Scout.com’s 2007 Post-Summer Top 50
Can anyone catch O.J. Mayo? We’ll probably be asking ourselves that question at the end of the 2005-2006 school year. It seems like Mayo has had a stranglehold on the top slot in the Class of 2007 for sometime now.
So far, so good for the North College Hill standout. Mayo, the single biggest attraction in high school basketball, has withstood the pressure of playing in front of packed gymnasiums each time out and consistently played to a high level.
Mike Beasley, Scout.com’s No. 2 prospect in the class, switched high schools and enrolled at powerful Oak Hill Academy with his friend Nolan Smith (No. 16). Beasley, one of the most versatile forwards around, is a consistent scorer, rebounder and producer. Against older players in the spring and summer, Beasley was remarkably consistent.
Speaking of consistency, Kevin Love isn’t bad either. The best outlet passer in grassroots hoops is also quite the low post scorer. He’ll sneak out to the perimeter and make some jumpers on you and simply knows how to score it inside.
Rounding out the Top 5 are two backcourt players who bring athleticism to their position. Bill Walker (pictured) is simply the most dynamic dunking machine in the high school game. His throwdowns are genuine momentum changers and more often than not he finishes strong and way above the rim.
While Derrick Rose’s game isn’t nearly as loud as Walker’s, he remains a big time point guard with athleticism, vision, feel and pace. He plays the game much older than his age would lead you to believe.
Most of the names in the remainder of the Top 10 are quite familiar if you follow high school basketball. Kyle Singler (No. 6) missed most of the summer with a knee injury. He remains a primary recruiting target of many elite programs.
Jerryd Bayless (No. 7) put on a show at the Nike All-American Camp to regain his spot in the Top 10 while guys like Cole Aldrich (No. 8) and Eric Gordon (No. 10) have consistently been around the Top 10 for the past year.
Scout.com’s newcomer to the list is charismatic power forward Herb Pope (shown). He started his summer strong on the camp scene and though he left the AAU Nationals early, he did so after leaving quite an impression.
Scout.com released its 2008 Top 15 earlier this week and plans on unveiling its 2006 Top 100 on August 15th! Please check back with us!