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Paul Biancardi, Basketball Recruiting
Once the high school season and the spring period were in the rearview mirror, we released our early summer player rankings for each class.
Now we shift the focus to our top basketball prospects, regardless of class.
The criteria consist of a combination of factors for all classes, including how the prospect has produced so far and his future upside. There is plenty to debate at this point, and this list will remain fluid as we head toward another ranking in August.
Cameron Boozer, son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer and the top prospect in the 2025 ESPN 60, grabs the No. 1 spot in our Top 25 regardless of class. Here’s a breakdown of the best in high school basketball.
No. 1 in 2025
Boozer continues to make a statement on both ends. He approaches every challenge with a team-first focus that most often results in winning. His fundamentals are elite, as is his footwork. Along with a scoring touch from anywhere, Boozer makes for a matchup problem. He’s consistent and dominant, with a 6-foot-8 strong and durable frame and advanced skills. His productivity, rebounding and outlet passes draw comparison to Kevin Love at the same stage.
No. 2 in 2025
Flagg has been on a mission since his high school season ended. He is coming off an MVP performance at the NBPA 100 camp. The versatility of his scoring, his defensive instincts and his basketball IQ make him special. A fierce competitor with outstanding athletic ability along with a growing confidence could have him in the No. 1 spot by the end of the summer. He brings so many different talents to a game as a big wing who facilitates with NBA tools and a no-nonsense demeanor. He’s making a strong case for the top spot in 2025.
No. 1 in 2026
Dybantsa has exploded on the circuit with his tremendous two-way ability. Not only will he drop big numbers with skill on the outside, he has explosiveness and body control at the rim. He is developing into a multi-position defender both on and off the ball. At an early stage he is great switch. A possible Kawhi Leonard-type defender. A potential No. 1 NBA draft pick in time.
No. 1 in 2024
Few get the job done on a consistent basis like Harper. Recently playing in the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup, he showed his maturity and ability against older, stronger and better players. Understands winning comes first and to make the game easy for others as he stays aggressive for his points. Has shades of Kyle Lowery in his game.
No. 2 in 2024
Bailey is still scratching the surface with his game and production level. Loaded with athletic ability, length at 6-9 and perimeter skills on the offensive end, he also is a willing defender. His game and frame are suited for what today’s game features, high-end versatility. He is the highest-rated recruit in the ESPN rankings era (since 2007) to commit to Rutgers and is projected to step in and make an impact.
No. 3 in 2024
Johnson owns a lethal jump shot behind the arc and has elevation in his legs to rise and fire over defenders. When in rhythm and with smart shot selection, Johnson is unstoppable from both inside and outside the arc. His jumper is elite and with ball quickness he can drive. A next level tough shotmaker from deep.
No. 4 in 2024
At 6-9, there are not many bigger, stronger or more aggressive at attacking the rim and backboard. His motor is always amped up and ready to compete. A physically imposing post presence on both ends. He tries to rebound and dunk everything.
No. 3 in 2025
Peterson is a prototypical big two-guard with an ideal basketball frame. A smooth scoring guard with a long and lean body type and developing shoulders who scores in bunches. Whether it’s the open floor or against a half-court defense, Peterson is aware of his surroundings and will create his own opportunity. In a loaded 2025 class he captures your attention.
No. 4 in 2025
Physically mature, smart and skilled when you study his game. An aggressive two-handed rebounder who’s best inside the arc and on the glass. Has scoring tools with toughness shine in each game. The best is yet to come.
No. 5 in 2024
Jackson possesses all the transition ability one would want from a prospect. His vertical bounce at the rim makes him an outstanding finisher. A New York city guard who is a big-time athlete and a natural talent at scoring. A future Tar Heel.
No. 6 in 2024
Knox can be dangerous at the catch-and-shoot 3-point shot. Overall, he is 53% as he finds the bucket. He will score with straight line drives, strong body finishes and at the free throw line. He delivers results as one of the top scorers in the EYBL.
No. 7 in 2024
Edgecombe has not come down since being named MVP in the NIBC high school season. A three-level scorer with defensive potential, he was not ranked at this time a year ago. A future star.
No. 5 in 2025
There’s a world of upside as he makes plays you can’t coach. Passes with either hand and is active to score and rebound. At 6-9 and with a feel for the game, he already has the attention of NBA scouts. Oozes with upside.
No. 6 in 2025
Goes about his business in a quiet almost unassuming manner. He manufactures points from offensive put-backs, post-ups and from short range. A committed rebounder as well.
No. 7 in 2025
Thomas loves the open floor and has wiggle and craftiness in his dribble. He is fast at getting to his spots on the floor with rise and fire ability. At times he can be a long-range threat. A major talent whose next step is consistency.
No. 2 in 2026
Only 15, Stokes at times has been the best player on the court playing up in the U17’s. He’s physically impressive with a solid handle and jumper. Plays with force as a driver, finisher and rebounder.
No. 8 in 2024
Fland is a scoring point guard with a high skill level who gets downhill with speed in the transition game. A gifted handle in ball screens to manipulate paint touches and is more than capable from 3.
No. 9 in 2024
Bethea plays with supreme confidence on the offensive end. Defensively he is aggressive and knocks down the long distance shot at over 40%. A terrific one on one scoring threat. A big riser in our most recent rankings.
No. 10 in 2024
Queen has maintained a level of conditioning and consistency that’s hard not to notice. His footwork and hands work in unison with his back to the basket. At 6-9, one of the best post players in the country.
No. 8 in 2025
Haralson is an impressive wing with long strides and handle to score best at the rim. He’s a slasher and finisher with a nice hesitation dribble to keep defenders off balance. An excellent ball mover and distributor. Plenty of game now and promise down the road.
No. 9 in 2025
Jackson attacks the basketball with a mindset to score. Crafty and quick with the ball in his hands, he can pull up off the dribble in a split second and knock it down from anywhere. A dangerous scorer who can go for big numbers in any contest.
No. 10 in 2025
He’s a big-bodied (6-9, 215 pounds) power forward with mobility and scoring touch that extends to the arc. He is one of the better prospects in the country at producing a double-figure points and rebounds. High upside. Has a chance to be a first-round NBA draft pick.
No. 11 in 2025
Johnson displays transition scoring ability and on most nights is an efficient scorer. A strong combination of speed and quickness who make decisive decision in scoring areas. A legitimate 3-point shooter. A catalyst for his team.
No. 22 in 2024
We had to move Bryant up into this group and leapfrog the line. After watching him closely at the NBPA camp and on the circuit, it is evident he belongs on this list. Bouncy with skill to score, including open 3s. Arizona has a keeper.
No. 12 in 2025
Harwell owns a big-time shooting stroke with elevation. His shot preparation and mechanics are evident early in his career. He knocks down jumpers with a college frame at 6-5 from both inside and beyond the arc with fluidity. You can sense a breakout season happening next year.