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 a number of talented prospects vying to be one-and-done early entries to the NBA. I’ve already taken a look at the East’s roster, so now it’s time to take a peek at the top prospects on the West squad.
Honorable mentions: Josh Langford (Michigan State), Marques Bolden (Uncommitted), Jarrett Allen (Uncommitted)
5. T.J. Leaf 6-9 220 PF UCLA
Leaf is a unique big man at 6-9 with the ability to stretch the floor and make a variety of plays on the offensive end. He fits the mold of a new-age playmaking power forward, combining the ability to attack and make the right reads as a passer. He’s underrated as an athlete, showing speed and athleticism in the open court that’ll make him a mismatch at the next level.
It’ll be interesting to see how Leaf fares defensively moving forward, as he needs to add considerable weight to his lengthy frame in order to move on to the NBA. Does he have the lateral quickness to switch onto other players in the pick-and-roll? The answer to that will determine his success at the NBA level. I view Leaf as a two-year college player before he heads to the NBA with a chance at becoming a lottery pick with improved physicality and toughness in the paint.
4. Frank Jackson 6-3 195 PG/SG Duke
Jackson, a former BYU commit, spurned the Cougars for Duke last September after becoming one of the biggest risers during the summer circuit. He’s a powerful and relentless attacking guard capable of scoring at all three levels offensively. At 6-3 with a 6-5.5 wingspan, his future in the NBA is at point guard, but he still has a ways to go improving as a facilitator.
Jackson’s basically a poor man’s Russell Westbrook right now, with the ability to dominate as a scorer but having a long way to go before he can impact the game in other areas as well. It took Westbrook two years of college basketball before he figured things out, and I view Jackson in the same way. In two years, don’t be surprised if Jackson finds himself in the top 10 conversation as he continues to round out his point-guard skills under coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke.
3. Lonzo Ball 6-5 195 PG UCLA
Lonzo Ball is an extremely intriguing prospect, with a unique feel for the game and excellent size and length for the point-guard position — even at the NBA level. At nearly 6-5 with a 6-7 wingspan, Ball has great size for a point guard and enough length to play alongside a smaller guard as well. He’s arguably the best passing point-guard prospect in a few years, capable of making crazy, full-court passes while falling out of bounds:
"UCLA-Bound 5-Star G Lonzo Ball Uncorks 1-Handed, Fullcourt Pass" via @TeamStream https://t.co/O4nbVHtoOQ
— Go Joe Bruin (@GoJoeBruinUCLA) January 18, 2016
How about a wicked crossover or a mean dunk? Ball has got you covered. He can simply do it all and should be an immediate contributor at UCLA as their lead guard. He has NBA range, albeit with an unorthodox (but effective) release. I’ll be surprised if Ball stays longer than one year for the Bruins, as his unique game is built for the NBA. He has everything NBA scouts look for in a point-guard prospect.
2. Malik Monk 6-3 195 PG/SG Kentucky
Malik Monk might be the best pure athlete in this class. Monk has breathtaking athleticism paired with elite scoring ability to make him one of the top all-around players in the 2016 high school class. At 6-3 with a 6-6 wingspan, his future at the highest level might be as a point guard, although his ability to slash and shoot with range gives him versatility to play either guard spot.
Monk still needs to add weight to his frame, and continue working on shot selection and making plays for others. He’s similar to Frank Jackson in that he’s stuck in between positions, but his athleticism puts him a notch above Jackson in my book. Watch out for Monk while at Kentucky, as I find it hard to believe he won’t be a top five pick in 2016 after a successful season with the Wildcats.
1. Josh Jackson 6-8 200 SG/SF Undecided
Josh Jackson is the top senior uncommitted prospect, and arguably the top overall NBA prospect capable of entering the 2016 draft. At 6-8 with a 6-10 wingspan, he combines NBA size for a swingman with the speed, athleticism and quickness of the elite players in the NBA. First and foremost, he’s a potential lockdown defender in both college and the NBA, and shows flashes of scoring ability to match.
Jackson is an unselfish player, often looking to make plays for others, but needs to continue improving as a shooter off the dribble and spotting up. Jackson’s body and game resembles a young Andrew Wiggins, although he might be behind a little in terms of offensive development. He should make an immediate impact wherever he decides to go to school, and some of the contenders for his services are Michigan State, Arizona and Kansas. If he has the dominant freshman campaign many expect, look for Jackson to be in the conversation as the top pick in the 2017 draft.