MaxPreps 2015-16 North Carolina preseason high school boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Word of God Christian Academy (Raleigh)
Head coach: Brian Clifton
2014-15 record: 29-3

John Wall put Word of God on the map in 2009 and the Holy Rams have been a force in North Carolina ever since. But this could be the year WOG elevates to national powerhouse status. The arrival of New York City player of the year Rawle Alkins (6-5, Sr., G) – who averaged over 20 points per game last season at storied Christ the King – is a big reason for all the optimism. Alkins won't be alone, however. Jaylen Fornes (6-3, Sr., G), Jalen Harris (6-1, Sr., G) and Jatrious Smith (6-5, Jr., G/F) headline a talented supporting cast.

See last season's North Carolina boys basketball computer rankings

2. High Point Christian Academy
Head coach: Brandon Clifford
2014-15 record: 19-14



Like Word of God, High Point Christian will benefit from a massive offseason addition via transfer. Edrice "Bam" Adebayo (6-9, Sr., F) – a Top 15 prospect in the 2016 class – joins the roster after piling up over 32 points and 21 rebounds per game a year ago at Northside (Pinetown). Louisville and North Carolina are among the schools in pursuit of him. The Cougars also return eight players who saw action in 30 or more games last year, including Bucknell commit Ben Robertson (6-5, Sr., G).

See North Carolina boys basketball pro photo galleries

3. Quality Education Academy (Winston-Salem)
Head coach: Isaac Pitts
2014-15 record: 20-6

The Fighting Pharaohs have the talent to knock off just about any team in America on any given night – they opened the 2013-14 with a dominant win over storied Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.). But putting it together consistenly against an unforgiving independent schedule is a huge challenge. Pitt commit Justice Kithcart (6-1, Sr., G), DaShawn Corprew (6-5, Sr., G/F), Pape Ndiaye (6-9, Sr., F/C) and Keith Stagg (6-5, Sr., G) are all game-changers for QEA.

See last season's North Carolina boys basketball playoff brackets

4. Providence Day (Charlotte)
Head coach: Brian Field
2014-15 record: 21-4



All four of Providence Day's losses a year ago came to teams that finished ranked in the Top 25 nationally. The Chargers will start the season on the outside looking in but don't be surprised to see them join the Xcellent 25 at some point. Grant Williams (6-6, Sr., F) – one of the nation's most underrated players – and Josh Howard (6-6, Sr., G/F) are back after leading PDS to the NCISAA Class 3A semifinals in 2014-15.

See last season's North Carolina boys basketball stat leaders

5. Greensboro Day
Head coach: Fred Johnson
2014-15 record: 33-3

Johnson surpassed 900 career wins in December of last season, then went on to lead the Bengals to Dick's Nationals in New York City. It was a dream season, and here's the scary thing – they might be even more talented this year. William Dillard (6-4, So., G), J P Moorman (6-5, Jr., G/F) and John Newman (6-4, So., G) could do special things together over the next two years.