John Petty, Johnson
Photo by Joe Boyd
2015-16 Alabama Preseason Boys Basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Johnson (Huntsville)Head coach: Jack Doss
2014-15 record: 31-4
With the dynamic combo of
Justin Hopkins (6-2, Sr., G) and
John Petty (6-6, Jr., G/F), the defending 5A champs are sure to attract a lot of attention not just in Alabama, but nationally as well. Petty is regarded as a Top 25 prospect in the 2017 class and sports offers from the likes of Kentucky and Kansas.
See last season's Alabama boys basketball computer rankings2. Spain Park (Hoover)Head coach: Neal Barker
2014-15 record: 24-6
The Jaguars are set up for a big two-year run behind juniors
Austin Wiley (6-10, F/C) and
Jamal Johnson (6-4, G). Both earned Class 7A all-state honors in 2014-15 ,and Wiley has emerged as a national recruiting prospect with offers from around the Big 12 and SEC. Spain Park will get a big test in December at the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Fla.
See MaxPreps Alabama boys basketball pro photos3. Madison AcademyHead coach: Andy Blackston
2014-15 record: 19-12
Under Blackston, the Mustangs have won four state titles and reached the championship game on two other occasions since 2007. And this might be the 10th-year coach's best team at Madison Academy. Michigan State commit and Mr. Basketball candidate
Joshua Langford (6-6, Sr., G) is back after putting up over 24 points per game as a junior. Expect
Myles Parker (6-7, Jr., G/F) to blossom into a full-fledged star this season as well.
See last season's Alabama boys basketball playoff brackets4. Mountain Brook (Birmingham)Head coach: Bucky McMillan
2014-15 record: 27-8
The Spartans have averaged more than 27 wins per season over the past six campaigns under McMillan, so it's a safe bet that they will be in the mix once more in 2015-16. Leading scorer
Jack Kline (6-4, Sr., F) is back and Mountain Brook is expecting big things from freshman
Trendon Watford (6-7, F) – the younger brother of former Indiana standout Christian Watford.
See last season's Alabama boys basketball stat leaders5. Bessemer City (Bessemer)Head coach: Ontario J. Tillman
2014-15 record: 23-6
The Tigers are blessed with one of the state's best backcourts in
Micah Fuller (6-0, Sr., G) and
Carlos Bell (6-4, Sr., G/F). The all-state duo led Bessemer City to 13 wins in a row in December and January of last season before a disappointing early exit from the postseason.
