Lincoln is our pick as the top boys basketball taem in New York this season. Also watch out for Long Island Lutheran, Christ the King, Mount Vernon and South Shore.
Isaiah Whitehead, one of the nation's top recruits, will try to lead Lincoln to a state title in 2013-14.
Photo by Steven Ryan
MaxPreps 2013-14 New York Boys Basketball Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
Click here to see the boys basketball preseason Fab 5 from every state1. Lincoln (Brooklyn)2012-13 record: 26-6
Head coach: Tiny Morton
There is no finer player in the state than Seton Hall recruit
Isaiah Whitehead (6-4, Sr.), who’s complemented by lefty
Desi Rodriguez (6-5, Sr.) and
Elisha Boone (6-4, Sr.). That should be enough to fend off South Shore and Thomas Jefferson in hyper-competitive Brooklyn, but maybe not L.I. Lutheran in the Federation tournament because …
2. Long Island Lutheran (Brookville)2012-13 record: 25-2
Head coach: John Buck
The arrival of
Robyn Missa (6-9) from Montverde Academy in Florida,
Devonte Green (6-2, So.) from Manhasset St. Mary’s and
Marvin Prochet (6-6, Jr.) from Boys & Girls puts LuHi in the Federation title-game conversation. Guards
Chris Atkinson and
Elijah Bailey and rapidly improving.
Rojaye Campbell (6-9, So.) may quite possibly put them over the top.
3. Christ the King (Middle Village)2012-13 record: 28-3
Head coach: Joe Arbitello
The literal and figurative center of attention is
Adonis De La Rosa (6-10, Sr.), whose offensive skill set looks ready to match his defensive prowess.
Andre Walker (6-1, Sr.) runs the point, and wing
Rawle Alkins (6-4, So.) seems destined to be NYC’s next big deal. The Royals face competition from Bishop Loughlin, Cardinal Hayes and St. Raymond’s in the rugged CHSAA.
4. Mt. Vernon2012-13 record: 19-2
Head coach: Bob Cimmino
Brandon Martin (6-1, Sr.) will have to prove his ability on perimeter jumpers to complement his ability to score off the drive. If
Yhanni Bartley and
Devonte Banner own their pieces of the perimeter as expected, the Knights will soon erase memories of the Section 1 final loss to New Rochelle in the
basketball finish of the decade.
5. South Shore (Brooklyn)2012-13 record: 22-7
Head coach: Michael Beckles
Doudmy St. Hilaire (6-2, Sr.) reportedly will wait until after the season to make a college choice and has a chance to move from mid-major status to a must-have for power-conference schools facing a backcourt shortfall.
Devyn Wilson and
Latiek Laney (6-8, Jr., transfer from Xaverian) are known commodities, and
Ryan Preston (6-7, Jr.) has been showing prowess in the paint, adding a sweet baby hook to his repertoire.
