Class of 2009 National 150
By Hoops News, September 2007
Cream of the Crop
The elite players in the class of 2009 did a good job of holding down their spots this summer. Renardo Sidney, Derrick Favors, DeMarcus Cousins, Lance Stephenson, Xavier Henry, and Kenny Boynton entered the AAU season with big reputations and although each of them (with the exception of, maybe, Derrick Favors) had their highs-and-lows, they all did enough this summer to justify their status as the elite of this class.
One thing that really sticks out about the class of 2009 is the talent of the three big men at the top. Sidney, Favors, and Cousins each have a pro-combination of low-post presence and perimeter skill.
Sidney especially, is an intriguing young prospect. With his big body, excellent mobility and exceptional skill-set, he is able to out-maneuver, overpower and flat outplay his opponents down low. Sidney is also very talented on the perimeter for player his age and size. He handles the ball like a guard and shoots it well from deep.
He has been criticized recently, though, for spending too much time on the perimeter. While we agree with his critics that he is just too good underneath the basket and has too much body to float the perimeter, it is that same exceptional skill-set (away from the basket) that sets Sidney apart from his peers.
As for Favors and Cousins, they are both excellent prospects in their own right. We gave Favors the nod over Cousins this time around in large part because he is more of a finished product at this stage.
Favors knows his strengths are near the basket and he plays to those strengths. He was one of the most consistent performers of the summer and held his own against many of the nation's top older big men. His worth was really proved in late July when he led the Atlanta Celtics to the championship of the Super 64 tournament in Las Vegas.
While Favors was getting it done against older competition, Cousins was dominating the 16-and-under divisions. Cousins, 6'10, also has a tremendous skill-set for a player his size. He has spin moves for days underneath and can step out and nail the jumper. Like Renardo Sidney, he sometimes spends too much time on the perimeter, but with added toughness inside he could challenge Sidney for that top spot.
Just like three frontcourt players have separated themselves from the rest of the class, three perimeter players have firmly established themselves as the best. Depending on who you ask, the best backcourt player in this class is either Lance Stephenson, Xavier Henry, or Kenny Boynton.
Stephenson is the player with the biggest reputation. In fact, he held down the top spot in these rankings for much of last year. Although his play was a little inconsistent this summer, there is no denying his excellent body, athleticism, quickness with the ball, and scoring ability.
Little separated Stephenson from Henry and Boynton (in our minds) after the July evaluation period, but his play last week in the Boost Mobile Elite 24 Hoops Classic game at Rucker Park was enough to give him the top spot among the wings in this class. Stephenson dominated that contest to the tune of 38 points on 17-22 shooting.
Henry earned our respect this summer with his consistent play and all-around game. While his best asset is no-doubt his ability to score the ball, we also love the way he impacts the game at both ends of the court and the way he makes those around him better. Henry played in 17-and-under events all spring and summer where he was always a top performer, and with his size, athleticism, skill and understanding for the game we expect him to be an excellent college and pro player down the road.
And that leads us to Kenny Boynton-- perhaps the most accomplished player of the bunch. Boynton had a terrific summer as he led Team Breakdown to an AAU Nationals title where he was named tournament MVP. He was also a top player at the King James Shootout, NBPA Camp, RBK U, and the Reebok Summer Championships-- all while playing against older competition. He is definitely the premier bucket-maker in this class. In fact, the only reason that he is not ranked higher than #6 in these rankings is that he is a 61 scoring guard, which limits his upside. Were he 64, Boynton would challenge for the #1 spot.
Jordan Hamilton remains in the top 10 at #7 after he was a top performer at numerous events this summer. Hamilton also has his critics, but you cant argue with the way he consistently puts up big numbers against older players.
Dexter Strickland drops from sixth to eighth after having a less-than-dominating summer. We still expect big things from Strickland, who we believe has the athleticism and skill to be an outstanding college point guard someday, but it wasnt too encouraging seeing him blend-in at the Lebron James Academy and then get outplayed by a rising sophomore (Kendall Marshall) a week later at Peach Jam. Strickland will have his chance for redemption when he takes the reigns at St. Patrick this winter.
Karron Johnson holds down his spot at number nine. He didnt have a monster summer like he did a year ago, but he played well enough to maintain his stock. We look forward to seeing if hell make a push toward elite status as his perimeter game continues to develop.
The only newcomer to the top 10 is 69 prospect Daniel Orton. While Ortons top 10 ranking is based more on potential than product at this stage, he is nonetheless becoming a dominant post player.
He is an elite prospect from a physical standpoint and an excellent shot blocker, but we were really impressed with the flashes of offensive talent that he began to show late in the summer. At the Lebron James US Skills Academy, Orton proved to have a soft touch on his shot and his drop-step dunks were inspiring. With some more polish and killer instinct, Ortons status as one of the best bigs in this class appears secure.
Georgia and Cali Strong
College coaches wondering where they should spend their time this upcoming high school season should start planning trips to two states: Georgia and California.
10 players from Georgia rank among the top 100, while 13 make the list total. As for California, a whopping 20 players made the list-- seven of which are ranked in the top 30. And to top it off, Renardo Sidney, the top ranked player on this list, plays high school ball for Aresia in Lakewood, Ca. and Derrick Favors, number two on this list, plays for South Atlanta High School in Georgia.
Perennial hotbeds such as North Carolina (7 players), Texas (11), Maryland (9), Illinois (11), and Florida (7) also had significant impacts on the list, while this could be considered a down year talent-wise in states such as Ohio (4) and Kentucky (1).
Taking Their Time
Something we pointed out when we published our class of 2010 player rankings two weeks ago was that 12 of the top 100 players in that class had already made their college choice.
While that class appeares to be in a hurry to get the recruiting process over with, the juniors seem to be taking their time and exploring their options.
As of print time, only 13 players on this list have ended their recruitment. That means that more than 90% of the best 150 players in the class of 2009 are still available. Even more impressive than that is the fact that all of the players ranked among the top 20 are uncommitted.
Thats right college coaches, the best 20 prospects in this class are still available.
And now for the list.
Class of 2009 National 150
Rank. Name. Height. Position. City (State) School. COLLEGE. PpR. Scouting Report.
1. Renardo Sidney 69 PF Lakewood (CA) Artesia UNDECIDED Franchise Pro Sidney has a great combination of size, athleticism, and skill. He is dominant in the post and has the ability to score from the wing. He handles the ball extremely well for a player his size and shoots with range. Although we would like to see him spend less time floating the perimeter and become more aggressive underneath, there is no denying his skill away from the basket. Future NBA Lottery-Pick. 2. Derrick Favors 69 PF Atlanta (GA) South Atlanta UNDECIDED Pro Favors was our pick for Best Underclassman Big Man of the Summer after leading the Atlanta Celtics to the championship of the Super 64. Hes long, athletic and a consistent performer that is an efficient scorer and tough defender. He is best close to the basket where he uses either hand to finish, but is also skilled enough to play the three. Elite-level player and future pro. 3. DeMarcus Cousins 610 PF Birmingham (AL) Erwin UNDECIDED Pro Cousins has a rare combination of size (610-250) and skill. He uses his size to dominate inside and his perimeter game is outstanding for a player of his size. He often steps out and nails the 15-footer and he can put the ball on the floor and take his man off the dribble. Cousins is also an excellent passer out of the post. There is plenty of room for him to tighten up his overall game but he is still an elite college and pro prospect. 4. Lance Stephenson 65 W Brooklyn (NY) Lincoln UNDECIDED Pro Stephenson is no-doubt the big name player in this class. He has been touted as the next big thing to come out of New York since his middle school days and the hype rivals that of Sebastian Telfair at the same stage. He is a super quick wing with a slick handle and a college-ready body that scores in high volume and he always stands out even when playing against older players. There is room for him to improve his decision making and to play a more controlled style, but hes a big-timer nonetheless. Stephenson attends the same school, Lincoln High, that produced NYC hoops legends Sebastian Telfair and Stephon Marbury. 5. Xavier Henry 65 SG Oklahoma City (OK) Putnam City UNDECIDED Pro Henry has been playing against older competition for years now and it shows with his mature approach to the game. He is a good athlete and complete player that handles, shoots well, gets to the hole and finishes, rebounds, defends, and passes. Many scouts consider Henry the best wing in the country in this class. He is a potential big-time scorer at the next level. 6. Kenny Boynton 61 SG Plantation (FL) American Heritage UNDECIDED Pro Boynton is undersized as a shooting guard, but hes still the most prolific scorer in the class (think Chris Lofton-- only better). He always rises to the occasion in big games and is confident taking the big shot. His accolades include an AAU National Championship with Team Breakdown and a Florida 6A state title with Blanche Ely (he was MVP of both tournaments). He already claims scholarship offers from Duke, Florida, and Louisville among others. Boynton has transferred to American Heritage in Plantation, Fl. for his junior year of high school. 7. Jordan Hamilton 67 SF Compton (CA) Dominguez UNDECIDED Pro Hamilton was the leading scorer at numerous events this summer, despite playing against older competition. He can create his own shot and shoots the ball well. Hes a good athlete that excels in transition and at attacking the basket. His overall game really improved this summer as he was rebounding more and making better decisions. Hamilton will be an impact player from day one at the next level. 8. Dexter Strickland 63 PG Elizabeth (NJ) St. Patrick UNDECIDED Pro Strickland is one of the premier athletes in this class with his quickness and ridiculous hops. His ball handling and playmaking skills are solid, but he is still trying to find his identity as a player as he is more of a combo guard than a true point at this stage. As a scorer he is best taking his man off the dribble, although he is also a capable shooter. Strickland wasnt as dominant as we expected him to be this summer and his stock has dropped a tad, but the potential is still there for him to regain his status as an elite player in this class. 9. Karron Johnson 67 F Durham (NC) Mt. Zion Pro UNDECIDED Pro Johnson is a tremendous athlete and has a college-ready build. Hes tough as nails and has a good motor and is very active around the hoop. His game away from the basket is improving, but he still has work to do to become a three at the next level. With an improved perimeter game, Johnson is an excellent college and pro prospect. 10. Daniel Orton 69 C Oklahoma City (OK) Bishop McGuinness UNDECIDED Pro With a 275-pound body, a 75 wing-span, and a 91 reach (barefoot), Orton has all the physical gifts to be a dominant big man at the next level(s). Hes already one of the nations top shot-blockers and his offensive game is rapidly improving. Hes not going to fill the box-scores at this stage, but his upside is off-the-charts. 11-150: 11. John Wall 61 PG Raleigh (NC) Word of God Academy UNDECIDED Big Time 12. Dominic Cheek 65 SG Jersey City (NJ) St. Anthony UNDECIDED Big Time 13. Isaiah Armwood 67 PF Rockville (MD) Montrose Christian UNDECIDED Big Time 14. Jamil Wilson 66 PF Racine (WI) Horlick UNDECIDED Big Time 15. DeShonte Riley 610 C Detroit (MI) Country Day UNDECIDED Big Time 16. Leslie McDonald 64 SG Memphis (TN) Briarcrest UNDECIDED Big Time 17. Hollis Thompson 66 W Los Angeles (CA) Loyola UNDECIDED Big Time 18. David Wear 69 PF Santa Ana (CA) Mater Dei UNDECIDED Big Time 19. Noel Johnson 66 SG Fayetteville (GA) Fayette County UNDECIDED Big Time 20. DeShawn Painter 68 PF Norfolk (VA) Booker T. Washington UNDECIDED Big Time 21. Nolan Dennis 65 SG Richland Hills (TX) Richland UNDECIDED Big Time 22. Ari Stewart 67 W Marietta (GA) Wheeler UNDECIDED Big Time 23. Alex Oriakhi 68 PF Winchendon (MA) The Winchendon School UCONN Big Time 24. Elijah Johnson 62 PG North Las Vegas (NV) Cheyenne UNDECIDED Big Time 25. Abdul Gaddy 63 PG Tacoma (WA) Bellarmine Prep ARIZONA Big Time 26. Travis Wear 69 PF Santa Ana (CA) Mater Dei UNDECIDED Big Time 27. John Henson 69 PF Round Rock (TX) High UNDECIDED Big Time 28. Terrell Vinson 66 SF Rockville (MD) Montrose Christian UNDECIDED Big Time 29. Demetrius Walker 64 SG Fontana (CA) High UNDECIDED Big Time 30. Reeves Nelson 67 PF Modesto (CA) Christian UNDECIDED Big Time 31. Wally Judge 68 PF Bladensburg (MD) High UNDECIDED Big Time 32. Christian Watford 68 SF Trussville (AL) Hewitt-Trussville UNDECIDED Big Time 33. Richard Howell 67 SF Marietta (GA) Wheeler UNDECIDED Big Time 34. Lorenzo Brown 64 SG Roswell (GA) Centennial UNDECIDED Big Time 35. Marshawn Powell 67 F Newport News (VA) Menchville UNDECIDED Big Time 36. Shawn Williams 66 SF Duncanville (TX) High UNDECIDED Big Time 37. Peyton Siva 511 PG Seattle (WA) Franklin UNDECIDED Big Time 38. Keith Gallon 68 C Mouth of Wilson (VA) Oak Hill UNDECIDED Big Time 39. Kenny Hall 69 C Stone Mountain (GA) Redan UNDECIDED Big Time 40. Terrance Boyd 64 SG Norman (OK) High UNDECIDED Big Time 41. Stephan Van Treese 69 PF Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence North UNDECIDED Big Time 42. Tristan Spurlock 67 SF Rockville (MD) Montrose Christian UNDECIDED Big Time 43. Kyle Hardrick 69 PF Lawton (OK) Eisenhower OKLAHOMA Big Time 44. Royce White 66 SF Minneapolis (MN) De La Salle UNDECIDED Big Time 45. Dante Taylor 68 PF Fort Washington (MD) National Christian N/A Big Time 46. David Lobeau 69 PF Davie (FL) Westlake Prep UNDECIDED Big Time 47. Maalik Wayns 61 PG Philadelphia (PA) Roman Catholic VILLANOVA Big Time 48. Erik Murphy 69 PF Southborough (MA) St. Marks UNDECIDED Big Time 49. Durand Scott 63 SG New York (NY) Rice UNDECIDED Big Time 50. Tommy Mason-Griffin 59 PG Houston (TX) Madison LSU High Major 51. Maurice Creek 64 SG Oxon Hill (MD) High UNDECIDED High Major 52. Milton Jennings 68 PF Summerville (SC) Pinewood UNDECIDED High Major 53. Mfon Udofia 62 PG Lithonia (GA) Miller Grove UNDECIDED High Major 54. Junior Cadougan 510 PG Humble (TX) Christian Life UNDECIDED High Major 55. Andre Marhold 66 SF Huntersville (NC) North Mecklenburg UNDECIDED High Major 56. Cory Jefferson 68 PF Killeen (TX) High BAYLOR High Major 57. Ferrakohn Hall 66 F Memphis (TN) University School UNDECIDED High Major 58. Brendan Lane 68 PF Rocklin (CA) High UNDECIDED High Major 59. Rodney Williams 66 SF New Hope (MN) Cooper UNDECIDED High Major 60. Michael Dixon 61 PG Lees Summit (MO) West UNDECIDED High Major 61. Quincy Acy 68 PF Mesquite (TX) Horn UNDECIDED High Major 62. Tevin Baskin 66 SF Stamford (CT) Trinity Catholic UNDECIDED High Major 63. Chris Colvin 63 PG Chicago (IL) Whitney Young UNDECIDED High Major 64. Greg Echenique 68 C Newark (NJ) St. Benedicts Prep UNDECIDED High Major 65. Jerry Brown 66 SF San Francisco (CA) Sacred Heart Cathedral N/A High Major 66. Shaunessy Smith 65 SG Macon (MS) Noxubee County UNDECIDED High Major 67. Clarence Trent 67 PF Henderson (NV) Findlay Prep UNDECIDED High Major 68. DJ Richardson 63 SG Peoria (IL) High UNDECIDED High Major 69. CJ Harris 62 PG Winston Salem (NC) Mount Tabor UNDECIDED High Major 70. Marcus Jordan 63 SG Wilmette (IL) Loyola Academy UNDECIDED High Major 71. Kammeon Holsey 68 PF Sparta (GA) Hancock Central UNDECIDED High Major 72. Roberto Nelson 63 SG Santa Barbara (CA) High UNDECIDED High Major 73. John Hood 66 SF Madisonville (KY) North Hopkins UNDECIDED High Major 74. Colin Borchert 68 PF Glendale (AZ) Mountain Ridge UNDECIDED High Major 75. Joseph Bertrand 64 SG Sterling (IL) High UNDECIDED High Major 76. Kyree Jones 62 SG Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence North UNDECIDED High Major 77. Tyler Griffey 68 PF Ballwin (MO) Lafayette UNDECIDED High Major 78. Terrance Shannon 67 PF Forsyth (GA) Mary Persons UNDECIDED High Major 79. Johnnie Lacy 510 PG Milwaukee (WI) Bay View UNDECIDED High Major 80. Mason Plumlee 69 PF Arden (NC) Christ School UNDECIDED High Major 81. Naji Hibbert 65 SG Hyattsville (MD) DeMatha Catholic UNDECIDED High Major 82. Anthony Walton 61 PG Little Rock (AR) Pulaski Academy UNDECIDED High Major 83. Diamond Taylor 63 SG Chicago (IL) St. Josephs Carondelet UNDECDD High Major 84. Michael Snaer 63 SG Morena Valley (CA) Rancho Verde UNDECIDED High Major 85. Joe Burton 68 C Hemet (CA) West Valley UNDECIDED High Major 86. GJ Vilarino 510 McKinney (TX) High KENTUCKY High Major 87. Greg Smith 68 C Fresno (CA) Edison UNDECIDED High Major 88. Jamal Coombs 66 SF Tilton (NH) School UCONN High Major 89. Jordan Prosser 68 PF Eureka (IL) High UNDECIDED High Major 90. Taariq Muhammad 62 PG Norcross (GA) High UNDECIDED High Major 91. Jared Cunningham 61 PG San Leandro (CA) High UNDECIDED High Major 92. Collin Reddick 69 C Atlanta (GA) Whitefield Academy UNDECIDED High Major 93. Jordan Walker 66 SF Chicago (IL) Hales Franciscan UNDECIDED High Major 94. Bill Edwards 65 SG Middletown (OH) High UNDECIDED High Major 95. William Green 66 SF Orlando (FL) Olympia UNDECIDED High Major 96. Michael Goodman 66 SF Syracuse (NY) Christian Brothers UNDECIDED High Major 97. Keith Clanton 68 PF Orlando (FL) Christian UNDECIDED High Major 98. Avery Bradley 62 SG Tacoma (WA) Bellarmine Prep UNDECIDED High Major 99. Brian Oliver 67 SF New Castle (DE) William Penn UNDECIDED High Major 100. Dexter Fields 62 SG Olymia (FL) High UNDECIDED High Major 101. Todd Thomas 64 SG Beaver Falls (PA) High UNDECIDED High Major 102. Lamont Jones 511 PG Aston (PA) American Christian LOUISVILLE High Major 103. Isiah Philmore 67 SF Bel Air (MD) John Carroll UNDECIDED High Major 104. Victor Rudd 66 SF Sylmar (CA) Senior USC High Major 105. Derek Elston 67 PF Tipton (IN) High UNDECIDED High Major 106. Earnest Ross 64 SG Raleigh (NC) Panther Creek UNDECIDED High Major 107. Leshon Edwards 64 SG Baltimore (MD) St. Frances Academy N/A High Major 108. Dalton Pepper 65 SF Fairless Hills (PA) Pennsbury UNDECIDED High Major 109. Donte Hill 63 SG Norfolk (VA) Collegiate UNDECIDED High Major 110. Andrew Fitzgerald 68 C Towson (MD) Catholic UNDECIDED High Major 111. Adriene Coleman 65 SG Stone Mountain (GA) Stephenson UNDECDD High Major 112. Jin Soo Kim 69 PF South Kent (CT) School UNDECIDED High Major 113. Dion Sims 65 Detroit (MI) University of Detroit Jesuit UNDECIDED High Major 114. Tamir Jackson 61 SG Newark (NJ) St. Benedicts Prep UNDECIDED High Major 115. Reginald Keely 6'7 PF Bedford (OH) High UNDECIDED High Major 116. Xavier Thames 62 CG Elk Grove (CA) Pleasant Grove UNDECIDED High Major 117. Aaron Moore 67 PF Compton (CA) Dominguez UNDECIDED High Major 118. Anthony Marshall 62 SG North Las Vegas (NV) Mojave UNDECIDED High Major 119. Jontavious Sulton 67 PF Yazoo City (MS) High UNDECIDED High Major 120. Drew Kelly 67 PF Franklin (TN) Centennial UNDECIDED High Major 121. Ray Taylor 57 PG Plantation (FL) American Heritage UNDECIDED High Major 122. Brennan Cougill 69 C Sioux City (IA) Bishop Heelan UNDECIDED High Major 123. Donovan Kirk 67 PF Detroit (MI) Country Day UNDECIDED High Major 124. Michael Haynes 66 PF Chicago (IL) Washington UNDECIDED High Major 125. Devin Booker 67 PF Union (SC) Comprehensive CLEMSON High Major 126. Kendrick Robinson 510 PG San Antonio (TX) Southwest UNDECIDED High Major 127. Akeem Richmond 60 CG Sanford (NC) Southern Lee UNDECIDED High Major 128. James Still 68 C Detroit (MI) Community UNDECIDED High Major 129. Jeronne Maymon 66 PF Madison (WI) Memorial UNDECIDED High Major 130. Tyrone Gardner 61 PG Hartford (CT) Weaver UNDECIDED High Major 131. Shawn Kemp 69 PF Canton (GA) Cherokee UNDECIDED High Major 132. Danny McElroy 67 PF Cincinnati (OH) La Salle CINCINNATI High Major 133. Nik Garcia 66 SG Skokie (IL) Niles West UNDECIDED High Major 134. Andy Brown 68 PF Santa Ana (CA) Mater Dei UNDECIDED High Major 135. DJ Cooper 510 PG Chicago (IL) Hales Franciscan UNDECIDED High Major 136. Johnny Williams 67 PF Memphis (TN) Briarcrest UNDECIDED High Major 137. Rome Draper 65 SF Etiwanda (CA) High UNDECIDED High Major 138. John Jenkins 64 SG Gallatin (TN) Station Camp UNDECIDED High Major 139. Roger Franklin 65 SF Duncanville (TX) High UNDECIDED High Major 140. Emery Kelly 67 PF Jackson (MS) Provine UNDECIDED High Major 141. Bak Bak 68 C Plantation (FL) American Heritage UNDECIDED High Major 142. Erik Williams 66 SF Cypress (TX) Springs UNDECIDED High Major 143. Rodney McGruder 64 SG Washington (DC) Archbishop Carroll N/A High Major 144. Darius Morris 61 PG Los Angeles (CA) Windward School UNDECIDED High Major 145. James Kinney 61 PG Champaign (IL) Centennial UNDECIDED High Major 146. Chris Brew 63 SG Berkeley (CA) St. Marys College SANTA BARBARA High Major 147. Trent Lockett 65 SG Minnetonka (MN) Hopkins Senior UNDECIDED High Major 148. Jerome Jones 65 SF St. Louis (MO) Career Academy UNDECIDED High Major 149. Gentry Hines 60 PG Memphis (TN) Raleigh Egypt UNDECIDED High Major 150. Bobby Capobianco 68 C Loveland (OH) High UNDECIDED High Major