Updated rankings of America’s top juniors.
by Franklyn Calle / @FrankieC7
(Note: Rankings were updated on 2/8/12 following the exits of Nerlens Noel and Chris Thomas from the class.)
After updating the rankings for the top seniors in the country, we now present to you the latest ranking for the Class of 2013.
Many argue that the top class in the nation is the junior one. And well, we understand where those claims come from, considering the names at the top of this list. This group contains a number of exciting players with promising All-Star abilities. But it’s far too early for predictions.
The top player in the class remains the same, with who many consider the best player in the nation regardless of class, Jabari Parker, holding onto the thrown. Then it gets a little difficult from there to rank. See, it used to be Parker and Julius Randle, and then the rest of the class came after.
But now there’s another prospect who clearly deserves to be mentioned in the same conversation: Nerlens Noel. No more indication than last weekend at the Hoophall Classic when the 6-10 junior shut down the second overall player in the Class of 2012 Mitch McGary, dropping 22 points, 8 rebounds and 7 blocks while limiting the Michigan-commit to 3 points and 12 rebounds. But despite the tough call, Julius Randle gets the edge for the second spot due to his versatility.
A prospect who moved up the rankings is Aquille Carr, who despite his height, has continued to silence the critics. Although many scouting services have him listed in the 40s, his numbers continue to prove different. Other guys who also saw their names elevate on the list include Isaac Hamilton and Brannen Greene, while we welcome a new member to the top-25 club in Ohio’s Marc Loving.
Check out the full ranking below.
| 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 | Chris Walker | 6-9 | PF | Holmes County (FL) | Great athleticism and tremendous rebounder. |
| 4 | Andrew Harrison | 6-5 | PG | Travis (TX) | Big point guard with the ideal tools to lead. |
| 5 | Aaron Gordon | 6-7 | PF | Archbishop Mitty (CA) | Possesses an ever improving inside-outside game. |
| 6 | Aaron Harrison | 6-5 | SG | Travis (TX) | Andrew’s twin can hit shots from just about anywhere on the floor. |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | Isaac Hamilton | 6-4 | SG | St. John Bosco (CA) | Skilled player with lots of upside. |
| 9 | James Young | 6-6 | SF | Troy (MI) | Strong and explosive wing who can finish above the rim or sink it from distance. |
| 10 | Nick King | 6-6 | SF | East (TN) | The lefty had a great summer and has enhanced his inside-outside repertoire. |
| 11 | Aquille Carr | 5-7 | PG | Patterson (MD) | Hands-down the most exciting players to watch. Defenders just can’t keep up with him. |
| 12 | Jonathan Williams | 6-8 | PF | Southwind (TN) | At 6-8, Williams can handle the rock and create for himself or others. |
| 13 | Nate Britt | 6-2 | PG | Gonzaga (DC) | This lefty is who you want running the offense. A great passer who can also score. |
| 14 | Allerik Freeman | 6-4 | SG | Olympic (NC) | Can play any of the perimeter positions and is impressive at creating and getting others involved. |
| 15 | Brannen Greene | 6-7 | SG | Mary Persons (GA) | Great shooter who can also take it to the hole. |
| 16 | Isaiah Hicks | 6-8 | PF | Body of Christ (NC) | A North Carolina-commit, Isaiah can do a bit of everything. |
| 17 | Solomon Poole | 6-0 | PG | Terry Parker (FL) | A scoring guard, Solomon has a knack for finding ways to score. |
| 18 | Keith Frazier | 6-4 | SG | Irving (TX) | Terrific shooter with very deep range. |
| 19 | Anthony Barber | 6-1 | PG | Hampton (VA) | Seemingly uncontainable due to his impressive speed and ball-handling skills. |
| 20 | Kasey Hill | 6-0 | PG | Montverde (FL) | Flourishes in transition and when attacking the basket. |
| 21 | Jabari Bird | 6-6 | SG | Salesian (CA) | Explosive wing with impressive finishes at the basket whose jumper has extended. |
| 22 | Marc Loving | 6-8 | SF | St. John’s (OH) | This Ohio State-commit forward can step out, face the basket, and cause damage, either by sinking it from distance, or working in the paint. |
| 23 | Matt Jones | 6-4 | SG | De Soto (TX) | Deadliest shooter in the class. |
| 24 | BeeJay Anya | 6-8 | C | DeMatha (MD) | Has the tools to become a dominant big man. |
| 25 | Rysheed Jordan | 6-3 | PG | Vaux Roberts (PA) | Explosive guard with quick moves to the basket. |
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