards) FL
21. Zach Bailey 6′0 2008 PG Hollywood (Chaminade) FL Tennessee Tech
22. Chris Stephenson 6′2 2008 2G Punta Gorda (Charlotte) FL UNC-Asheville
23. Aundra Williams 6′8 2008 PF Orlando (Boone) FL Middle Tennessee State
24. Frank Barnes 6′8 2008 C Davie (Westlake Prep) FL
25. Marlon Rivera 6′2 2008 PG Miami (Sagemont) FL
26. Evan Ravenal 6′8 2008 PF Brandon (H.S.) FL Boston College
27. Sammy Emile 6′5 2008 WF West Palm Beach (Palm Beach Lakes) FL
28. Steve Coleman 6′4 2008 2G Eau Gallie (H.S.) FL Ohio University
29. Rashard Dantzler 6′3 2008 2G Homestead (South Dade) FL
30. Wayne Sears 6′2 2008 2G Ft. Lauderdale (Coconut Creek) FL
31. Kyle McClanahan 6′2 2008 2G Winter Park (H.S.) FL
32. Michael Morrison 6′7 2008 PF St. Petersburg (Lakewood) FL George Mason
33. Lorne Merthie 6′2 2008 PG Winter Springs (H.S.) FL
34. Bo Reliford 6′6 2008 PF Ft. Lauderdale (Dillard) FL
35. Shay Shine 6′0 2008 PG Arcadia (De Soto County) FL Florida Atlantic
36. Sam McLaurin 6′8 2008 PF Tallahassee (East Gadsden) FL Coastal Carolina
37. Alex Smith 6′6 2008 PF Jacksonville (Lee) FL
38. Justin Watkins 6′5 2008 WF Orlando (Olympia) FL
39. Jonathan Woodside 6′3 2008 2G Winter Haven (H.S.) FL
40. Ed D’Haiti 6′8 2008 PF Orlando (Oak Ridge) FL
41. Brennan Taylor 6′2 2008 PG Daytona Beach (Father Lopez) FL
42. Addison Smith 6′3 2008 PG Lantana (Santaluces) FL Florida Gulf Coast
43. Brett Chance 6′2 2008 2G Winter Park (Lake Howell) FL
44. Alex Petitfre 6′5 2008 WF Orlando (Edgewater) FL
45. Ridge Graham 6′4 2008 WF Stuart (Martin County) FL
46. Kenny Williams 5′9 2008 PG Lake City (Columbia) FL
47. Rashad McGill 6′4 2008 2G Tallahassee (East Gadsden) FL Coastal Carolina
48. Ben Williams 6′4 2008 WF Davie (Westlake) FL
49. Chad July 6′8 2008 C Gainesville (H.S.) FL High Point
50. Paul Gaynor 6′8 2008 PF Jacksonville (Mandarin) FL Central Florida
Mar.9 at 4:53 pm
Bobby Smith says:
Most of though’s players from POLK COUNTY are going to be some real good college ballplayers, so look out for some BIG names like Kevin Foster,Miguel Pual,and Jonathan Woodside