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.

See the MaxPreps New York boys basketball photos

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).