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Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008 | 9 Comments

The Expanded SLAM Fresh 50 - 2009

Time for some new blood to run things on the high school scene.

Rank	Name	Ht	Pos	Last	School	Why?
1	Lance Stephenson	6-6	SG/PG	1	Lincoln (NY)	Until someone knocks him off his throne, "Sir Lancelot" is king--he definitely has the talent, he produces and plays harder than the competition.
2	John Wall	6-3	PG	10	Word of God (NC)	Once known for only his speed, Wall has worked on his jumper, has become a much better playmaker and is scoring at will.
3	Kenny Boynton	6-2	SG	7	American Heritage (FL)	Boynton, a big-time scorer, has been on a mission recently--on both ends of the court.
4	Xavier Henry	6-6	SF/SG	6	Putnam City (OK)	Henry's strength, polished game and textbook jumper is the total package for a high-level swingman.
5	Renardo Sidney	6-10	PF	2	Fairfax (CA)	When he feels like playing, his talent--Sidney is literally capable of doing anything on the court--is simply too much to overcome.
6	Derrick Favors	6-9	C/PF	5	South Atlanta (GA)	While his post-up moves and face-up game are still a work-in-progress, the physical and explosive ATL native is a monster on the boards and on D.
7	Jordan Hamilton	6-7	SF/SG	9	Dominguez (CA)	Hamilton's power, handle, range and scoring ability make him a multi-dimensional nightmare for his foes.
8	Dominic Cheek	6-6	SG/SF	4	St. Anthony (NJ)	Smooth barely scratches the surface of defining Cheek's game; the Jersey wing's stroke and perimeter game are superb.
9	Demarcus Cousins	6-10	C/PF	3	Leflore (AL)	While consistency and effort can be issues for the big fella, Cousins has the talent to come out on top of any matchup he encounters.
10	Maalik Wayns	6-1	PG/SG	8	Roman Catholic (PA)	A supreme floor general, the stocky, Villanova-bound Philly product has added an improved jumper to his arsenal.
11	Mason Plumlee	6-10	PF/SF	24	Christ (NC)	Blessed with terrific face-up skills for his size, the slender Duke commitment can handle and shoot like a guard without sacrificing his rebounding ability.
12	Tristan Spurlock	6-7	SF	NR	Montrose Christian (MD)	Spurlock may be less highly acclaimed than some of his teammates, but his athleticism and sniper's mentality have won earned him respect.
13	Shawn Williams	6-7	SF	25	Duncanville	Williams is shedding his rep as strictly a shooter with an aggressive driving mentality, a defensive mindset and excellent work on the boards.
14	Aaric Murray	6-10	C/PF	13	Glen Mills (PA)	Still the nation's best-kept secret, Murray's high skill level, college-ready frame and athleticism are off the charts.
15	Alex Oriakhi	6-9	C/PF	19	Tilton (NH)	Always fundamentally sound, the future UConn big man is now realizing his ability to dominate games.
16	Terrell Vinson	6-6	SF/PF	18	Montrose Christian (MD)	Never the most athletic prospect, Vinson has developed a polished wing game to go with his blue-collar effort inside.
17	Michael Snaer	6-5	SG	23	Rancho Verde (CA)	Snaer's high-rising ways, tremendous motor and pure stroke have started to open up a lot of eyes.
18	John Henson	6-10	PF	NR	Round Rock (TX)	While strength is still an issue for the UNC commit, his aggressiveness, offensive tools and length are a tantalizing combination.
19	Dexter Strickland	6-4	SG/PG	15	St. Patrick's (NJ)	Strickland's athleticism, polished skillset and versatility in the backcourt bode well for the future Tar Heel.
20	Dante Taylor	6-8	PF	NR	National Christian	Taylor bullies opponents with more power than finesse; however, his touch and post moves are coming around.
21	Roger Franklin	6-5	PF/SF	NR	Duncanville (TX)	An undersized post with a solid wing game, Franklin is a skilled warrior who just gets the job done.
22	Noel Johnson	6-7	SF	21	Fayette County (GA)	Johnson is a pure scorer from anywhere on the floor, but possesses the basketball IQ and skill level to contribute in other ways.
23	Leslie McDonald	6-4	SG/PG	11	Briarcrest (TN)	The Memphis native's versatility is his trademark--he can shoot the rock, handle it, play defense and match up at either guard spot.
24	Ari Stewart	6-7	SF	NR	Wheeler (GA)	Stewart's length, athleticism and stroke make him a deadly wing scorer--and the other parts of his game are catching up, too.
25	DJ Richardson	6-4	SG	NR	Central (IL)	Richardson, an Illinois commit, possesses great quickness, a nice stroke, a solid handle and a nice mid-range game.
26	Isaiah Armwood	6-8	PF/SF	12	Montrose Christian (MD)	Armwood's strength has improved and his ability to slide between either forward position makes him a difficult matchup.
27	Keith Gallon	6-8	PF/C	NR	Oak Hill (VA)	"Tiny" is anything but small, but if the Big Baby clone improves his conditioning, his quick feet and great touch would make him unstoppable.
28	Clarence Trent	6-8	PF/SF	14	Findlay (NV)	One of the top athletes in the class, Trent has added more polish to his game without losing his aggressiveness in the lane.
29	Reeves Nelson	6-7	PF	17	Modesto Christian (CA)	Nelson, a UCLA commit, isn't Kevin Love, but his similarly rugged inside game and outside touch will make Bruins fans happy.
30	Wally Judge	6-8	PF	NR	Arlington Country Day (FL)	The K-State commit's game is becoming more substance than potential--which is bad news for his opponents, as his length, rebounding, scoring touch and quickness were already problems.
31	Hollis Thompson	6-7	SF	NR	Loyola (CA)	Thompson, a Georgetown-bound wing, doesn't blow people away with athleticism or deep range, but his fluid game and fundamentals make him tough to stop.
32	Erik Murphy	6-10	PF	NR	St. Mark's (MA)	The future Florida big man has a terrific face-up game for a post player, but can also get it done down low.
33	Karron Johnson	6-7	PF	20	Mount Zion (NC)	Always an amazing athlete with a great frame, Johnson is starting to play to his strengths as a banger in the paint.
34	Christian Watford	6-8	SF/PF	NR	Shades Valley (AL)	Long, athletic and skilled, Watford's ability to play inside and outside make him a persistent matchup problem.
35	Abdul Gaddy	6-3	PG	NR	Bellarmine Prep (WA)	A long point guard who recently de-committed from Arizona, Gaddy is a true floor general who looks to get others involved before scoring.
36	Nolan Dennis	6-5	SG	NR	North Richland Hills (TX)	Dennis has always possessed the tools--length, athleticism, an excellent stroke--to be an elite player, but must maintain his intensity.
37	Da'Shonte Riley	6-11	C	NR	Detroit Country Day (MI)	Riley, a Georgetown commit, has unbelievable potential--intimidating shot-blocker, ability to step out on offense, runs the floor like a guard--but has to put it together consistently.
38	Rodney Williams	6-5	SF/SG	NR	Robbinsdale Cooper (MN)	A big-time athlete, Williams is starting to round out his game with better ballhandling and shooting.
39	Peyton Siva	5-11	PG/SG	22	Franklin (WA)	The recent Louisville commit is still improving his point-guard skills, but the Seattle native's current game--jet quick, jumps out of the gym, shoots it from deep--is still impressive.
40	Lamar Patterson	6-5	SF	NR	McCaskey (PA)	A big-bodied wing player with excellent range, the Pitt commit also rebounds well, sees the floor and has a great feel for the game.
41	Deshawn Painter	6-9	PF/C	NR	Washington (VA)	The future Gator's ability to rebound, get out in transition and block shots seem like a perfect fit for Florida--if he can stay motivated.
42	Jamil Wilson	6-7	SF/PF	NR	Horlick (WI)	Wilson, a long and athletic combo forward, combines an above-the-rim game with inside-outside ability.
43	Avery Bradley	6-3	SG	NR	Bellarmine Prep (WA)	An explosive scorer who can knock down jumpers from deep or finish at the rack, Bradley is also starting to show other dimensions of his game.
44	Royce White	6-8	PF/SF	NR	Hopkins (MN)	The Minnesota commit should make his hometown school happy with his nice inside-outside game.
45	Omari Lawrence	6-4	SG	NR	St. Raymond's (NY)	The New Yorker is a versatile wing who can get to the bucket, rebound, lock up on defense and put points on the board.
46	Darius Smith	6-2	PG	NR	Marshall (IL)	A defensive stopper and excellent playmaker, Smith is adding to his floor game with more scoring ability.
47	Durand Scott	6-4	SG	NR	Rice (NY)	Scott's scoring mentality--he can score from deep, at the rack and when pulling up--made his name, but his hard-playing style and defensive intensity make his game.
48	Terrence Shannon	6-7	PF	NR	Persons (GA)	A true warrior down low, Shannon's game contains virtually no flash, but his toughness, physical nature and work on the boards are still highly effective.
49	Tamir Jackson	6-3	SG	NR	St. Benedict's (NJ)	The UAB commit can get into gunner mode at times, but his blend of outside shooting and his tricky drives often justify it.
50	Tyler Haws	6-5	SG/PG	NR	Lone Peak (UT)	The slender guard's height, feel for the game, playmaking ability and jumper have made him a hot commodity.

The Expanded SLAM Fresh 50 - 2009

Rank Name Ht Pos Last School Why?

1 Lance Stephenson 6-6 SG/PG 1 Lincoln (NY) Until someone knocks him off his throne, "Sir Lancelot" is king--he definitely has the talent, he produces and plays harder than the competition.

2 John Wall 6-3 PG 10 Word of God (NC) Once known for only his speed, Wall has worked on his jumper, has become a much better playmaker and is scoring at will.

3 Kenny Boynton 6-2 SG 7 American Heritage (FL) Boynton, a big-time scorer, has been on a mission recently--on both ends of the court.

4 Xavier Henry 6-6 SF/SG 6 Putnam City (OK) Henry's strength, polished game and textbook jumper is the total package for a high-level swingman.

5 Renardo Sidney 6-10 PF 2 Fairfax (CA) When he feels like playing, his talent--Sidney is literally capable of doing anything on the court--is simply too much to overcome.

6 Derrick Favors 6-9 C/PF 5 South Atlanta (GA) While his post-up moves and face-up game are still a work-in-progress, the physical and explosive ATL native is a monster on the boards and on D.

7 Jordan Hamilton 6-7 SF/SG 9 Dominguez (CA) Hamilton's power, handle, range and scoring ability make him a multi-dimensional nightmare for his foes.

8 Dominic Cheek 6-6 SG/SF 4 St. Anthony (NJ) Smooth barely scratches the surface of defining Cheek's game; the Jersey wing's stroke and perimeter game are superb.

9 Demarcus Cousins 6-10 C/PF 3 Leflore (AL) While consistency and effort can be issues for the big fella, Cousins has the talent to come out on top of any matchup he encounters.

10 Maalik Wayns 6-1 PG/SG 8 Roman Catholic (PA) A supreme floor general, the stocky, Villanova-bound Philly product has added an improved jumper to his arsenal.

11 Mason Plumlee 6-10 PF/SF 24 Christ (NC) Blessed with terrific face-up skills for his size, the slender Duke commitment can handle and shoot like a guard without sacrificing his rebounding ability.

12 Tristan Spurlock 6-7 SF NR Montrose Christian (MD) Spurlock may be less highly acclaimed than some of his teammates, but his athleticism and sniper's mentality have won earned him respect.

13 Shawn Williams 6-7 SF 25 Duncanville Williams is shedding his rep as strictly a shooter with an aggressive driving mentality, a defensive mindset and excellent work on the boards.

14 Aaric Murray 6-10 C/PF 13 Glen Mills (PA) Still the nation's best-kept secret, Murray's high skill level, college-ready frame and athleticism are off the charts.

15 Alex Oriakhi 6-9 C/PF 19 Tilton (NH) Always fundamentally sound, the future UConn big man is now realizing his ability to dominate games.

16 Terrell Vinson 6-6 SF/PF 18 Montrose Christian (MD) Never the most athletic prospect, Vinson has developed a polished wing game to go with his blue-collar effort inside.

17 Michael Snaer 6-5 SG 23 Rancho Verde (CA) Snaer's high-rising ways, tremendous motor and pure stroke have started to open up a lot of eyes.

18 John Henson 6-10 PF NR Round Rock (TX) While strength is still an issue for the UNC commit, his aggressiveness, offensive tools and length are a tantalizing combination.

19 Dexter Strickland 6-4 SG/PG 15 St. Patrick's (NJ) Strickland's athleticism, polished skillset and versatility in the backcourt bode well for the future Tar Heel.

20 Dante Taylor 6-8 PF NR National Christian Taylor bullies opponents with more power than finesse; however, his touch and post moves are coming around.

21 Roger Franklin 6-5 PF/SF NR Duncanville (TX) An undersized post with a solid wing game, Franklin is a skilled warrior who just gets the job done.

22 Noel Johnson 6-7 SF 21 Fayette County (GA) Johnson is a pure scorer from anywhere on the floor, but possesses the basketball IQ and skill level to contribute in other ways.

23 Leslie McDonald 6-4 SG/PG 11 Briarcrest (TN) The Memphis native's versatility is his trademark--he can shoot the rock, handle it, play defense and match up at either guard spot.

24 Ari Stewart 6-7 SF NR Wheeler (GA) Stewart's length, athleticism and stroke make him a deadly wing scorer--and the other parts of his game are catching up, too.

25 DJ Richardson 6-4 SG NR Central (IL) Richardson, an Illinois commit, possesses great quickness, a nice stroke, a solid handle and a nice mid-range game.

26 Isaiah Armwood 6-8 PF/SF 12 Montrose Christian (MD) Armwood's strength has improved and his ability to slide between either forward position makes him a difficult matchup.

27 Keith Gallon 6-8 PF/C NR Oak Hill (VA) "Tiny" is anything but small, but if the Big Baby clone improves his conditioning, his quick feet and great touch would make him unstoppable.

28 Clarence Trent 6-8 PF/SF 14 Findlay (NV) One of the top athletes in the class, Trent has added more polish to his game without losing his aggressiveness in the lane.

29 Reeves Nelson 6-7 PF 17 Modesto Christian (CA) Nelson, a UCLA commit, isn't Kevin Love, but his similarly rugged inside game and outside touch will make Bruins fans happy.

30 Wally Judge 6-8 PF NR Arlington Country Day (FL) The K-State commit's game is becoming more substance than potential--which is bad news for his opponents, as his length, rebounding, scoring touch and quickness were already problems.

31 Hollis Thompson 6-7 SF NR Loyola (CA) Thompson, a Georgetown-bound wing, doesn't blow people away with athleticism or deep range, but his fluid game and fundamentals make him tough to stop.

32 Erik Murphy 6-10 PF NR St. Mark's (MA) The future Florida big man has a terrific face-up game for a post player, but can also get it done down low.

33 Karron Johnson 6-7 PF 20 Mount Zion (NC) Always an amazing athlete with a great frame, Johnson is starting to play to his strengths as a banger in the paint.

34 Christian Watford 6-8 SF/PF NR Shades Valley (AL) Long, athletic and skilled, Watford's ability to play inside and outside make him a persistent matchup problem.

35 Abdul Gaddy 6-3 PG NR Bellarmine Prep (WA) A long point guard who recently de-committed from Arizona, Gaddy is a true floor general who looks to get others involved before scoring.

36 Nolan Dennis 6-5 SG NR North Richland Hills (TX) Dennis has always possessed the tools--length, athleticism, an excellent stroke--to be an elite player, but must maintain his intensity.

37 Da'Shonte Riley 6-11 C NR Detroit Country Day (MI) Riley, a Georgetown commit, has unbelievable potential--intimidating shot-blocker, ability to step out on offense, runs the floor like a guard--but has to put it together consistently.

38 Rodney Williams 6-5 SF/SG NR Robbinsdale Cooper (MN) A big-time athlete, Williams is starting to round out his game with better ballhandling and shooting.

39 Peyton Siva 5-11 PG/SG 22 Franklin (WA) The recent Louisville commit is still improving his point-guard skills, but the Seattle native's current game--jet quick, jumps out of the gym, shoots it from deep--is still impressive.

40 Lamar Patterson 6-5 SF NR McCaskey (PA) A big-bodied wing player with excellent range, the Pitt commit also rebounds well, sees the floor and has a great feel for the game.

41 Deshawn Painter 6-9 PF/C NR Washington (VA) The future Gator's ability to rebound, get out in transition and block shots seem like a perfect fit for Florida--if he can stay motivated.

42 Jamil Wilson 6-7 SF/PF NR Horlick (WI) Wilson, a long and athletic combo forward, combines an above-the-rim game with inside-outside ability.

43 Avery Bradley 6-3 SG NR Bellarmine Prep (WA) An explosive scorer who can knock down jumpers from deep or finish at the rack, Bradley is also starting to show other dimensions of his game.

44 Royce White 6-8 PF/SF NR Hopkins (MN) The Minnesota commit should make his hometown school happy with his nice inside-outside game.

45 Omari Lawrence 6-4 SG NR St. Raymond's (NY) The New Yorker is a versatile wing who can get to the bucket, rebound, lock up on defense and put points on the board.

46 Darius Smith 6-2 PG NR Marshall (IL) A defensive stopper and excellent playmaker, Smith is adding to his floor game with more scoring ability.

47 Durand Scott 6-4 SG NR Rice (NY) Scott's scoring mentality--he can score from deep, at the rack and when pulling up--made his name, but his hard-playing style and defensive intensity make his game.

48 Terrence Shannon 6-7 PF NR Persons (GA) A true warrior down low, Shannon's game contains virtually no flash, but his toughness, physical nature and work on the boards are still highly effective.

49 Tamir Jackson 6-3 SG NR St. Benedict's (NJ) The UAB commit can get into gunner mode at times, but his blend of outside shooting and his tricky drives often justify it.

50 Tyler Haws 6-5 SG/PG NR Lone Peak (UT) The slender guard's height, feel for the game, playmaking ability and jumper have made him a hot commodity.

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9 Responses to “The Expanded SLAM Fresh 50 - 2009”

Jun.3 at 11:55 am

DP says:
JOHN WALL NEXT DIARY KEEPER. just don’t let it be renardo, Ben. He is too-sometimed. Knowing you guys you might go to Lance and I don’t blame you if you do but it needs to be between John Wall and Lance for the next Diary.

Jun.3 at 12:14 pm

B. Long says:
My vote is for Lance.

Jun.3 at 2:43 pm

Ryan Jones says:
DP: The 2008-09 Diary keeper has been chosen. I can only tell you that all the players you mentioned were on our short list… as were 1 or 2 others. Stay tuned.

Jun.3 at 9:54 pm

Hursty says:
The names of some of these young studs are hilarious. Lamar Patterson. Avery Bradley. No doubt they can ball great but the names of dudes in the NBA contrasted are so funny.

Jun.14 at 11:35 pm

Phenom says:
man xavier henry can hoop… i seen him play in the season and there aint anybody in oklahoma that can stop him… if kansas dont get him, self is retarded

Jul.15 at 4:37 pm

SLAM ONLINE | » Globe Trotters says:
[…] For many on the adidas Nations team, including the coaches and staff, this is their first trip to Africa. Team US includes some of the best players in their age group. Players like Jerry Brown out of California, Tyler Griffey and Derrick Favors—a consensus top-10 member of the class of ‘09—represent the future of American basketball. For players accustomed to the best facilities and star treatment afforded to bright basketball prospects in the US, the Malian heat is but one of many factors requiring some adjustment. The flies, the language, the unfamiliar foods, the perceived threat of malaria and the languid pace of things keeps both the staff and the players off balance. There is a palpable stress on the players and coaches as they are confronted with the realities of moving in Africa. […]

Jul.17 at 9:22 pm

throw some d's on my guacomolie says:
First off jamil wilson is unreal, he should easily be ranked in the top 10 even as scout ranks him. He has a 41 inch vertical and can shoot 3’s hes still 6 8 and growing. give him the diary or john wall

Aug.2 at 2:01 am

LANCE IS THE BEST says:
Lance should be the next diary keeper. He is the best.

Aug.6 at 3:43 pm

Pierre Wright says:
Abdul, and Avery are ranked much highwr on all of the other websites. Clarence Trent is overrated, he can only dunk, no jump shot.

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