The McDonald’s All-American game and Saturday’s Nike Hoop Summit were the first national looks at some of the top high school seniors. So who made the best impressions?
Harrison Barnes, North Carolina » The word everyone uses to describe the nation’s top recruit? Smooth. He’s built like a small forward at 6-foot-8, 209 pounds, but he has guard skills with his shooting range, ball handling and passing ability. He can get to the rim at will and is a creative finisher. He’s got a nice pull-up jumper, too. Not too many weaknesses in his game.
Enes Kanter, Kentucky » The 6-foot-10 center from Turkey had 34 points to surpass Dirk Nowitzki as the highest scoring world team player ever in the Hoop Summit game. Kanter also added 13 rebounds. He has good footwork in the low post and has shooting range like most European big men.
Jared Sullinger, Ohio State » Sullinger is more of a throwback player. He’s not a great athlete and for a power forward he’s only 6-foot-8. But he uses his 262-pound frame to carve out space in the lane. He’s a great rebounder on both ends and very physical in the post, yet he has nice touch and can step away from the hoop to make shots or pass out of the high post.
Perry Jones, Baylor » His stats at the McDonald’s All-American game didn’t jump out (six points) but his athleticism did. At 6-foot-11, he’s comfortable with the ball in his hands on the break or on the perimeter and can score from everywhere. But he could develop more of a low-post game.
