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

Video: Recruit literally breaks the rim
Check out a dunk that does some serious damage.


1. Bishop Hendricken (Warwick)
Head coach: Jamal Gomes
2015-16 finish: 23-6

When looking at Rhode Island boys basketball in recent years, it has been two-arms race with Bishop Hendricken coming out on top in the RIIL state championship last season. It will be up to head coach Jamal Gomes and his returners to protect the throne. Among the returners is one of the best players in the state in Justin Mazzulla, an All-State guard who has already committed to play next season at George Washington University. Junior Preston Santos, who already has Division 1 offers, will be alongside Mazzulla to provide a power one-two punch.

See the MaxPreps Rhode Island boys basketball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. St. Andrew's (Barrington)
Head coach: Michael Hart
2015-16 finish: 11-4

The Saints may not have been a huge force in Rhode Island last season, but this year they are older, wiser, and just as much, if not more, talented. Talent may be an understatement, as the Saints will have the No. 1 recruit in the state in Terrell Brown. The University of Pittsburgh commit is a force to be reckoned with at 6-foot-8 and 205 pounds. Joining Brown is Cole Swider, who is rapidly putting his name on the map of college coaches, and guard Aaron Wheeler.

See the MaxPreps Rhode Island boys basketball stat leaders

3. Classical (Providence)
Head coach: John Kavanagh
2015-16 finish: 23-6 Classical saw its season end in the state semifinals against the eventual state champion Hawks of Bishop Hendricken. The Purples are hungry for more and have the talent to do so. First team All-State guard David Duke averaged 20.7 points per game in the state playoffs last season and he will be a force to be reckoned with this season with another year under his belt. Also returning is Jamari Johnson, who ranked second on his team in points (12.4 points per game) and first in rebounds (9.5 rebounds per game).

See the MaxPreps Rhode Island boys basketball photos

4. Portsmouth
Head coach: Jim Mulvey
2015-16 finish: 17-6

The Patriots were yet another team to go down to the champion Hawks, but they did manage to make it to the quarterfinals of the state tournament. Head coach Jim Mulvey would love to have another crack at the Hawks to avenge the loss. Junior guard Christopher Herren will build on his second-team All-State selection last season and will be the leader of this Patriot team. The Patriots will lean on their big three between Herren, senior Matthew Clark and senior Zachary Rahilly to take the team deep into the playoffs.

See the MaxPreps Rhode Island boys basketball playoff brackets

5. St. Raphael Academy (Pawtucket)
Head coach: Thomas Sorrentine
2015-16 finish: 14-7

St. Raphael had a bit of a hit-and-miss season last year, and it ended with a loss in the first round of the state playoffs. The Saints are looking to be more consistent this year under head coach Thomas Sorrentine. Leading the charge will be second-team All-State senior forward Trevante Jones, a versatile player who can do a little bit of everything. Senior guard Peter Wilson will also be looked upon to lead this team back to being prevalent among Rhode Island boys basketball teams.