MaxPreps 2016-17 New York preseason high school boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: 10 Must-See Players presented by Eastbay
Check out some national players who are must-see.


1. Baldwin
Head coach: Darius Burton
2015-16 record: 22-2

A defense-first mantra by coach Darius Burton, himself a former All-America basketball standout at Baldwin who went on to play at Hofstra, carried the Bruins to the Long Island Class AA championship and the state final four. Jared Rhoden, a 6-foot-6 senior who was Nassau County Public School Player of the Year, is a tower of power on both offense and defense. Classmate Jabeon Bivins, a 6-foot versatile guard, bolsters the Baldwin backcourt.

See the New York boys basketball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Jefferson (Brooklyn)
Head coach: Lawrence Pollard
2015-16 record: 25-9

After winning their first PSAL title since 1954, the Orange Wave went on to take the federation title. Junior forward Malachi Faison, a rebounding machine, is also a dangerous low-post scorer. Dashan Crittenden and Tyrik Mitchell, a pair of 5-foot-10 sophomore guards, are emerging talents.

See the MaxPreps New York boys basketball stat leaders

3. Christ the King (Middle Village)
Head coach: Joe Arbitello
2015-16 record: 19-9 Star point guard Jose Alvarado is equally effective as a scorer and a distributor. The New York City Catholic High School Player of the Year last season, the 6-foot, 160-pound senior committed to Georgia Tech and new head coach Josh Pastner after narrowing his choices to the Yellowjackets, Rutgers and Seton Hall.



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4. Cardozo (Bayside)
Head coach: Ron Naclerio
2015-16 record: 27-3

Naclerio is an enduring constant for the Judges. The 36th-year head coach has 748 career wins, more than anyone in the 112-year history of the PSAL. But the 59-year-old Naclerio, the King of Queens when it comes to boys basketball, would be the first to say it's been a steady stream of talent that has been the catalyst behind his jaw-dropping milestone. This year's team is no exception, with Division I prospect Jade Tse, now a junior, running the show at point guard with plenty of support from classmate Dejavaughn Utley, a combo guard.

See the MaxPreps New York boys basketball playoff brackets

5. Fairport
Head coach: Scott Fitch
2015-16 record: 18-5

Looking for an under-the-radar team that could be a surprise this season? Look no farther than Fairport.
Cam Keeley, a 6-foot-4, 195-pound senior forward, is a strong all-around player with a nice outside shooting touch. Also back is 6-foot-7 classmate Ryan Algier, fellow senior forwards Nick Kennedy (6-3), Connor Stoutz (6-1) and Matt Muncey (6-3). The backcourt includes seniors T.J. Hendricks (6-5), Tommy Farina (6-0), Dan Masino (6-2) and Jordan Holmes (6-2) as well as swingman Stephen Gabel (also 6-2).