Stars on deck.
by Franklyn Calle / @FrankieC7
As opposed to the Class of 2012, which is dominated by big men, this junior class is mostly dictated by wings. There are loads of versatile forwards who can play the perimeter positions. The battle for the top spot was a close one, as arguments could be made for both Jabari Parker and Julius Randle. Parker was given the slight edge on this one. Overall, this is one of the most exciting classes to watch because of the variety of well-rounded players.
Meet America’s top 25 juniors.
| RANK | PLAYER | HT | POS | SCHOOL | WHY? |
| 1 | Jabari Parker | 6-8 | SF | Simeon (IL) | A do-it-all type of player. |
| 2 | Julius Randle | 6-9 | PF | Prestonwood (TX) | Strong forward who can play just about any position on the floor. |
| 3 | Nerlens Noel | 6-10 | C | Tilton (NH) | The best shot-blocker in the country. |
| 4 | Aaron Gordon | 6-7 | PF | Archbishop Mitty (CA) | Possesses an ever improving inside-outside game. |
| 5 | Chris Walker | 6-9 | PF | Holmes County (FL) | Great athleticism and tremendous rebounder. |
| 6 | Andrew Harrison | 6-5 | PG | Travis (TX) | Big point guard with the ideal tools to lead. |
| 7 | Aaron Harrison | 6-5 | SG | Travis (TX) | Andrew’s twin can hit shots from just about anywhere on the floor. |
| 8 | Chris Thomas | 6-5 | SG | South Kent (CT) | Looking to be the aggressor, Chris can score in bunches. |
| 9 | Troy Williams | 6-7 | SF | Phoebus (VA) | Long and athletic wing who can get to the rim at will or pull up for a J. |
| 10 | Nick King | 6-6 | SF | East (TN) | The lefty had a great summer and has enhanced his inside-outside repertoire. |
| 11 | Jonathan Williams | 6-8 | PF | Southwind (TN) | At 6-8, Williams can handle the rock and create for himself or others. |
| 12 | James Young | 6-6 | SF | Troy (MI) | Strong and explosive wing who can finish above the rim or sink it from distance. |
| 13 | Keith Frazier | 6-4 | SG | Irving (TX) | Terrific shooter with very deep range. |
| 14 | Nate Britt | 6-2 | PG | Gonzaga (DC) | This lefty is who you want running the offense. A great passer who can also score. |
| 15 | Isaiah Hicks | 6-8 | PF | Body of Christ (NC) | A North Carolina-commit, Isaiah can do a bit of everything. |
| 16 | Jabari Bird | 6-6 | SG | Salesian (CA) | Explosive wing with impressive finishes at the basket whose jumper has extended. |
| 17 | Allerik Freeman | 6-4 | SG | Olympic (NC) | Can play any of the perimeter positions and is impressive at creating and getting others involved. |
| 18 | Kasey Hill | 6-0 | PG | Montverde (FL) | Flourishes in transition and when attacking the basket. |
| 19 | Solomon Poole | 6-0 | PG | Terry Parker (FL) | A scoring guard, Solomon has a knack for finding ways to score. |
| 20 | Aquille Carr | 5-7 | PG | Patterson (MD) | Fearless scoring guard whose speed and explosive makes up for his height. |
| 21 | Anthony Barber | 6-1 | PG | Hampton (VA) | Seemingly uncontainable due to his impressive speed and ball-handling skills. |
| 22 | Isaac Hamilton | 6-4 | SG | St. John Bosco (CA) | Skilled player with lots of upside. |
| 23 | Matt Jones | 6-4 | SG | De Soto (TX) | Very deadly shooter. |
| 24 | Rysheed Jordan | 6-3 | PG | Vaux Roberts (PA) | Explosive guard with quick moves to the basket. |
| 25 | Brannen Greene | 6-7 | SG | Mary Persons (CA) | Great shooter who can also take it to the hole. |
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