Basketball at the high school level has always been a hotbed for discovering new talent and the next generation of NBA superstars. The class of 2016 was particularly rich in prospects who would go on to make waves in the collegiate ranks and beyond. Let’s dive into the top 10 high school basketball players of 2016, many of whom have since become familiar names to fans of the sport.
#10. Rawle Alkins
At number ten, we have Rawle Alkins, a robust shooting guard from Christ the King Regional High School in New York. Known for his explosive athleticism and scoring ability, Alkins was a force on the court, able to muscle his way through defenses and finish at the rim with authority. He was also an excellent rebounder for his position, a testament to his physicality and hustle.
#9. Mustapha Heron
Coming in at the ninth spot is Mustapha Heron, who attended Sacred Heart High School in Connecticut. A left-handed shooting guard, Heron stood out due to his scoring prowess and basketball IQ. He was skilled at creating his own shot, and his strength allowed him to be an effective slasher, getting to the rim with ease. His versatility on the court made him a difficult assignment for any defender.
#8. Frank Jackson
Eighth on our list is the dynamic point guard Frank Jackson out of Lone Peak High School in Utah. Jackson was a high-scoring lead guard with the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting range. He was also adept at using his quickness to penetrate defenses, which coupled with his sharpshooting made him a dual-threat offensive player.
#7. Terrance Ferguson
Occupying the seventh slot, we have Terrance Ferguson from Advanced Preparatory International in Texas. A lanky shooting guard, Ferguson was renowned for his three-point shooting acumen and a highlight-reel dunking ability. His length also made him a persistent perimeter defender, capable of guarding multiple positions effectively.
#6. Dennis Smith Jr.
At number six, we spot Dennis Smith Jr., who played for Trinity Christian School in North Carolina. Before a knee injury in his senior year, Smith was seen as one of the most electrifying point guards in the class. His blend of speed, power, and leaping ability, as well as his knack for scoring in a variety of ways, made him a standout.
#5. De’Aaron Fox
Taking the fifth spot is De’Aaron Fox out of Cypress Lakes High School in Texas. Fox was a blur on the court, known for his blazing speed and quickness. As a point guard, he impressed with his ability to break down defenses and was equally committed on the defensive end, where his length and agility made him a formidable opponent.
#4. Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum, from Chaminade College Preparatory School in Missouri, lands at our fourth rank. As a forward, Tatum boasted a smooth, polished offensive game and was able to score in a multitude of ways, whether it was finishing around the rim or knocking down mid-range jumpers. His basketball smarts and size made him an impactful player on both ends of the floor.
#3. Bam Adebayo
Edrice “Bam” Adebayo, hailing from High Point Christian Academy in North Carolina, earns the third spot. A powerful center, Adebayo’s name “Bam” came from his ability to slam dunk with such force it seemed like he could bring down backboards. Beyond his dunks, he was also a strong rebounder and shot-blocker, making his presence felt in the paint.
#2. Lonzo Ball
The second place goes to the exceptional point guard Lonzo Ball, from Chino Hills High School in California. Ball was a wizard with the ball, possessing exceptional passing vision and a unique ability to control the tempo of a game. His unselfish play and effective shooting from deep made his team better in every aspect, causing many to herald him as a once-in-a-generation talent.
#1. Josh Jackson
At the pinnacle of our list sits Josh Jackson, who attended Prolific Prep Academy in California. A versatile wing player, Jackson was widely considered the top high school prospect due to his elite athleticism and competitive nature. He was impactful on both ends of the court, able to score efficiently, distribute the ball, and guard the opposing team’s best player.
Each of these players brought something unique to the court, their skills creating buzz and excitement among scouts and fans alike. What’s interesting is how their journeys diverged after high school, with some making immediate impacts at the collegiate level while others took longer routes to stardom or are still working to find their place in the professional ranks. Nonetheless, the class of 2016 will be remembered for the breadth of talent it introduced to the world of basketball. With their high school days behind them, these athletes continue to grow and refine their games, evolving from top prospects to professional players, and in some cases, becoming stars in the NBA. It’s a testament to the importance of nurturing young talent and the bright future of basketball that lies in the hands of these capable young men.