Who should be No. 1 in 2011 class
The primary post-summer question concerning the class of 2011 is who is the top prospect in the class. Small forward Mike Gilchrist of Elizabeth (N.J.) St. Patrick High School entered the summer as the No. 1 ranked prospect in the country. Exiting the summer, a handful of other prospects are challenging Gilchrist for the top spot in the class.
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Mike Gilchrist, SF, Elizabeth (N.J.) St. Patrick
Mike Gilchrist HighlightsClick Video: Here to view this Link.
Recruiting: Committed to Kentucky
Buzz: A physical and competitive player with all the intangibles, Gilchrist had a strong summer but not necessarily a stellar summer. He is a terrific rebounder and defender, a solid ball-handler and passer and an explosive slasher to the basket. The question, however, is whether or not Gilchrist is a talented enough perimeter scorer to put up the scoring numbers expected from a No. 1-ranked prospect at the next levels.
Austin Rivers, SG, Winter Park, Fla.
Austin Rivers HighlightsClick Video: Here to view this Link.
Recruiting: Duke leads for the former Florida commit
Buzz: There is no question about Austin Rivers' ability to put up big numbers as a scorer. Out of Winter Park (Fla.) High School and the son of Coach Doc Rivers of the Boston Celtics, Rivers has an explosive first step and can score with ease from all three levels. Conversely to Gilchrist, the questions about Rivers center around how much of an impact he has on the game outside of scoring.
Marquis Teague, PG, Indianapolis Pike
Marquis Teague HighlightsClick Video: Here to view this Link.
Recruiting: Committed to Kentucky
Buzz: The top point guard in the class Marquis Teague of Indianapolis (Ind.) Pike High School is also a candidate for the top spot in the class. Lightning quick with the basketball and explosive at the rim, Teague is as difficult to keep away from the basket as any other prospect in the class. He is also a high level passer on the move, but there are questions about Teague's outside shot and his ability to consistently bring out the best in his teammates.
LeBryan Nash, SF, 6-7/225, Dallas Lincoln
LeBryan Nash HighlightsClick Video: Here to view this Link.
Recruiting: Baylor, Kentucky and Oklahoma State are at the top of Nash's list
Buzz: Dallas (Texas) Lincoln High School's LeBryan Nash is a powerful athlete who resembles a young Ron Artest. Nash has an imposing physique and can manufacture buckets with his explosiveness and smooth touch. When he maintains his competitive focus, he is a dominant scorer and rebounder.
Quincy Miller, PF, 6-8/193, High Point (N.C.) Westchester Country Day
Quincy Miller HighlightsClick Video: Here to view this Link.
Recruiting: Louisville and Baylor lead a long list of schools in the mix with Miller
Buzz: Miller doesn't have the physical strength of Nash, but he has the type of length and face-up game that reminds some of Kevin Durant. At 6 feet 8, Miller shoots with range and is a skilled ball handler. The question on his game is whether or not he has the athleticism and physical strength to dominate against top competition.
Anthony Davis, PF, 6-10/220, Chicago Perspectives Charter
Anthony Davis HighlightsClick Video: Here to view this Link.
Recruiting: Kentucky is believed to have the edge over DePaul, Ohio State and Syracuse
Buzz: Also in the hunt for the No. 1 ranking in the class of 2011 is the top newcomer to the grassroots summer circuit Anthony Davis. A 6 feet 10 forward from Chicago (Ill.) Perspectives Charter High School, Davis is cut out of the same mold as Brandan Wright, except with a more polished offensive game. Davis can do damage both around the basket and out on the perimeter. His lack of physical strength is the present knock on Davis' game.