Tyus Jones

"Jones is the best point guard in America ... A college head coach will be able to turn the ball over to Jones as a freshman and be able to completely trust the young man. He plays with a maturity that is almost surreal for such a young player seemingly making the correct decision with the basketball every time down the floor."

This quote from NBEbasketball.com hits the nail on the head when it comes to describing Tyus Jones and his exceptional play. Every scout in country has seen him play and praised his game. The embodiment of a true point guard, Jones makes everyone around him better and his ability to command the game is unmatched.

   

Profile:

A member of the class of 2014 and currently in his junior season, Jones plays well beyond his years with the savvy and poise of a seasoned veteran. Entering his fourth season as a varsity player (he played varsity as a FRESHMAN) at Apple Valley High School in Minnesota, the 6'1" 171 lb. point guard is poised to have a monster year. In the past three seasons, Jones already has compiled 1,575 points and 588 assists. As a sophomore, he averaged 28.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 3.4 steals per game leading the Eagles to a (23-6) record. Ranked by ESPN as the No. 1 overall player and point guard in the class of 2014, Jones has yet to disappoint in any competition and has improved his game each and every year.         

NBA Comparison:

Tyus Jones' skill set and play style on the court can be compared to that of Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul. Both players are extremely poised and have command of the game when they are on the floor. More importantly both Paul and Jones have the unique ability to make the players around them better. They both have a deep understanding of the game and are able to make pinpoint passes that position their teammates to score. When these two players aren't distributing the ball they are scoring in a variety of ways. Layups in transition, three point shots, floaters in the lane, and pull-up jump shots are just a few of the ways they can beat you, making them nearly unstoppable. Chris Paul is considered by many to be the best point guard in the NBA, and at this rate Tyus Jones may be there sooner than you think.

 

Conclusion:

Tyus Jones is the best point guard in high school basketball because of his ability read the defense and make the correct decision whether to pass or score. Currently entertaining scholarship offers from Baylor, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Ohio State his decision will be monumental for recruiting in the class of 2014. Wherever he goes other top recruits will be sure to follow as they will want to play alongside this elite play maker.

Aquille Carr

"The most exciting player in high school basketball, regardless of class."

Anyone who has witnessed Aquille Carr play agrees that he is one of the quickest, flashiest, and most entertaining players they have ever seen. Carr is so exciting to watch that he has been deemed 'The Crime Stopper' in Maryland, because crime rates supposedly go down when he plays. Don't believe the hype? See for yourself in the video below, oh and did I forget to mention he is 5'6"!

Profile:

Standing at 5'6" and weighing 148 lbs., Aquille Carr is not your prototypical point guard. Severely undersized for his position, Carr has made up for his height disadvantage with explosive speed, lightning quick handles, a consistent jumper, and a Muggsy Bogues like dunking ability. Carr played his first three seasons of high school basketball for Patterson High School. In his sophomore year, Carr boasted a stat line of 32 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. During his three seasons there he logged 1,990 points and won two Maryland 4A state titles. Currently playing out his senior year at Princeton Day Academy, he surpassed the 2,000 point mark in his first game with a 32 point performance. Ranked as the No. 98 overall player and No. 26 point guard in the class of 2013 by ESPN, Carr's talents will be showcased at Seton Hall University next season.

NBA Comparison:
Aquille Carr can easily be compared to Chicago Bulls guard Nate Robinson due to their similarities in size and playing style. Robinson who stands at 5'9" is a guard who Carr has obviously modeled himself after. Both players possess explosive end to end speed, quick ball handling, excellent court awareness and exceptional scoring ability. These traits make both players instant spark plugs for their teams as they have the ability take over a game at any given moment.

Conclusion:

No one can deny that Aquille Carr is an exceptional high school basketball player. But, there are still many improvements he needs to make to his game if he wishes to have similar success at both the college and NBA level. Learning to play without the ball, developing a consistent pull-up jump shot, and improving his 1-on-1 defensive ability will be essential elements in this process. If Carr is able to refine these elements of his game, he may be able to have a collegiate and NBA career that mirrors those of Muggsy Bogues, Spud Webb, and Nate Robinson.     

Matt Jones

"His range extends past the stripe and his release is quick. To go with his long range shot, Jones has not only developed his one and two dribble pull-ups, but he has also turned himself into an impressive all-around scorer."

This is how Scout.com describes the exceptional shooter from the class of 2013. With his feet set, Jones can make defenses pay from almost anywhere on the court. Hitting three point shots with extreme efficiency is his forte, but he also has the ability to score off the dribble and make the extra pass when defenders run him off the line.

 

Profile:
Considered by many as best shooter in the class of 2013, Matt Jones is an extremely efficient shooter on the offensive end. Standing at 6'5" with a 6'7" wingspan, Jones has the prototypical build for a shooting guard giving him the ability to shoot over defenders, score in the paint and finish at the rim when necessary. As a junior, he averaged 18.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game and led Desoto High School to the regional finals of the Texas 5A state tournament. Jones continued to impress on the AAU circuit as he averaged 17.7 points per game and shot 48% from the 3 point line in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League. Ranked as the No. 36 overall player and the No. 8 shooting guard in his class by ESPN, Jones will be playing for Duke University next season.     

NBA Comparison:
With improvement to his ball-handling, shot creation, and defense Jones can easily be compared to Ray Allen. Both players are athletic enough to make plays in the open court and at the rim, but their specialty is definitely shooting. Hitting shots from all over the court with a consistent catch and shoot motion is something both of these players do best. With continued hard work, Jones will become one of the elite shooters in college over the next few years and may become a 3-point specialist at the NBA level.

 

Conclusion:
Look for Jones to become an essential part of Coach K's offense next year at Duke. His game should improve tremendously under Coack K's tutelage and his ability to shoot the ball consistently will make him vital part of the offense. Keep an eye out for Matt Jones as he will undoubtedly be one of the best shooters in the college game over the next few years.  

Kasey Hill

"A textbook floor general, who is always in complete command on the court. Hill can get to wherever he wants on the court combining a tight and fluid handle with excellent court vision and feel for the game."

This is just some of the praise Kasey Hill received from Mike Grimala in the ESPN article Kasey Hill: Who do you think you are?. A dynamic point guard with superb passing ability, Hill is one of the most exciting players in the class of 2013.

Profile:
The fact that Kasey Hill is a pure point guard can't be stressed enough.  Standing at 6'1" and weighing 170 lbs., Hill excels in every aspect of his position. Passing, scoring, running the break, facilitating the offense, and creating turnovers on the defensive end are all part of his repertoire. A native of Florida, Hill has brought great success to the basketball program at Montverde Academy. Last year, he led the Eagles to a (22-5) record and to the finals of the National High School Invitational to the tune of 15.4 points and 7.2 assists per game. ESPN ranks Hill as the No. 2 point guard and the No. 9 overall player in the class of 2013. A commit to the University of Florida, he will undoubtedly bring excitement to the Gators program next year. Power forward Chris Walker (No. 10 in the ESPN 100) also joined Hill in signing to Florida.

NBA Comparison:
Touting a high basketball I.Q., a unique understanding of the game, and a pass first mentality Hill draws comparison to all star point guard Rajon Rondo. With electrifying speed and crafty ball handling skills both players can control the pace of the game and slice into the paint for easy layups. Running the break in the open court and creating scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates is where both these athletes excel. More importantly both players have the rare ability to impact the game without scoring, imposing their will with pinpoint passes to teammates in the half court set. All of these elements coupled with Hill's knack for stealing the ball further reinforces his resemblance to Rondo.

 




















Conclusion:
Kasey Hill will be a spark plug for Gators next season. With improvements on the defensive end and the development of a consistent jump shot, Hill could become one of the best point guards in the college game. His impact is immeasurable as he has the potential to lead Florida back to the Final Four.

Andrew Wiggins

"Measuring 6'7" with a 6'11" wingspan and a terrific frame for a prospect his age, Wiggins clearly has ideal physical tools for a NBA wing. He's a fluid and explosive athlete on top of that, capable of getting wherever he wants on the floor with his excellent first step and strong leaping ability."

Jonathon Givony's description on DraftExpress.com only scratches the surface of Wiggins' capabilities as a basketball player at the age of 17. Wiggins size and skill set combine perfectly to make him an exceptional player, and with hard work could propel him to NBA stardom.

Profile:
Standing at 6'7" and weighing in at 205 lbs., Wiggins is the top high school player in the class of 2013. ESPN ranks him as the No. 1 player and small forward in his class, undoubtedly making him the most sought after high school recruit in the nation. Entering his senior season at Huntington St. Joseph's Prep High School in West Virginia, Wiggins is prepared to tear up the competition and show college coaches once more why he is the best player in the nation. As a junior he averaged 25.0 points, 13 rebounds, 4.0 blocks, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game and led his team to a (24-2) record. Wiggins resume also includes competing on the international level. A native of Canada, he participated in the FIBA U-17 World Championships for the Canadian national team. An experience that propelled his development and helped Wiggins become such a dynamic player.

NBA Comparison:
Wiggins game draws a stark comparison to the play of Rudy Gay, the Memphis Grizzlies star small forward. Possessing terrific size and length at the small forward position, both players are able to significantly impact the game on the offensive and defensive end. Scoring in a variety ways is something both of these players do best. Slashing and finishing at the rim, breaking down defenders 1 on 1, shooting from the perimeter, posting up, and getting to the free throw line are all part of their offensive repertoire. Defensively, their length and athleticism make them bothersome to the opposition as they are able to guard multiple positions, block/alter shots, and rebound effectively.

Conclusion:       
Andrew Wiggins is a complete player with superstar potential at the collegiate and NBA level. With offers from Florida State, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio State and Syracuse the future looks bright for this young star. Listen up when it becomes time for his college commitment, as his decision could have championship implications for the program he chooses.  

Aaron Gordon

“He's got a very good frame that should make him a strong player in college and is a terrific athlete who competes every possession.”

That’s how Scout.com describes Aaron Gordon. An exceptional athlete in the class of 2013, Gordon is one of the most exciting high school players in the nation that is fueled and ready to have a huge senior season.

Profile:

Hailing from San Jose, California, Gordon has been a dominant force for Archbishop Mitty High School. Standing at 6’8” and weighing about 210 lbs., Gordon has been asked to play both the forward and center position during his high school career. Despite his position, Gordon has the unique ability to defend every position on the floor, from point guard to center. In his three years at Archbishop Mitty, he has led his team to an (84-15) record, with only 5 losses in the past two years. During his sophomore year, Gordon averaged 16.4 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game and lead his his team to the California Division II state championship. He also had the prestigious opportunity to play for the USA U16 national team. While playing for the USA U16 national team Gordon led the team to a 5-0 record, averaging 17.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.2 blocks, and 4.6 assists per game. He is currently the No. 7 ranked player in the class of 2013 by ESPN, and the No. 2 ranked power forward. 

NBA Comparison:

Right off the bat, Aaron Gordon draws rave comparison to the Los Angeles Clippers star power forward Blake Griffin. Both Gordon and Griffin play above the rim, playing the game with power and aggression. Having the ability to get over their defenders to finish with strong dunks and layups makes it extremely difficult for opposing players to guard them in the paint. Both players also do a great job of hustling, getting loose balls, and protecting the rim on the defensive end. Gordon has the potential to become a star power forward in college and the NBA as long as he continues to improve his perimeter game and uses his length, power, and athleticism to his advantage.

  

Conclusion:

Aaron Gordon is a freakish athlete, and one of those names that you will undoubtedly be hearing in the next few years. He has already shown that he can dominant games in a variety of different ways, whether it be by scoring, rebounding, or blocking shots. He has a wide skill set coupled with amazing athleticism for such a young player.

Looking ahead, Gordon is currently considering playing basketball for Oregon, Kansas, Arizona, California, Washington, or Kentucky next year. Keep an ear out for his college decision, as he his one of the most coveted recruits of 2013.

Katin Reinhardt

"Reinhardt has effortless NBA range, a lightning quick release, excellent fundamentals, and the ability to hit shots in a variety of situations."

Joe Treutlein's description of Katin Reinhardt couldn't be more accurate in his article on DraftExpress.com. A highly touted recruit from the class of 2012, Reinhardt is an exciting freshman guard to watch for at UNLV this college basketball season.

 

Profile:
A native of Dana Point, California, Reinhardt attended Mater Dei High School. This 6'5",  190 lb. guard can play both the point and shooting guard positions effectively. During his career at Mater Dei, Reinhardt led his team to back to back state championships his junior and senior year, posting records of (32-3) and (34-2). As a senior he averaged 21.0 points, 3.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game.  Mater Dei only lost a total of 7 times and won at least 30 games each season during Reinhardt's four year career. He was ranked No. 47 out of the top 100 high school players in the nation by ESPN and the No. 8 shooting guard in the nation by Scout.com. UNLV head coach Dave Rice was happy to welcome both Reinhardt and Anthony Bennett (No.7 in the ESPN top 100) to the Runnin' Rebels squad this year.

NBA Comparison:
As he continues to develop Katin Reinhardt can be compared to Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams. Both Reinhardt and Williams exhibit exceptional passing, ball handling, and scoring ability. Scoring with runners, floaters, and accurate outside shooting coupled with effectively facilitating the offense is what makes both of these guards so special. An added bonus for the teams they play for is their solid awareness and fundamentals on the defensive end. With a similar size and skill set to Williams, Reinhardt has the potential to become one of the top point guards in college over the next four years.

Conclusion:

Remember the name Katin Reinhardt as you will undoubtedly hear his name during the college basketball season. The freshman guard has already made an immediate impact on the floor for UNLV. Check out the link below for full details on his game-winning play in UNLV's exhibition game against Carleton University.
 

Katin Reinhardt steps up in his debut, leading UNLV to a 74-70 victory at Carleton

Gabe York

"An exceptional scorer with unlimited range. A spectacular leaper who brings excitement to the court. Plays well in transition with a strong pull-up jumper."

The quote above is how the University of Arizona described their freshman point guard who will begin his college career on November 11th, 2012 as the Wildcats will be facing Charleston Southern in their home season opener. Check out this explosive guard in the video below:

Profile: 
Gabe York came out of a competitive 2012 high school class. Hailing from Orange, California, this 6'2" guard was one of the top players in the state and the nation. York attended Orange Lutheran High School and was a four year varsity starter that scored over 2,000 points. During his senior year York averaged 24.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. He was ranked No. 65 in the top 100 high school players in his class by ESPN, and was ranked the No. 11 shooting guard in the nation by Rivals.com. Gabe York joined other top 100 high school recruits Kaleb Tarczewski (No. 4), Grant Jerrett (No. 9), and Brandon Ashley (No. 16) in committing to Arizona.
 
NBA Comparison:
Gabe York's skill set is similar to that of NBA player Monta Ellis. Ellis (a 6'3" guard of similar size) is entering his 7th year in the NBA. He currently plays for the Milwaukee Bucks and previously played for the Golden State Warriors. Both Ellis and York are explosive guards with outstanding shooting ability. Each player has the capability to push the pace, finish at the rim, and shoot the ball from anywhere on the court with ease. Also, both guards play styles are geared towards scoring rather than facilitating the offense.

 

Conclusion: 

York will have to learn to be more of a facilitator at Arizona. He will be asked play the point guard position because he will be undersized as a shooting guard at the college level. I am more than confident he will make this transition as he becomes more acclimated to the college game. Keep an eye out for Gabe York at Arizona over the next few years as he will undeniable leave his mark on the Wildcats program.