Who’s #1?
The rankings on CCB consist of players who have participated in camps. The primary reason for this is because I have been able to see the players in different situations and interact with them personally. This has enabled me to get a feel for the kid outside of basketball and have a certain amount of comfort in saying to a coach, I would recommend this kid to a team based on character.
6-3 John Harris is the #3 ranked player in the class of 2008
Why not include every player seen?
While I have seen a lot of players this summer, I find that any ranking of a player without ever having a chance to get to know the kid personally means that I am validating a player in all facets by ranking him. I think this is a touchy thing to do. If you rank a player you are commenting on the players talent, but to not have a chance to analyze a player on the whole character, interaction with people other than his high school or AAU coach creates an interesting situation. So while it would be easy to place Elliot Williams in the top 5 on this list because every other list has him there, I have never interacted with the player so I couldn’t speak towards his character. Which isn’t a knock on him but it is a knock on me. I have certain things I consider in a ranking.
1. Will the player be a good teammate?
2. Does the player have the potential to improve more in college?
3. Can the player be an effective player at the collegiate level?
4. Does he have the fundamentals down and does he understand the game?
5. Is he willing to sacrifice and be the defensive stopper for his team as well as the offensive option?
6. Is the player respectful and disciplined?
7. Can the player adjust to playing with other talented players without forcing shots?
8. Is the player a student first?
9. Ability to play more than one position.
10. Can the player overcome a difficult circumstance?
All of these qualities is why most of the camps I host are invite only and recommendation. This is why I have to find a way to interact with the player. It is why I won’t rank a player anymore that does not either come to the camp or that I have not had a chance to speak with. CCB looks for the complete player, with the understanding that these are kids (young men) that are being discussed and influenced. They will make mistakes, but it is how they recover and react after those mistakes that makes a difference. I will revise these rankings after the Arkansas Showcase.
6-5 Kimani Shotwell is the #13 ranked player in the class of 2008 after sitting out his senior year due to transfer problems. He dropped from #3.
6-6 Armani Burdett is the #1 ranked player in the class of 2008
|
Center Court Basketball 2008 Rank (Updated March 6th 2008) |
|
|
Mitchell H.S. (TN) Lanky slashing guard who can get to the basket at will |
6-6 |
|
Mitchell H.S. (TN) A big nasty type player who is a lefty and can make solid post moves |
6-5 |
|
Starkville H.S. (MS) Long athletic, combo who can score, pass, defend and is explosive |
6-3 |
|
Wynne H.S. (Ark) Very clever with the rock and has the size needed to play at high level |
6-1 |
|
Wynne H.S. (Ark) Has above average post moves only needs to add strength |
6-6 |
|
Mitchell H.S. (TN) D-1 body with a nice handle and great rebounding ability |
6-6 |
|
Long Beach H.S. (MS) A very versatile guard with a great basketball IQ |
6-1 |
|
Long Beach H.S. (MS) A hustler with a great build and a fantastic student |
6-5.5 |
|
Hoxie H.S. (Ark) Averaged 23 ppg junior year and has now increased athleticism and strength |
6-4 |
|
10. Justin Grace Ridgeland H.S. (MS) Quick guard with range and savvy |
5-9 |
|
11 Chad Jones Amite H.S. (LA) Unlimited potential, can hop and finish but has to learn the game some |
6-5 |
|
12 Travis Aubin Picayune H.S. (MS) Very smart player who can score or run the show |
5-10 |
|
Central H.S. (TN) Tough defensive minded two with great shooting touch and post play |
6-4 |
|
14 Thatcher Cooperwood (Was in the class of 2009 but will graduate this year) Riverview H.S. (Ark) Explosive wing that needs to develop his handle to be more effective |
6-2 |
|
Meridian H.S. (MS) Lefty three point shooter with ridiculous range |
6-2 |
|
16 Corey Lawson Jonesboro H.S. (Ark) Has all of the tools to be a big time player, but has to get aggressive |
6-5 |
|
Pearl H.S. (MS) An undersized Ben Wallace |
6-4 |
|
Loranger H.S. (LA) A hustling player who dives for loose balls and plays with intensity |
6-3 |
|
Hamilton H.S. (TN) Another scoring threat from deep and a solid student |
6-3 |
|
University School (TN) An inside outside threat who needs to get quicker and more aggressive |
6-6 |
|
21 Tre’ Jackson Arlington H.S. (TN) Has developed a lead guard mentality |
6-0 |
|
Meridian H.S. (MS) Another versatile two who is a defensive stopper solid in the open court |
6-2 |
|
Westside H.S. (Ark) Another athletic wing who needs to assert himself and he will move on for sure |
6-4 |
|
24 Dralyn Sims Meridian H.S. (MS) Intelligent PG who plays very well within the offense and uptempo |
5-10 |
|
Amite H.S. (LA) Explosive leaper, excellent midrange game needs to assert himself |
6-0 |
|
Melrose H.S. (TN) Athletic, long guard, rebounds well from the guard spot great leader |
6-1 |
|
Arlington H.S. (TN) Has a ton of potential and shows flashes, about 6-7 wingspan |
6-4 |
|
28 Josh Jones Wooddale H.S. (TN) Has potential but is a young senior, can block shots though |
6-5 |
|
Long Beach H.S. (MS) First year player learning the game but can change shots |
6-8 |
|
Bartlett H.S. (TN) Could be an effective guard with his length and athleticism needs to add strength |
6-3 |