It’s a big man’s world.
by Franklyn Calle / @FrankieC7
Just by glancing at this list, it’s quite noticeable how loaded with big men this class really is. More impressively, many of them can also play out on the perimeter with the ball. Versatility is the key with this class. With the early exit of Andre Drummond to UConn, SLAM‘s High School Diarist Shabazz Muhammad is now the undisputed top player of the bunch.
This summer saw some names climb their way up the charts with guys like Mitch McGary and Kyle Anderson having spectacular offseasons and showing that they’ve upgraded to among the elite. McGary, who arrived on the national scene just earlier this year, had some great outings—demonstrating that aside from bullying in the paint and being able to finish on anyone, he can also create for himself from the perimeter. Anderson has now convinced the whole world that despite being listed as a forward, he might be a point guard at heart. The uncommitted senior can bring the ball up the floor, make plays and get others involved like no one his size can. But let’s not forget about the high number of talented 2-guards in this group.
All in all, when you’re talking about the Class of 2012, the new school of big men has arrived!
Meet the nation’s top-50 seniors.
| RANK | PLAYER | HT | POS | SCHOOL | COLLEGE | WHY? |
| 1 | Shabazz Muhammad | 6-6 | SF | Bishop Gorman (NV) | Undecided | Skilled lefty who can score in bunches. |
| 2 | Mitch McGary | 6-10 | PF | Brewster Academy (NH) | Michigan | As versatile as a big man can get. |
| 3 | Kyle Anderson | 6-8 | SF | St. Anthony (NJ) | UCLA | Talented forward who can play multiple positions. |
| 4 | Isaiah Austin | 7-0 | C | Grace Prep (TX) | Baylor | Offense threat who extends beyond the perimeter. |
| 5 | Brandon Ashley | 6-8 | PF | Findlay Prep (NV) | Arizona | Athletic big man with lots of upside. |
| 6 | Anthony Bennett | 6-7 | PF | Findlay prep (NV) | Undecided | Explosive forward who can light it up from inside or outside. |
| 7 | Cameron Ridley | 6-10 | C | Bush (TX) | Texas | Has shown the ability to dominate the paint. |
| 8 | Steve Adams | 6-10 | PF | Scots College (NA) | Pittsburgh | Move like few his size can. |
| 9 | Kaleb Tarczewski | 7-0 | C | St. Mark’s (MA) | Arizona | Explosive finisher whose game has continued to evolve. |
| 10 | Rodney Purvis | 6-4 | PG/SG | Upper Room Christian (NC) | N.C. State | Uncontainable guard who knows how to use his athleticism and speed. |
| 11 | Archie Goodwin | 6-4 | SG | Sylvan Hills (AR) | Kentucky | Tremendous finisher with great body control who can also spot up. |
| 12 | Marcus Smart | 6-3 | PG/SG | Marcus (TX) | Oklahoma State | Can plan various positions and contribute in just as many ways. |
| 13 | Gary Harris | 6-4 | SG | Hamilton Souteastern (IN) | Michigan State | A streaky shooter and slasher who can finish at the rim on anyone. |
| 14 | Rasheed Sulaimon | 6-4 | SG | Strake Jesuit (TX) | Duke | Whether it is in the paint or out on the perimeter, Rasheed can fill up the stat sheet. |
| 15 | Ricardo Ledo | 6-6 | SF | Notre Dame Prep (MA) | Providence | Scoring just seems to come easy for him. |
| 16 | Jarnell Stokes | 6-8 | PF | Oak Hill (VA) | Undecided | Strong, versatile forward who can also create for others. |
| 17 | Alex Poythress | 6-8 | SF | Northeast (TN) | Kentucky | Can put the ball on the floor and create off the dribble. |
| 18 | DaJuan Coleman | 6-9 | PF/C | Jamesville-Dewitt (NY) | Syracuse | A problem in the post. |
| 19 | Danuel House | 6-6 | SG/SF | Hightower (TX) | Houston | Athletic wing who flourishes in transition. |
| 20 | TJ Warren | 6-7 | SF | Brewster Academy (NH) | N.C. State | Another versatile forward who can score in a variety of ways. |
| 21 | Devonta Pollard | 6-7 | SF | Kemper County (MS) | Undecided | Thin and athletic forward who’s been compared to Travis Outlaw. |
| 22 | Kris Dunn | 6-3 | PG/SG | New London (CT) | Providence | Despite showing that he can break the defense, this combo guard hasn’t even fully developed his game yet. |
| 23 | Shaquille Goodwin | 6-8 | PF | Southwest Dekalb (GA) | Memphis | His athleticism alone can carry him through. |
| 24 | Robert Carter | 6-9 | C | Shiloh (GA) | Georgia Tech | Possesses great soft touch around the basket. |
| 25 | Amile Jefferson | 6-7 | PF | Friends’ Central (PA) | Undecided | Can do damage facing the basket and is always looking to attack. |
| 26 | Marcus Paige | 6-0 | PG | Linn-Mar (IA) | North Carolina | An offensive orchestrator, Marcus is one you want pushing the ball. |
| 27 | Grant Jerrett | 6-9 | C | La Verne Lutheran (CA) | Arizona | Great touch and finishes around the basket. |
| 28 | Tony Parker | 6-8 | C | Miller grove (GA) | Undecided | Presence alone causes problems in the paint. |
| 29 | Hanner Perea | 6-8 | PF | La Lumiere (IN) | Indiana | Explosive leaper who flashes in transition. |
| 30 | Sam Dekker | 6-7 | SF | Lutheran (WI) | Wisconsin | Developed into an all-around threat. |
| 31 | Kevin Ferrell | 5-10 | PG | Park Tudor (IN) | Indiana | Speedy guard who locks down on defense. |
| 32 | Perry Ellis | 6-8 | PF | Heights (KS) | Kansas | Looks to be the aggressor and has proven his ability to consistently hit jumpers. |
| 33 | Willie Cauley | 6-11 | C | Olathe Northwest (KS) | Kentucky | Outstanding shot-blocker and rebounder. |
| 34 | D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera | 6-3 | SG | Oak Hill (VA) | Georgetown | Looks to attack and does a good job drawing fouls. |
| 35 | Ricardo Gathers | 6-6 | PF | Reserve Christian (LA) | St. John’s | A great finisher who knows how to utilize his strength. |
| 36 | Omar Calhoun | 6-4 | SG | Christ the King (NY) | UConn | A big-time shooter. |
| 37 | Shaquille Cleare | 6-9 | C | The Village (TX) | Maryland | A headache in the paint. |
| 38 | Brice Johnson | 6-9 | PF | Edisto (SC) | North Carolina | A lanky big man who always active on the glass. |
| 39 | Gabe York | 6-2 | SG | Lutheran (CA) | Arizona | Athletic 2-guard who’s always looking to attack and has range. |
| 40 | Justin Anderson | 6-6 | SF | Montrose Christian (MD) | Virginia | Admirable defense and athleticism. |
| 41 | Braxton Ogbueze | 6-0 | PG | United Faith Christian (NC) | Florida | Has developed a threatening jumper. |
| 42 | Daniel Ochefu | 6-9 | C | Westtown (PA) | Villanova | Can do damage in the post and facing the basket. |
| 43 | Glenn Robinson | 6-5 | SF | Lake Central (IN) | Michigan | Deadly from behind the arc. |
| 44 | Ryan Arcidiacono | 6-3 | PG | Neshaminy (PA) | Villanova | A scoring point guard, Ryan can put up points in a hurry. |
| 45 | Adam Woodbury | 6-11 | C | East (IA) | Iowa | Expert in the post. |
| 46 | Robert Upshaw | 6-11 | C | San Joaquin (CA) | Undecided | Effective rebounder with promising potential. |
| 47 | Winston Shepard | 6-6 | SF | Findlay Prep (NV) | Undecided | Productive from mid-range and in transition. |
| 48 | Jeremy Hollowell | 6-7 | SF | Lawrence Central (IN) | Indiana | Utilizes long range and solid handle for an array of moves to the basket. |
| 49 | Jerami Grant | 6-6 | SF/PF | Dematha Catholic (MD) | Syracuse | Impressive face-up game. |
| 50 | Joel James | 6-10 | C | William Dwyer (FL) | North Carolina | Bulky big man with a good feel for rebounding. |
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