Compiled By Jason Hickman
MaxPreps.com
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Players like Greg Oden and Kevin Durant have moved on, but there will still be plenty of star power on the high school hardwood this season.
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We've highlighted some of that talent on the MaxPreps Preseason Boys All-American Team. Returning MaxPreps All-Americans Kevin Love, O.J. Mayo, and Derrick Rose head the list of Player of the Year candidates. Each of those players led their teams to state titles a year ago, and are expected to do the same in 2007.
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Our list also includes four of the top juniors in America, and a look to the future at five of the top up-and-coming talents set to make an impact this season.
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These teams are based on high school productivity and success, not recruiting potential.
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First Team
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|
O.J. Mayo |
G |
6-5 |
Sr. |
Huntington, W.V. |
USC commitment touches down in Huntington after averaging 28 a game in 2005.
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|
Derrick Rose |
G |
6-4 |
Sr. |
Simeon, Ill. |
Illinois' phenom averaged 20 a game while leading team to Class AA title.
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|
Eric Gordon |
G |
6-4 |
Sr. |
North Central, Ind. |
With Oden and Co. gone at Lawrence North, Indiana spotlight shifts to Gordon.
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|
Tyreke Evans |
G |
6-5 |
Jr. |
American Christian, Pa. |
Nation's top junior poured in 25 points as a sophomore.
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|
Kevin Love |
F |
6-10 |
Sr. |
Lake Oswego, Ore. |
Oregon's most celebrated player ever put up 29 points and 17 rebounds a year ago.
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Second Team
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|
Nick Calathes |
G |
6-5 |
Sr. |
Lake Howell, Fla. |
Catalyst for one of the nation's top teams. Averaged 26 points, 4 assists in 2005.
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|
Johnny Flynn |
G |
6-0 |
Sr. |
Niagara Falls, N.Y. |
Member of USA U-18 team averaged 28.7 points and 8.7 assists in 2005.
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|
Jerryd Bayless |
G |
6-3 |
Sr. |
St. Mary's, Ariz. |
Put up points at will in 2005, averaging over 37 a game.
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|
Kyle Singler |
F |
6-9 |
Sr. |
South Medford, Ore. |
Versatile wing forward averaged 20 a game on a loaded South Medford squad.
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|
Taylor King |
F |
6-7 |
Sr. |
Mater Dei, Calif. |
Lethal scorer (26 points a night) and an underappreciated rebounder (12.4).
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Third Team
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|
Brandon Jennings |
G |
6-1 |
Jr. |
Oak Hill Academy, Va. |
Should thrive in Oak Hill's up-tempo attack after transfer from Dominguez (Calif.)
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|
Jon Diebler |
G |
6-7 |
Sr. |
Upper Sandusky, Ohio |
Ohio State recruit scored 77 in a game last year, averaged 35.5, 26.3 as a sophomore.
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|
Luke Babbitt |
F |
6-9 |
Jr. |
Galena, Nev. |
Arguably Nevada's top player as a soph., averaging 25.2 points and 7 boards.
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|
Donte Green |
F |
6-9 |
Sr. |
Towson Catholic, Md. |
Versatile Syracuse recruit averaged a double-double (23.3/12) for national power.
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|
JaMychal Green |
F |
6-8 |
Jr. |
St. Jude, Ala. |
First team All-State selection as a sophomore after posting 27 and 12 a night.
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A Look to the Future
Don't be surprised if one or more of these underclassmen seize the national spotlight during the 2006-2007 season.
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|
Brandon Knight |
G |
6-2 |
Fr. |
Pine Crest, Fla. |
Averaged 18.8 per game as an eighth grader on the Pine Crest varsity.
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|
Lance Stephenson |
G |
6-5 |
So. |
Lincoln, N.Y. |
Follows Marbury and Telfair at Lincoln, putting up nearly 20 a game as frosh.
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|
Xavier Henry |
G |
6-5 |
So. |
Putnam City, Okla. |
Started on state's 6A championship team as a freshman, earning All-Tourney honors.
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|
Kenny Boynton |
G |
6-2 |
So. |
Blanche Ely, Fla. |
Averaged 21 points as a freshman, already had two games of 38 and 34 this season.
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|
Renardo Sidney |
F |
6-9 |
So. |
Artesia, Calif. |
After sitting out freshman year in Mississippi, joins California's top program.