With the high-school season back in full swing, there's simply no better time to take an extended look at our rankings and some of the players who have already separated themselves from the pack. This is the time where potential starts to directly translate into ability. All of the players on this list have taken massive strides over the last calendar year and have definitely earned their place atop our rankings.
6'3 Jaden Bradley (Cannon)
There's a lot of hype surrounding Bradley, and justifiably so, as his ability to make the game effortless for others is somewhat of a rarity. Arguably no point guard in the country does a better job of slicing up opposing defenses and setting up teammates for absolute success. He's an even-handed creator that utilizes the entire floor and sees the game multiple steps ahead of most other players. Bradley can run a dynamic, efficient offensive attack in a variety of different ways. He can run the two-man game as well as anyone and possesses incredibly precise timing on his passing. Bradley touches the paint at will and finishes strong around the basket but can also knock down perimeter jumpers at a solid rate. Additionally, he's a high-level defender, rebounder, and threat in transition, which allows him to control the game from start to finish.
6'6 MJ Rice (Durham Academy)
While everyone is quick to point to Rice's physical gifts, those who have watched him closely understand that he's far more than just an athlete. Yes, he is big, strong, explosive, and basically unstoppable around the basket, but can also operate as the primary creator for a quality offense. Rice utilizes his body extremely well to open up space, both around the basket and when attacking, as opponents seem to just bounce off with any amount of contact. He's also proven himself as a reliable three-point shooter off the bounce and catch, which simply adds another dimension to his arsenal. Rice is extremely versatile on both ends of the floor and can legitimately play all five positions at the high school level.
6'5 Jalen Hood-Schifino (Combine Academy)
Each player on this list has a clearly-defined role and skillset for this high school team, except Hood-Schifino, who still leads on both ends but has the ability to change his approach whenever necessary. He's an excellent floor general that feels in control of the game at all times, able to consistently get everyone involved on offense while clearly setting the tone on defense. Hood-Schifino works well within the framework of the team and never tries to play hero-ball or do too much. His skillset is already quite polished, but it's also his size, defense, and unmistakable maturity that vault him to the next level as a prospect. There's already so much to like, but being under the coaching tutelage of Jeff McInnis will have him even more prepared for the college ranks.
6'11 Patrick Wessler (Butler)
Everyone on this list is still somewhat far away from their ceiling, except Wessler, who is likely already on the back-end of his development. That isn't meant to imply that he lacks potential, but rather that he's already made tremendous strides in his progression. Despite his size and young age, Wessler plays and approaches the game like a seasoned veteran. He's tough, smart, and undeniably polished on the block, able to anchor the paint defensively and operate as the primary cog on offense. Wessler plays incredibly hard and rebounds the ball at a phenomenal rate on both ends of the floor. He's a true throwback big man, which doesn't necessarily excite a ton of folks in today's game. That being said, Wessler is a special type of talent with a pretty clear path to the next level.
6'9 DeAnte Green (Christ School)
Each prospect on this list has a tremendous amount of talent, but Green has made more improvements than basically anyone else over the last calendar year. After building and establishing his identity as a polished low-post guy, Green has expanded his skillset in a lot of impressive ways. With an improved body, handle, and perimeter sense, Green is now an absolute matchup problem for most types of opposing big men. His ability to toggle between the paint and perimeter allows him to apply pressure in a variety of different ways. Green moves very well for his size and has the necessary versatility to grab rebounds and immediately push the break in transition. He's also continued to improve his motor and defensive prowess, which will only take his game to another level.