Battle of the Classes: Ranking the best high school basketball classes since 2000

Video: MaxPreps Minute - Battle of the Classes
Figuring out which high school basketball class is the best since 2000.

With the 2015 NBA Draft a thing of the past, there will be a lot of talk about the best draft classes of all time. But since players enter the draft at all different ages — straight out of high school, after one year of college, maybe even after four years — those draft classes don't tell us how good high school basketball was in any given year.

That's our job.

MaxPreps went back and looked at every high school class since 2000 and put together the best team possible. Now, we're not talking about just throwing together the nine best players in a class. We made REAL teams.



We tried our best to keep players at their natural positions (no putting Steph Curry at the power forward), but we were a bit lenient in certain cases. Look, the Warriors just won playing three small forwards and two guards so exceptions can be made when the talent is right. The bottom line is, the team has to be able to play together.

We've ranked them in order from 16-1 based on how we think each team would fare. There are some great ones and some, well, not so great ones.

Let the debate begin.


*For classes before 2012 RSCI player rankings were used. For 2012-15 247Sports Composite rankings were used.

16. Class of 2005
Superstars: None.

Snubs: C.J. Miles just missed the cut, but let's be honest — it wouldn't have made a difference.



Recruiting notes: Josh McRoberts was the No. 1 player in this class, which says something. Wesley Matthews, arguably the best player on the list, was ranked No. 61. A superstar athlete was also ranked No. 101: New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham.

Why they're ranked here: As we go on you'll see that there's pretty much no argument here. This is the one class devoid of any superstars (or stars of any kind). Had Andrew Bynum's career not been derailed by injuries and general insanity, he could have been the lone bright spot. As it is, this goes down as the worst high school class since 2000.{PAGEBREAK}

15. Class of 2001
Superstars: None.

Snubs: James "Flight" White, arguably the greatest dunker in high school basketball history (don't believe me, just watch) could have earned a spot on the subpar bench. Also noticeably absent is a promising 6-3 power forward from Buckley (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) named Colin Ward-Henninger, who never got the shot he deserved.

Recruiting notes: Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler were ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. Danny Granger and Kevin Martin, who both have had strong NBA careers, weren't ranked at all.

Why they're ranked here: While the starting unit is comprised of solid NBA players and even a couple of All-Stars (David Lee, Chandler), the bench is just atrocious. The only players still in the NBA are Channing Frye and Ben Gordon, who both appear to be on their last legs.



14. Class of 2012
Superstars: None, yet.

Snubs: Mitch McGary, T.J. Warren and JaKarr Sampson all saw time in the NBA last year and could develop into rotation players.

Recruiting notes: Nerlens Noel was the top dog in this class, while No. 6 overall pick Willie Cauley-Stein was ranked No. 47. Nik Stauskas, who was taken eighth overall by the Kings last year, was ranked No. 81.

Why they're ranked here: This team could potentially slip down a few spots as time goes on, but as of now we have to give the benefit of the doubt that players like Noel, Cauley-Stein and possibly Marcus Smart can develop into All-Stars. Time will tell, but it's not looking good for 2012.{PAGEBREAK}

13. Class of 2000
Superstars: Dwyane Wade, Zach Randolph

Snubs: Eddie Griffin was on track to become a solid NBA player before battling addiction issues and eventually passing away tragically in 2007.



Recruiting notes: Randolph was the No. 1 player in the class while Dwyane Wade, by far the best player to come out of high school in 2000, was ranked No. 101.

Why they're ranked here: The team isn't terrible thanks to the star power of Wade and Randolph, but the depth simply isn't there. When the two All-Stars go to the bench, they'll be blown out by deeper, more talented teams.

12. Class of 2010
Superstars: Kyrie Irving

Snubs: Adreian Payne could work himself into a spot on the bench if he continues to blossom.

Recruiting notes: Harrison Barnes was ranked No. 1 in the class, followed closely by Kyrie Irving and Jared Sullinger, tied for second.

Why they're ranked here: Having Brandon Knight in the backcourt will allow Kyrie to play off the ball when necessary, while Enes Kanter provides solid low post scoring. Barnes and Thompson are team guys who will rebound and defend, so the starting unit is strong. The bench, however, is a considerable drop-off. Tobias Harris will have to assume the scoring load on the second unit, with Terrence Jones providing energy and Sullinger cleaning up the boards.{PAGEBREAK}



11. Class of 2013
Superstars: Andrew Wiggins (potentially)

Snubs: Twin guards Aaron and Andrew Harrison were top-five recruits in the class, but two years at Kentucky didn't do much for their NBA stock. Dakari Johnson, a second-round pick, could also eventually make the squad.

Recruiting notes: Wiggins and Jabari Parker battled for the top position throughout their high school careers, but Wiggins finished on top. Zach LaVine, who enjoyed a surprisingly effective rookie campaign with the Timberwolves, was ranked No. 51.

Why they're ranked here: Once considered one of the best high school classes of all time, 2013 looks more and more like it's not going to live up to the hype. Wiggins has the potential to be an all-time great, and Parker, Julius Randle and Joel Embiid were injured for their rookie NBA season. If Wiggins continues to skyrocket and those three develop into All-Stars, it would likely bump this squad up a few rungs. Still too early to tell.

10. Class of 2015
Superstars: Who knows?

Sunbs: Canadian Jamal Murray recently committed to Kentucky, a good sign that he's probably on the fast track to the NBA.



Recruiting notes: Ben Simmons is the top player in the class, considered to be a likely NBA All-Star and potential superstar. After that it's anyone's guess, but Allonzo Trier, ranked No. 13, could be the breakout player of this class in a few years.

Why they're ranked here: While we can do our best to project how players will do, it's hard to know when none of them have played a game in college yet. MaxPreps national basketball editor Jason Hickman weighed in with his opinion:

"Outside of Ben Simmons, who I think has a chance to be a top five player in the world, there aren't a lot of guys I would bet the house on. I'm just not as high on some of the big guys ranked in the Top 10 as others, but love guards like Isaiah Briscoe, Allonzo Trier and Dwayne Bacon who you find a little bit further down the Top 100 lists. I think those guys will all be solid pros."{PAGEBREAK}

9. Class of 2011
Superstars: Anthony Davis

Snubs: Rodney Hood showed flashes of brilliance with an up-and-coming Utah Jazz team last season, and could develop into a significant piece — as could Mo Harkless with the Orlando Magic.

Recruiting notes: Davis was by far the No. 1 player in the class, and has shown why. Trey Burke, an NBA All-Rookie selection in 2014, was ranked No. 93 in the class.



Why they're ranked here: Any team with Anthony Davis is automatically dangerous, but mix in budding stars Bradley Beal and Andre Drummond, along with the hyphenated Michaels (Kidd-Gilchrist and Carter-Williams), and you've got a formidable starting lineup. This squad loses steam with the bench, however, as Otto Porter and Ben McLemore are exciting young players, but there's just not enough punch to compete with some of the higher-ranked teams.

8. Class of 2008
Superstars: None

Snubs: Kemba Walker and Isaiah Thomas would have added a nice spark off the bench, but there was a lot of competition at the point guard spot.

Recruiting notes: Brandon Jennings took home the No. 1 ranking in this class, but 2008 was all about the underdog. All-Stars Paul George and Damian Lillard were unranked out of high school, as was the face of the Jazz, Gordon Hayward. Breakout Warriors stars Klay Thompson (No. 58) and Draymond Green (No. 95) were also relatively unheralded.

Why they're ranked here: You may see the "none" under superstars and question the placement here, but it's all about team. The Warriors proved that depth can beat out individual talent, and this team follows that model. With All-Stars at virtually every position (and even some off the bench) this is one of the deepest high school classes since 2000.{PAGEBREAK}

7. Class of 2014
Superstars: None, yet.



Snubs: A few of players still in college — Justin Jackson, Isiah Whitehead and Melo Trimble — could eventually make their way onto the team.

Recruiting notes: Despite being the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, Karl-Anthony Towns was ranked No. 5 in high school. No. 3 pick Jahlil Okafor took the top spot, followed by Emmanuel Mudiay. D'Angelo Russell, taken No. 2 overall by the Lakers, was ranked No. 16 in high school.

Why they're ranked here: Yes, it's very early, but this class has the potential to be one of the best. The backcourt of Mudiay and D'Angelo Russell combined with the big combination of Okafor and Towns spells trouble for anybody in their way. If bench players like Stanley Johnson, Kevon Looney and Kelly Oubre can develop into All-Stars, this will be a high school class to contend with for years to come.

6. Class of 2009
Superstars: John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins

Snubs: Derrick Williams and Xavier Henry have had flashes of success in the NBA, but neither was truly considered for the team.

Recruiting notes: Derrick Favors earned the No. 1 spot in this class, followed closely by Wall and Cousins. 2014 NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard was ranked No. 48 out of high school, and Suns guard Eric Bledsoe was No. 52.



Why they're ranked here: The starting five is undeniably solid. The pieces fit together well, but the teams lacks perimeter shooting. It would be extremely difficult to score on this squad, but the bench is quite thin. Lance Stephenson can command the unit, but beyond Khris Middleton there's not much scoring depth.{PAGEBREAK}

5. Class of 2002
Superstars: Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire, Chris Bosh

Snubs: Veterans C.J. Watson, Randy Foye and Francisco Garcia might be able to crack the bench here, but depends on personal preference.

Recruiting notes: Stoudemire was the No. 1 player in the class, followed by Carmelo Anthony. All-Star Deron Williams was ranked No. 48, while diminutive spark plug Nate Robinson was ranked No. 101.

Why they're ranked here: Some players here are past their prime, but each at top form would combine to make a formidable lineup. Offense would clearly not be an issue with interior scoring (Stoudemire), playmaking (Anthony) and spot-up shooting (J.J. Redick). The bench is solid as well, with 2015 NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala leading the way. Jarrett Jack and Nate Robinson are proven bench scorers and Steve Novak will help stretch the floor. Overall the pieces on this team just fit.

4. Class of 2003
Superstars: LeBron James, Chris Paul



Snubs: Travis Outlaw has had a solid NBA career, and Adam Morrison could make the squad just based on his college exploits.

Recruiting notes: Big shocker with LeBron at No. 1 on the list. After that were Luol Deng and Shannon Brown. Chris Paul came in at No. 6 in the class.

Why they're ranked here: The team certainly lacks depth, but we just saw what LeBron can do with a limited supporting cast. Mix in Paul and — though they each might have to play every minute — this team can compete with anyone, even with Kendrick Perkins on the floor.{PAGEBREAK}

3. Class of 2004
Superstars: Dwight Howard, LaMarcus Aldridge

Snubs: You could make a case for J.R. Smith on the team, or Glen "Big Baby" Davis. Corey Brewer and Nick "Swaggy P" Young have also had solid careers.

Recruiting notes: Dwight Howard was the No. 1 player in the class, and was subsequently taken as the top pick in the 2004 NBA Draft (back when players could enter the league straight out of high school). Shaun Livingston may have lived up to his No. 2 ranking had he not suffered a catastrophic injury early in his NBA career. Joakim Noah was ranked No. 72, while big man Roy Hibbert was ranked No. 101.



Why they're ranked here: This team is all about one thing: size. With the toughness of Kyle Lowry and Rajon Rondo and the scoring of Rudy Gay on the wing, it opens up the middle for twin towers Howard and Aldridge. Off the bench you have even more size, with All-Star/All-NBA big men Al Jefferson, Noah, Hibbert and Al Horford. It might be the era of small ball, but good luck matching up with this team.

2. Class of 2006
Superstars: Steph Curry, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant

Snubs: A lot of solid NBA players from this class, but nobody that really moves the needle. D.J. Augustin is probably closest to making the team.

Recruiting notes: Greg Oden was the top-ranked player in the class, followed by Kevin Durant. The debate between those two lasted all the way until draft day, when Oden was notoriously taken over Durant. This team's starting backcourt wasn't even on the recruiting radar in high school — All-NBA guard Russell Westbrook was ranked No. 101 while NBA MVP Steph Curry wasn't ranked at all.

Why they're ranked here: This team's "Big Three" is the best on the list. It's mind-boggling to think what kind of nightmare Curry, Westbrook and Durant would be for any defense. Since the team doesn't need much more scoring, Taj Gibson and Brook Lopez provide defense and rebounding, with All-Defense guard Mike Conley coming off the bench to run the second unit. Ty Lawson adds speed, while Spencer Hawes and Ryan Anderson will stretch the floor. Overall this team would be nearly impossible to beat.

Nearly ...{PAGEBREAK}



1. Class of 2007
Superstars: Derrick Rose (in his prime), James Harden, Kevin Love, Blake Griffin

Snubs: Kosta Koufos could be a big body off the bench, while guard Jerryd Bayless has had moments in the NBA.

Recruiting notes: Phenom O.J. Mayo was ranked No. 1 in the class. Love was No. 2, while Rose was No. 5, Jordan was No. 13, Griffin was No. 16 and Harden was No. 17. All-Star Jeff Teague was ranked No. 58, and "The Manimal" Kenneth Fareid was unranked.

Why they're ranked here: The starting five is unquestionably the most complete on the list. Rebounding, shooting, athleticism, playmaking — they've got it all. The lineup can go big or small and is equally adept at both. Teague comes off the bench to provide quickness and defense, while Chandler Parsons and Evan Turner can be facilitators and scorers on the second unit. Faried gets you rebounds and intangibles with Eric Gordon spacing the floor and Michael Beasley as your "irrational confidence/heat-check" guy. This team has both talent and pieces that fit together, making it the best high school basketball class since 2000.