10 big-time high school basketball players on the rise, presented by Eastbay

By Lynden Ostrander Nov 1, 2016, 4:56pm

These 10 players are soaring through the ranks and demand your attention.

Video: 10 big-time high school basketball players on the rise, presented by Eastbay
See highlights of this movers and shakers in the prep basketball world.


Experience isn't everything in high school basketball. World-class talent can easily overcome a lack of years on the floor.

That's the theme with our list of the 10 big-time players on the rise, presented by Eastbay. All 10 are tremendous talents from all across the country and they play for some of the most well-known programs in the nation. While they have those things in common, there is also plenty of diversity. Some came from other countries to play in the United States and some come from very accomplished sports bloodlines.

Check out these stars of tomorrow as they continue their meteoric rises to becoming the stars of today.



10 big-time high school basketball players on the rise, presented by Eastbay

Marvin Bagley III, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.)
6-10 | 190 | Forward
Uncommitted
The nation's No. 1 junior is an intriguing lefty and extremely skilled for his size. Bagley is an explosive finisher, has nice handles for his 6-10 frame and possesses off-the-charts athleticism. He also can stretch a defense with his knockdown shot and poses severe matchup problems. Bagley averaged the fifth-most points (20.9), and the seventh-highest rebounds (10.6) at the Nike Peach Jam this offseason. He should be eager to lead one of the country's top teams after being ineligible last season.

R.J. Barrett, Montverde Academy (Fla.)
6-6 | 180 | Wing
Uncommitted
The nation's No. 1 sophomore small forward is a polished prospect with all the tools. Barrett is a phenomenal scorer, versatile threat and has a great feel for the game. As a freshman, the Canadian talent led perennial powerhouse Montverde Academy in scoring and to the No. 7 spot in the Xcellent 25 national rankings. He also guided Uplay Canada to the 16U Peach Jam finals this offseason and claimed MaxPreps All-American first team distinction last year.

Charles Bassey, St. Anthony (San Antonio)
6-10 | 220 | Forward
Uncommitted
Charles Bassey, St. Anthony
Charles Bassey, St. Anthony
Photo by Lester Rosebrock
The country's top-rated sophomore is already being tabbed as San Antonio's next Shaquille O'Neal. He's an imposing rim protector and utilizes a high motor to clean the glass on both ends. Bassey has the ability to finish and owns a smooth-looking shot. He posted 20.2 points, 17.1 rebounds and 5.9 blocks per game in spearheading the Yellowjackets to the TAPPS 5A state title game last season. Bassey also earned MaxPreps All-American first team honors last year. The Nigerian sensation oozes potential.

Bol Bol, Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission, Kan.)
6-11 | 190 | Forward
Uncommitted
The No. 1 junior in Kansas has great lineage, with his late father Manute Bol being one of the tallest players in NBA history. The younger Bol is an exciting finisher and a superior shot blocker. He has superb ball-handling ability for his lanky frame and is lethal in transition. He helped Bishop Miege capture the Class 4A-DI state title and finish as the No. 1 team in the state last season. Bol is rapidly rising in the rankings and has a sky-high ceiling.

Tyger Campbell, La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.)

6-0 | 165 | Guard
Uncommitted
The nation's No. 3 sophomore point guard is a savvy floor general. He has nifty ball-handling ability, is lightning-quick and a crafty scorer. The gritty guard also is one of the elite passers in the country and has the ability to hurt defenses from beyond the arc. Campbell led La Lumiere to the No. 6 spot in the Xcellent 25 national rankings and was one bucket shy of nabbing the Dick's Nationals title last season. He also notched an impressive 18.6 points and the fifth-most assists (5.1) per game average at the Peach Jam this summer. 

Vernon Carey Jr., University (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

6-9 | 245 | Forward
Uncommitted
Carey is a scary-good prospect. His father, Vernon Carey, was a former NFL first-round pick and the younger Carey inherited his athleticism. The nation's sixth-rated sophomore is an enticing southpaw with phenomenal interior moves, soft touch and powerful finishing ability in the paint. He also lures colleges with his consistent shot from deep and deft ability to defend guards on the perimeter. Carey Jr. charged Nike Team Florida to a 15U Peach Jam title this summer, and shows no signs of slowing down.

Romeo Langford, New Albany (Ind.)
6-5 | 191 | Guard
Uncommitted

The country's No. 2 junior is flat-out smooth. Langford utilizes his spectacular set-up moves and swift handles to dissect defenses and score at will. He's an aggressive slasher and owns a pure stroke from downtown. Langford logged 29.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and three assists per game in directing New Albany to a Class 4A state championship and a No. 22 spot in the Xcellent 25 national rankings last season. He topped off his stellar season by taking home the MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year accolade.

Silvio de Sousa, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
6-9 | 220 | Forward
Uncommitted
De Sousa is an absolute monster. The nation's fifth-rated junior excites any arena with his rim-rattling dunks and regulating blocks. He has incredibly sure hands for his massive frame and is dangerous in transition. De Sousa garnered MaxPreps All-American honorable mention honors last season and is brimming with potential. He transferred to IMG Academy this offseason and should be a destructive force.



Cassius Stanley, Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.)
6-5 | 180 | Wing
Uncommitted

Stanley is one of the top athletes in the nation - regardless of class. The country's No. 13 sophomore is an electrifying talent and a walking highlight reel. He utilizes his supreme speed and cat-like quickness to slash at will and deliver with authority. The one-man fast break recorded 19.3 points per game last year in willing the Wolverines to a Division IV state title and a No. 17 position in the state. He also captured MaxPreps All-American second team honors.

Zion Williamson, Spartanburg Day (S.C.)
6-7 | 220 | Wing
Uncommitted

Williamson might be the most promising player in his junior class. The scintillating lefty owned the spotlight this summer by throwing down ferocious viral slams and grabbing the Under Armour Elite 24 dunk contest crown on national television. The nation's sixth-rated junior is a prolific scorer and nearly unguardable. He also uses his hulkish build and athleticism to execute show-stopping blocks and own the defensive glass. Williamson pumped in 28.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.9 blocks and 2.9 steals per game last year in piloting the Griffins to a No. 15 ranking in the state.