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Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 | 14 Comments

The SLAM Fresh 50 - 2008

Update for 08.

Rank	Name	Ht	Pos	Last	School	College?	Why
1	Tyreke Evans	6-5	SG/PG	1	American Christian (PA)	Louisville, Memphis, Villanova	Multiple 50-point games so far this season prove it really is too easy for him to wreak havoc.
2	Brandon Jennings	6-1	PG	2	Oak Hill (VA)	Arizona	Utilized as more of a scorer now, but will be even better in a playmaking role on the next level.
3	Jrue Holiday	6-4	SG/PG	5	Campbell Hall (CA)	UCLA	Consistent takeover performances for his high school team have boosted his stock.
4	Samardo Samuels	6-9	PF/C	3	St. Benedict's (NJ)	Louisville	Unstoppable force in the paint will benefit from less double teams in college.
5	Demar DeRozan	6-6	SF/SG	9	Compton (CA)	USC	Supreme athlete has really polished his perimeter game to the point where he doesn't just rely on hops.
6	Greg Monroe	6-10	PF/SF	4	Helen Cox (LA)	Georgetown	As skilled and versatile as any player in the class, but doesn't always dominate.
7	B.J. Mullens	7-1	C	13	Canal Winchester (OH)	Ohio State	Athleticism, size and relentlessness makes overmatched opponents look silly.
8	Ed Davis	6-8	PF	14	Benedictine (VA)	North Carolina	Slender post has taken his game to another level during high school season.
9	Willie Warren	6-4	SG/PG	8	North Crowley (TX)	Oklahoma	Toned down the antics and is playing more unselfish, but still capable of lighting up scoreboards.
10	Devin Ebanks	6-9	SF	7	St. Thomas More (CT)	Indiana	Smooth, oversized wing is a mismatch waiting to happen and gets busy from all over the court.
11	Scotty Hopson	6-6	SF/SG	17	University Heights (KY)	Mississippi State	Athletic and powerful with a potent stroke, Bulldogs fans hope he stops playing with their emotions.
12	Elliot Williams	6-5	SG/PG	10	St. George's (TN)	Duke	His game might be the result of what happens when you mix Jamal Crawford with defense.
13	Delvon Roe	6-8	PF/SF	6	St. Edward (OH)	Michigan State	Injuries have held back this slashing warrior, who will be a prototypical Spartan.
14	Al-Farouq Aminu	6-9	PF/SF	12	Norcross (GA)	Wake Forest	Talented, fluid athlete excels in the paint, but also versatile enough to play outside.
15	Tyler Zeller	6-11	PF/C	11	Washington (IN)	North Carolina	Still needs to adds strength, but uses quickness and touch as his weapons.
16	Luke Babbitt	6-8	PF/SF	23	Galena (NV)	Nevada	Rugged on the inside, skilled on the wing and equipped with a killer instinct.
17	JaMychal Green	6-8	PF	16	St. Jude (AL)	Alabama	Rebounding machine plays much bigger than his height, but is more than just a brute.
18	Romero Osby	6-8	SF/PF	20	Northeast Lauderdale (MS)	Mississippi State	Ability to handle the rock and bang on the inside bodes well for the future.
19	Malcolm Lee	6-5	PG/SG	18	North (CA)	UCLA	Length, handle and scoring ability make slim combo guard a difficult matchup.
20	William Buford	6-5	SG	22	Libbey (OH)	Ohio State	Sweet stroke, smooth athleticism are reminiscent of a young Ray Allen.
21	DeAndre Liggins	6-6	PG/SF	24	Findlay (NV)	Kentucky	Great size for a point guard, feel for the game and willingness to do the little things.
22	Terrence Jennings	6-10	PF/C	19	Notre Dame (MA)	Louisville	Big-time athlete still needs polish, but game flourishes in transition and close to the bucket.
23	Mike Dunigan	6-10	C/PF	16	Farragut (IL)	Oregon	Physical intimidator on D and boards has developed a solid offensive game.
24	John Riek	7-1	C	15	Winchendon (MA)	UConn, Duke, Florida, Georgetown, NBA, Winchendon	Still a project, but impacts every game with size and shot-blocking.
25	Dequan Jones	6-8	SF	43	Wheeler (GA)	Miami	High-riser's skills are catching up to his jaw-dropping athleticism.
26	Eloy Vargas	6-11	PF/C	33	American Heritage (FL)	Florida	Combination of range, handle, shot-blocking and agility are intriguing mix.
27	Chris Singleton	6-8	SF/PF	31	Dunwoody (GA)	Florida State	As versatile and athletic as any player in the country when he wants to be.
28	Kenny Kadji	6-11	PF/C	29	IMG (FL)	Florida	While post scoring, D and rebounding are strengths, the big man is suprisingly nimble and has a nice touch.
29	Kemba Walker	5-11	PG	32	Rice (NY)	Connecticut	Lightning-quick floor general is a top-notch playmaker and a disruptive pest on D.
30	Tony Mitchell	6-7	SF	25	Swainsboro (GA)	Alabama	Athletic wing's mature game is pretty complete for a youngster.
31	Courtney Fortson	5-11	PG	36	Patterson (NC)	Arkansas	Despite lack of size, high-energy guard is one of the most physical players out there.
32	Mookie Jones	6-6	SF	35	Peekskill (NY)	Syracuse	Always tough on the inside and a big-time finisher, he's continued to polish burgeoning wing skills.
33	Emmanuel Negedu	6-7	PF	21	Brewster (NH)	Arizona	When he concentrates on beasting on the inside and going to the rack, nobody wants a piece of him
34	Darius Miller	6-7	SF	44	Mason County (NY)	Kentucky	Solid athlete with all-around game and defensive mindset will be an immediate contributor in college.
35	Mike Rosario	6-3	SG/PG	34	St. Anthony (NJ)	Rutgers	Tough as nails with a pure stroke, more aspects of his game will be evident on the next level.
36	Angel Garcia	6-11	PF/SF	28	Central (IN)	Memphis	Shooter with size has the ability to be much more than that, but sometimes drifts.
37	Iman Shumpert	6-4	SG/PG	30	Oak Park-River Forest (IL)	Georgia Tech	His defense, jumper, handle and size could make him an excellent ACC point.
38	J'Mison Morgan	6-11	C	27	South Oak Cliff (TX)	LSU	Skilled, tough and an immovable object on the inside, but conditioning is an issue.
39	Ty Walker	7-0	C/PF	37	New Hanover (NC)	Wake Forest	Potential often outweighs performance, which as a defender and finisher, is still pretty high.
40	Anthony Jones	6-9	SF/PF	NR	Yates (TX)	Baylor	Improved skills to the point where his focus on the perimeter is justified.
41	Drew Gordon	6-9	PF	NR	Mitty (CA)	UCLA	Combination of an excellent motor, winning mentality, athleticism and physicality.
42	Yancy Gates	6-9	PF/C	40	Withrow (OH)	Cincinnati	While skills and consistency still need work, his frame and athleticism are college-ready.
43	Kevin Jones	6-8	PF	42	Mount Vernon (NY)	West Virginia	Product of Ben Gordon's alma mater just gets it done as scorer and rebounder.
44	Sean Mosley	6-4	SG/SF	49	St. Frances (MD)	Maryland	Tough-minded scorer will be a solid impact player at next level.
45	Kris Joseph	6-8	SF	NR	Carroll (DC)	Syracuse	Multi-skilled Canadian can play the point, the post and everything in between.
46	Tyshawn Taylor	6-3	SG/PG	NR	St. Anthony (NJ)	Marquette	Don't be surprised if athletic combo guard is compared to D. Wade one day.
47	Matt Simpkins	6-9	PF/SF	38	Patterson (NC)	Memphis	Talented, albeit well-traveled Cali native is a potent inside-outside threat.
48	Jason Clark	6-3	SG	NR	O'Connell (VA)	Georgetown	Defensive-minded, well-rounded guard is perfect fit for Hoyas.
49	Lance Goulbourne	6-8	SF/PF	48	Hun (NJ)	Vanderbilt	Athletic late bloomer will continue to get better in college.
50	Sylven Landesberg	6-5	SG/SF	NR	Holy Cross (NY)	Virginia	Smooth scoring wing is one of the Big Apple's best prospects.

The SLAM Fresh 50 - 2008

Rank Name Ht Pos Last School College? Why

1 Tyreke Evans 6-5 SG/PG 1 American Christian (PA) Louisville, Memphis, Villanova Multiple 50-point games so far this season prove it really is too easy for him to wreak havoc.

2 Brandon Jennings 6-1 PG 2 Oak Hill (VA) Arizona Utilized as more of a scorer now, but will be even better in a playmaking role on the next level.

3 Jrue Holiday 6-4 SG/PG 5 Campbell Hall (CA) UCLA Consistent takeover performances for his high school team have boosted his stock.

4 Samardo Samuels 6-9 PF/C 3 St. Benedict's (NJ) Louisville Unstoppable force in the paint will benefit from less double teams in college.

5 Demar DeRozan 6-6 SF/SG 9 Compton (CA) USC Supreme athlete has really polished his perimeter game to the point where he doesn't just rely on hops.

6 Greg Monroe 6-10 PF/SF 4 Helen Cox (LA) Georgetown As skilled and versatile as any player in the class, but doesn't always dominate.

7 B.J. Mullens 7-1 C 13 Canal Winchester (OH) Ohio State Athleticism, size and relentlessness makes overmatched opponents look silly.

8 Ed Davis 6-8 PF 14 Benedictine (VA) North Carolina Slender post has taken his game to another level during high school season.

9 Willie Warren 6-4 SG/PG 8 North Crowley (TX) Oklahoma Toned down the antics and is playing more unselfish, but still capable of lighting up scoreboards.

10 Devin Ebanks 6-9 SF 7 St. Thomas More (CT) Indiana Smooth, oversized wing is a mismatch waiting to happen and gets busy from all over the court.

11 Scotty Hopson 6-6 SF/SG 17 University Heights (KY) Mississippi State Athletic and powerful with a potent stroke, Bulldogs fans hope he stops playing with their emotions.

12 Elliot Williams 6-5 SG/PG 10 St. George's (TN) Duke His game might be the result of what happens when you mix Jamal Crawford with defense.

13 Delvon Roe 6-8 PF/SF 6 St. Edward (OH) Michigan State Injuries have held back this slashing warrior, who will be a prototypical Spartan.

14 Al-Farouq Aminu 6-9 PF/SF 12 Norcross (GA) Wake Forest Talented, fluid athlete excels in the paint, but also versatile enough to play outside.

15 Tyler Zeller 6-11 PF/C 11 Washington (IN) North Carolina Still needs to adds strength, but uses quickness and touch as his weapons.

16 Luke Babbitt 6-8 PF/SF 23 Galena (NV) Nevada Rugged on the inside, skilled on the wing and equipped with a killer instinct.

17 JaMychal Green 6-8 PF 16 St. Jude (AL) Alabama Rebounding machine plays much bigger than his height, but is more than just a brute.

18 Romero Osby 6-8 SF/PF 20 Northeast Lauderdale (MS) Mississippi State Ability to handle the rock and bang on the inside bodes well for the future.

19 Malcolm Lee 6-5 PG/SG 18 North (CA) UCLA Length, handle and scoring ability make slim combo guard a difficult matchup.

20 William Buford 6-5 SG 22 Libbey (OH) Ohio State Sweet stroke, smooth athleticism are reminiscent of a young Ray Allen.

21 DeAndre Liggins 6-6 PG/SF 24 Findlay (NV) Kentucky Great size for a point guard, feel for the game and willingness to do the little things.

22 Terrence Jennings 6-10 PF/C 19 Notre Dame (MA) Louisville Big-time athlete still needs polish, but game flourishes in transition and close to the bucket.

23 Mike Dunigan 6-10 C/PF 16 Farragut (IL) Oregon Physical intimidator on D and boards has developed a solid offensive game.

24 John Riek 7-1 C 15 Winchendon (MA) UConn, Duke, Florida, Georgetown, NBA, Winchendon Still a project, but impacts every game with size and shot-blocking.

25 Dequan Jones 6-8 SF 43 Wheeler (GA) Miami High-riser's skills are catching up to his jaw-dropping athleticism.

26 Eloy Vargas 6-11 PF/C 33 American Heritage (FL) Florida Combination of range, handle, shot-blocking and agility are intriguing mix.

27 Chris Singleton 6-8 SF/PF 31 Dunwoody (GA) Florida State As versatile and athletic as any player in the country when he wants to be.

28 Kenny Kadji 6-11 PF/C 29 IMG (FL) Florida While post scoring, D and rebounding are strengths, the big man is suprisingly nimble and has a nice touch.

29 Kemba Walker 5-11 PG 32 Rice (NY) Connecticut Lightning-quick floor general is a top-notch playmaker and a disruptive pest on D.

30 Tony Mitchell 6-7 SF 25 Swainsboro (GA) Alabama Athletic wing's mature game is pretty complete for a youngster.

31 Courtney Fortson 5-11 PG 36 Patterson (NC) Arkansas Despite lack of size, high-energy guard is one of the most physical players out there.

32 Mookie Jones 6-6 SF 35 Peekskill (NY) Syracuse Always tough on the inside and a big-time finisher, he's continued to polish burgeoning wing skills.

33 Emmanuel Negedu 6-7 PF 21 Brewster (NH) Arizona When he concentrates on beasting on the inside and going to the rack, nobody wants a piece of him

34 Darius Miller 6-7 SF 44 Mason County (NY) Kentucky Solid athlete with all-around game and defensive mindset will be an immediate contributor in college.

35 Mike Rosario 6-3 SG/PG 34 St. Anthony (NJ) Rutgers Tough as nails with a pure stroke, more aspects of his game will be evident on the next level.

36 Angel Garcia 6-11 PF/SF 28 Central (IN) Memphis Shooter with size has the ability to be much more than that, but sometimes drifts.

37 Iman Shumpert 6-4 SG/PG 30 Oak Park-River Forest (IL) Georgia Tech His defense, jumper, handle and size could make him an excellent ACC point.

38 J'Mison Morgan 6-11 C 27 South Oak Cliff (TX) LSU Skilled, tough and an immovable object on the inside, but conditioning is an issue.

39 Ty Walker 7-0 C/PF 37 New Hanover (NC) Wake Forest Potential often outweighs performance, which as a defender and finisher, is still pretty high.

40 Anthony Jones 6-9 SF/PF NR Yates (TX) Baylor Improved skills to the point where his focus on the perimeter is justified.

41 Drew Gordon 6-9 PF NR Mitty (CA) UCLA Combination of an excellent motor, winning mentality, athleticism and physicality.

42 Yancy Gates 6-9 PF/C 40 Withrow (OH) Cincinnati While skills and consistency still need work, his frame and athleticism are college-ready.

43 Kevin Jones 6-8 PF 42 Mount Vernon (NY) West Virginia Product of Ben Gordon's alma mater just gets it done as scorer and rebounder.

44 Sean Mosley 6-4 SG/SF 49 St. Frances (MD) Maryland Tough-minded scorer will be a solid impact player at next level.

45 Kris Joseph 6-8 SF NR Carroll (DC) Syracuse Multi-skilled Canadian can play the point, the post and everything in between.

46 Tyshawn Taylor 6-3 SG/PG NR St. Anthony (NJ) Marquette Don't be surprised if athletic combo guard is compared to D. Wade one day.

47 Matt Simpkins 6-9 PF/SF 38 Patterson (NC) Memphis Talented, albeit well-traveled Cali native is a potent inside-outside threat.

48 Jason Clark 6-3 SG NR O'Connell (VA) Georgetown Defensive-minded, well-rounded guard is perfect fit for Hoyas.

49 Lance Goulbourne 6-8 SF/PF 48 Hun (NJ) Vanderbilt Athletic late bloomer will continue to get better in college.

50 Sylven Landesberg 6-5 SG/SF NR Holy Cross (NY) Virginia Smooth scoring wing is one of the Big Apple's best prospects.

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14 Responses to “The SLAM Fresh 50 - 2008”

Feb.2 at 10:04 am

Ron says:
I REALIZED BY LOOKING AT YOUR LIST, THAT THESE ARE THE SAME KIDS THAT ARE ALWAYS UNDER THE RADAR, i JUST WANTED TO SAY, THAT THERE IS A LOT OF OTHER KIDS OUT THERE WITH TREMENDOUS TALENT, i KNOW OF A KID OUT OF lOS aNGELES cALIF, BY THE NAME OF Jordan Higginbotham who attends Price High School, who is an exceptional ball player who plays combo guard/SF, whose been on the circuit for years, and now is a senior, whose on scouthoops, rivals,and I’ve never heard you guys mention anything about this kid, because all the other kids are always mentioned and kids like Jordan and others who has exceptional talent gets overlooked. Please look and scout on other kids as well. They are the ones like Jordan, who took the road less traveled, but always seem to get overlooked.

Feb.2 at 5:47 pm

BoyzfromdaSouth says:
Landesberg is sick

Feb.7 at 12:01 pm

Wali Bashir says:
Can’t wait till the McDonald’s game. Nuff said!

Feb.11 at 5:37 pm

rasool calif says:
I am trying to order the Punks issue ‘07-08 with the Final 4 on the cover for my brother whi is incarcerated but the only online order is for the Slam Magagzine. How do I get that?

Feb.11 at 5:37 pm

Feb.14 at 6:41 pm

Shane says:
where is Larry Drew Jr? He’s ranked as the #6 PG in the nation, going to UNC, plays ball with Jrue holiday in AAU yet he didnt make the cut?

Feb.19 at 4:18 pm

Ballislife says:
Much much better than your last rankings. If only drew gordon didnt get injured he’d be top 10 player in the nation.

Feb.21 at 12:23 pm

a. sam says:
Ron: I’ve heard the name, but I’ve never seen Higginbotham play. I love an under the radar kid as much as anybody, but these are the best players in the country. This isn’t the Philly, Ron is it? If it is, you should pushing Scootie Randall.
rasool: I see the CCP link for your name. If you read this in time, go to the Pub chip this weekend and ask the black assistant for the E&S girls team to get in touch with me and I got you.
Shane: I’m not a huge Larry Drew fan.
Ballislife: Are they much better because Drew is in there?

Feb.26 at 6:09 pm

Jim says:
I’ve seen this kid Jordan Higginbotham play at Fullctpress All Star Camp, and this kid is GOOD! has any one else seen or heard of this kid? As a matter of fact, I believe he is Larry Drew’s cousin, and he plays several position. I agree with Ron, I say you should do a story on these kids! let’s give them their props, because they are going places too! Holla Back about this kid, if anyone knows. I’ve spoken with this kid, and he’s a good student as well. Inquire about him, from Dinos Trigonis, at fullctpress. Shaun.

Feb.26 at 6:18 pm

William says:
In response to Jim about this kid name Jordan Higginbotham, I saw this kid play about a year ago, I believe he comes from the desert area, he’s a very slender kid around 6′4″, and he is a baller! he’s very quick and agile, he’s definitely a kid to watch! I say find this kid, and do a story on him. William

Mar.28 at 9:50 pm

SLAM ONLINE | » Burger Kings says:
[…] Tyreke Evans, 6-5 shooting guard, undecided: ‘Reke did the “Too Easy” thing in the second half, getting buckets at will, copping MVP honors in the process and confirming my belief that he’s the best player in the class. Oh yeah, I don’t think his college destination is as much as a secret as some people seem to believe. […]

Mar.29 at 4:48 am

hursty says:
ATER MAJOK! aussie playing at the kentucky HS tourney allstar game. watch out, you’ve all been warned.

Apr.3 at 11:40 pm

Kyle Andrews says:
In three years youll see me on that list. Mount Saint Joseph high school.

Apr.4 at 10:31 pm

blake23 says:
liggins originally played in the chicago public league. he holdin us down im surprised he ranked that high here cuz he’s only a 3star athlete i thought he would have gone under the radar… CHI-TOWN STAND UP!!! No love for my man larry drew??? dat hurt a lil bit he’s a future tar heel tho so we’ll hear a “little bit” about him in the years to come

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