The 39th annual McDonald’s All-American game airs on March 30th, previewing some of the top high school basketball talent in the country. The 2016 high school class is one of the best in most recent memory, with some talented prospects vying to be early one-and-done entries to the NBA. Let’s look at the top five prospects on each roster, beginning with the East.
Honorable mention: Miles Bridges SF/PF Michigan State, Udoka Azubuike C Undecided
5. Terrance Ferguson 6-7 185 SG Alabama
Ferguson has athleticism comparable with the top NBA swingman, giving him immense upside for the future. Ferguson pairs his elite athleticism with a nice jump shot and solid scoring ability, but there’s a ways to go before he’s deemed ready for the next level. The Alabama commit still needs to add a bit of strength to his lengthy, wiry frame. Ferguson has a ways to go in terms of creating off the dribble for himself and others as well.
Ferguson reminds me a bit of Terrence Ross as an NBA prospect. It’ll be interesting to see how quickly he adapts to the college level. If he’s able to make a big impact as a first option under head coach Avery Johnson, expect Ferguson to be heralded as a lottery pick in the 2017 draft.
4. Edrice Adebayo 6-9 240 PF/C Kentucky
Adebayo is the physical force up front that Kentucky is missing this year. At 6-9 and 240 pounds with great length, he’s a strong, athletic and intimidating force in the paint, blocking shots and throwing down powerful dunks. Adebayo should be a heck of an interior presence immediately for the Wildcats, and should join the lottery conversation once 2017 rolls around.
Adebayo reminds me of another potential lottery pick in the 2015 draft, Kansas big man Cheick Diallo. While Diallo brings many of the same positives, the two share negatives as well. Diallo needs to work on his offensive game, as he’s raw on that end of the floor and lacks any range whatsoever. Adebayo will prove to be a solid defender guarding the pick and roll and in the paint, but his offense (or lack thereof) will determine his draft slot down the line.
3. De’Aaron Fox 6-3 180 PG Kentucky
Fox had arguably the best summer of all 2016 point guards during the AAU circuit, using his speed to make plays for himself and his teammates. Fox has all the dimensions NBA teams look for in a point guard prospect as a lanky, 6-3 guard with great athleticism and quickness in the open floor.
Like most seniors in high school, Fox needs to add considerable weight to his frame to handle the rigors at the NBA level as well as improve his jump shooting ability and overall consistency on the offensive side of the floor. Regardless, Fox has the look of a top 10 pick in 2017 thanks to his ability to create separation with his speed and handle, if he shows any offensive ability at Kentucky — don’t be surprised if Fox becomes a top five pick.
2. Markelle Fultz 6-5 185 PG/SG Washington
Fultz was one of the highest risers during the summer circuit, becoming a household name after a year removed from playing on junior varsity as a sophomore. Fultz is a smooth operator with deceptive athleticism as a combo guard, reminding me a bit of a right-handed D’Angelo Russell. Fultz has a nice handle, with the ability to hit shots from all three levels on offense which allows him to get to where he wants on the floor.
Fultz stands somewhere between 6-4 and 6-5 with good length and a decent frame that is capable of adding more weight. His athleticism isn’t quite on the level of the past few prospects, but his skill level is far more advanced for his age. Fultz should have the reigns from the get-go at Washington, and if he’s able to take charge and have a successful season, look for Fultz to fall in the top five of 2017.
1. Jayson Tatum 6-8 200 SG/SF Duke
Tatum is easily the smoothest scorer in the 2016 class, using his nice physical gifts to shoot over opponents at mid range and take the ball to the rim. At 6-8 with a 6-10 wingspan, Tatum has great size for either wing position at the NBA level, and an offensive repertoire that makes him unstoppable on that end of the floor. Tatum can slash to the basket with either hand and has a variety of moves to finish when he gets to the lane.
But Tatum’s long-term NBA prospects are a bit of a question mark for me at this point, as he lacks the ability to shoot at all from three-point range. The new-age NBA has transitioned to the point that ability to shoot is a priority, and while Tatum is money from mid-range, he lacks any threat beyond that point. He also isn’t a great athlete, although, he should be good enough to create his own shot in the NBA. It’ll be fun to watch him transition his game to the college level, because if he’s able to successfully extend his range, there’s no doubt he’ll be a top-five pick in 2017.
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