Fullcourt Press Southern California Pre-Summer Class of 2009 Rankings (July 2, 2008) This is the 3rd of a five part series of 2009 rankings that will be released over the next week.  Unlike some other media sources that don’t fully understand that the college and pro game positions are inherently different for many reasons too detailed to discuss here, the Fullcourt Press has always broken down its rankings into 5 different position areas: (a) Centers/Post-Forwards, (b) Combo-Forwards, (c) Wing Forwards/Off-Guards, (d) Combo-Guards and (e) Point Guards.  These position categories reflect how multidimensional the college game has become and how much the concept of “versatility” is valued by college coaches.  These rankings reflect both current player talent level/skills as well as their “upside” or potential.  We have ranked the best of the bunch from 1-10 with others deserving consideration listed further below.  For purposes of these rankings: “Southern California” is the area bordering the Fresno area to the north and the Mexican Border to the south. We will update these 2009 rankings in late August/early September – after we get a chance to digest how much all of these players either improve or digress over the July recruiting period. Listed below are the top Wing-Forwards/Off-Guards in Southern California’s Class of 2009.  While we normally do not like to have “ties”, the race for the top spot is presently “too-close-to-call” and we will allow the month of July to decide who sits at the pole position after the dust clears in August.   All of the top three (Hamilton, Snaer and Thompson) are bona-fide 2009 McDonald’s All-American candidates.           2009 Wing-Forwards/Off-Guards

1a.       Jordan Hamilton                 6’7”     Dominguez (Compton CA Dynamic swingman has a multiple number of offensive weapons to choose from.  Deadly from deep as well as dangerous around the basket, J-Ham is a pure scorer capable of putting up huge numbers.  Not known as a great defender, Jordan has improved in that area under the tutelage of Dominguez coach Russell Otis.  Was outstanding recently leading his Dominguez squad to the Fairfax tourney title and was impressive at the NBPA Camp (@ Charlottesville VA) but was up and down during the rest of the spring.  Scheduled to be at the LeBron James US Skills Academy (July 6-9 @ Akron OH).

1b.      Michael Snaer                     6’5”     Rancho Verde (Moreno Valley CA) Snaer has made as much noise this spring as anybody in SoCal – performing in impressive fashion at GBOA West (leading Inland to the Finals), Arizona Cactus Classic (all-tourney selection), Pangos All-American Camp (Cream of the Crop Top 25 Game co-MVP) and Nike Paul Pierce Skills Camp (was the best player I witnessed there).  Excellent scorer off the dribble and with an improved perimeter stroke, Snaer is a strong and cat-quick defender.  Scheduled to be at the Reebok All-American Camp (July 7-10 @ Philadelphia PA) and Fullcourt Press All-West Camp (July 11-13 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA) as well as with his Inland squad at the Fullcourt Press Cream of the Crop Challenge (July 14-15 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA), Rbk Summer Championships @ Las Vegas NV and Fullcourt Press End of the Trail Classic (July 28-30 @ Cabrillo HS/Long Beach CA).

1c.       Hollis Thompson               6’7”     Loyola (Los Angeles CA) Georgetown-bound silky swingman has a polished offensive game and a tremendous attitude and basketball IQ.  Hard to contain off the dribble, Hollis is also a dangerous shooter with range that extends beyond the 3-point stripe.  Thompson really knows how to move without the ball and is a better defender than most give him credit for.  Hollis was impressive at the recent Pangos All-American Camp – earning a spot in the Cream of the Crop Top 25 Game.  At the moment Hollis is attending the USA Basketball 18 & under national trials (July 1-3 @ Washington DC) and (if he is not selected to represent the US in Argentina on July 14-18) will attend the LeBron James US Skills Academy (July 6-9 @ Akron OH).

4.         Tony Freeland                    6’5”     Fremont (Los Angeles CA) Active and very athletic wing excels in transition and is a terrific defender.  Freeland has improved his perimeter shot and if that continues, his value will skyrocket further.  Will be at the Fullcourt Press All-West Camp (July 11-13 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA) and with the ICAN All-Stars at the Fullcourt Press Cream of the Crop Challenge (July 14-15 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA), Rbk Summer Championships @ Las Vegas NV and Fullcourt Press End of the Trail Classic (July 28-30 @ Cabrillo HS/Long Beach CA). 5.         Demetrius Walker               6’2”     J Serra (San Juan Capistrano CA) Excellent slashing scorer plays very hard and is a stingy defender.  Lack of ideal size for a high-major wing and inconsistent shot prevents him from being ranked higher.  USC could be the leader at the moment.

6.         Evan Smith                          6’7”     Calabasas (Calabasas CA) Underrated athlete has a sweet perimeter stroke.  Committed to USC following the Trojan’s win over Oklahoma last December.  Nice upside. 7.         Myron Green                        6’3”     Dominguez (Compton CA Smooth off-guard has a great perimeter touch and a strong physique.  Very good student (and NCAA qualifier) is scheduled to be at the Fullcourt Press All-West Camp (July 11-13 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA).

8.         Stephon Heard                   6’6”     Jordan (Long Beach CA “Run and jump” athlete can really finish in transition and is an aggressive defender.   Scheduled to be at the Fullcourt Press All-West Camp (July 11-13 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA) and with Belmont Shore at the Fullcourt Press Cream of the Crop Challenge (July 14-15 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA) and Fullcourt Press End of the Trail Classic (July 28-30 @ Cabrillo HS/Long Beach CA). 9.         Garrett Jefferson                     6’3”     Mayfair (Lakewood CA) Very underrated wing could be a top “sleeper” at this position category.  Accurate outside shooter can elevate well on his drives to the basket.  With additional weight/strength, Jefferson will be a solid mid-major player.  Scheduled to be at the Fullcourt Press All-West Camp (July 11-13 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA).

10.       Robert Mandingo               6’4”     Dominguez (Compton CA) Arguably the West Coast’s top defender, Mandingo is also an improved scorer.   Scheduled to be at the Fullcourt Press All-West Camp (July 11-13 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA). 11.       Jerry Evans                         6’6”     Leuzinger (Lawndale CA) Lean but athletic slashing scorer has huge feet (may not be done growing) and plays with energy.  Scheduled to be at the Fullcourt Press All-West Camp (July 11-13 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA). 12.       Jamal Franklin                    6’4”     Serrano (Phelan CA)

Lefty is a quick and athletic wing that also is a fine defender.  Will travel with California Supreme this summer. 13.       Keegan Hornbuckle          6’6”     Campbell Hall (North Hollywood CA) Skilled swingman has very good bounce that allows him to finish above the rim.  Needs to be more consistently aggressive and assertive to move up higher in these rankings. 14.       Rome Draper                       6’5”     Etiwanda (Etiwanda CA) Skilled wing with size is scheduled to be at the Fullcourt Press All-West Camp (July 11-13 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA). 15.       Rodney Black                     6’5”     Perris (Perris CA) Excellent shooter has very nice upside.  Scheduled to be at the Fullcourt Press All-West Camp (July 11-13 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA).

Other 2009 Wing Forwards/Off-Guards To Track   *           Clark Anderson                  6’3”     La Canada (La Canada CA) Very nice shooter is the younger brother of Yale forward Rhett Anderson.  Very good student. *           Adrien Briens                      6’4”     San Marcos (San Marcos CA)  Heady swingman has good leadership qualities.   *           Nigel Carter                          6’3”     Dorsey (Los Angeles CA) Strong and athletic wing needs to improve his consistency.   *           Stephon Carter                   6’4”     Garces (Bakersfield CA) Hardworking wing forward is a solid defender.   *           Jacob Cheek                       6’4”     Los Alamitos (Los Alamitos CA) Very improved shooter has nice bounce in his step.   *           Darrell Espy                         6’3”     Dominguez (Compton CA) Annoying defender has been injured so far this summer. *           RJ Farrell                              6’4”     Villa Park (Villa Park CA) Sharp shooter is a strong wing and underrated defender. *           Garrett Frick             6’6”     Santa Monica (Santa Monica CA) Physical wing-forward has a knack for scoring and is a tough match-up on the glass.   *           Devin Goldston                   6’5”     Gahr (Cerritos CA) Emerging athletic forward is one to track this July.   *           Randy Gonzalez                 6’4”     Santa Clara (Oxnard CA) Agile wing forward competes on every play.   *           Randall Guillory                  6’4”     Nogales (La Puente CA) Excellent athlete needs to refine skill level.   *           Chris Harriel                        6’4”     San Jacinto (San Jacinto CA) Long athlete has ability to finish above the rim.   *           Dijon Henry                         6’3”     Bakersfield (Bakersfield CA) Active off-guard can really score.   *           Broderick Hunter               6’3”     Etiwanda (Etiwanda CA) Underrated off-guard is a crafty scorer.   *           Donovan Jackson             6’3”     El Toro (El Toro CA) Heady shooting guard has range on his jump shot.   *           Jordan Mackie                    6’4”     Dorsey (Los Angeles CA) Athletic slashing scorer has Top 10 potential. *           Gibson Myles                      6’4”     Gahr (Cerritos CA)  Improving wing gives 100% effort each time he steps on the floor.   *           Shaun Norum                      6’3”     Los Alamitos (Los Alamitos CA) Hard-working off-guard has nice range on his perimeter stroke.  Very good student. *           Vince Payne                                    6’3”     El Modena (Orange CA) Slashing off-guard has nice ability to beat defenders off the dribble.   *           John Russo                         6’3”     Servite (Anaheim CA) Great shooter has a nice feel for the game. *           Jordan Sachs                      6’4”     La Habra (La Habra CA) Aggressive wing-forward is a very deceptive athlete and underrated scorer. *           Jacob Slone                                    6’3”     Sonora (La Habra CA)  Strong wing is an active defender that plays hard on the defensive end. *           Mike Wilder                          6’2”     Wilson (Long Beach CA) Hustling athlete makes plays at both ends.   *           Eric Zickefoose                   6’5”     Los Alamitos (Los Alamitos CA) Scrappy wing-forward has a nose for loose balls and can knock down perimeter shots with regularity. Photos of Jordan Hamilton, Michael Snaer, Hollis Thompson, Myron Green, Stephon Heard, Tony Freeland and Robert Mandingo by Nick Koza (www.SportsAmp.com).

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