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

By Mitch Stephens Oct 24, 2016, 11:00pm

Defending 6A champion Parkview returns all but one player from big and talented roster to lead the state's No. 1 squad. Also watch out for Jonesboro, Maumelle, Fayetteville and Baptist Prep in the Arkansas boys basketball #MaxPrepsFab5.

Video: Highlights of Connor Vanover
The 7-2 center for No. 4 Baptist Prep has three college offers.


2016-17 Arkansas preseason boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Parkview (Little Rock)
Head coach: Alfred Flanigan
2015-16 record: 26-3

The defending state 6A champions graduated just one player from a 33-man roster that included Khallil Garland, a 6-5 forward who scored 20 points in last year's title game, a 69-64 overtime win over Pine Bluff. Garland is now a senior. Flanigan has guided teams to six state championships. Other key underclassmen from last year's team was Javon Franklin, a 6-6 forward, and 6-5 post Caleb Stokes.

See the MaxPreps Arkansas boys basketball computer rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

2. Jonesboro

Head coach: Wes Swift
2015-16 record: 24-3



The Hurricane return both players who made last year's All-State Tournament Team in 6-4 wing Jonathan Adams and 6-2 guard Marquis Eaton. Jonesboro lost to eventual champion Parkview in the 6A semifinals. The 10-time state champions have won 126 games over the last five seasons and were state champions in 2013-14.

See the MaxPreps Arkansas boys basketball stat leaders

3. Maumelle

Head coach: Michael Shook
2015-16 record: 25-5
Tremont Robinson, Maumelle
Tremont Robinson, Maumelle
File photo by David Beach
The Hornets lost just two seniors off a team that lost a 91-85 overtime game to Forrest City in the 5A state final. They return 6-2 senior guard Tremont Robinson, who averaged 16.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 3.8 assists per game. Darius Tate (9.4 points per game), a 5-6 guard, and 6-1 guard Patrick Greene (7.4) are other top returners. Maumelle has won 111 games over the last five seasons.

See the MaxPreps Arkansas boys basketball photos

 4. Baptist Prep (Little Rock)
Head coach: Brian Ross
2015-16 record: 25-8

The Eagles lost five seniors off last year's 20-man squad, but return a strong core from the defending 4A state champions. The biggest piece to Baptist Prep's puzzle is 7-2 Connor Vanover, who combined with his 7-foot brother Brandon to score 26 points in the state championship game. Brandon graduated but Conner, who has offers from Arkansas, Alabama and Vanderbilt, should help carry the load.

See the MaxPreps Arkansas boys basketball playoff brackets



5. Fayetteville
Head coach: Kyle Adams
2015-16 record: 24-3

The Bulldogs return five key players off last year's squad that lost in the state 7A quarterfinals. The five-time state champions have won 107 games under Adams over the last five seasons. They haven't won a state title since 2009, though.