Battling for position

Sporting News, The, July 30, 2001 by Dave Telep

Where the best high school seniors stand as they jockey for top-notch status in the summer recruiting period

The summer of 2000 was a time for warfare in the paint. It was a monthlong battle among such guys as Ousmane Cisse, Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry. At times, it was nasty and intense. Those kids were playing for more than pride. They were trading paint in a positioning battle for NBA dollars, and the battles were a whole lot of fun.

If last summer was war, then this must be the summer of love. The top prospects seemingly know each other well. Instead of trading elbows, they're trading pleasantries. But there are still a few battles to be had as tournament play during the recruiting period draws to a close. Here's a look at the top high school seniors at each position midway through the summer evaluation period and what the contenders have to do if they want to overthrow the leader. (College commitments in parentheses.)

Point guard

1 Raymond Felton, 6-2/175, Latta, S.C./Latta (North Carolina)

Over the last few months, he has risen to every challenge. His size, speed and scoring has allowed him to rise above some well-established floor generals.

2 Anthony Roberson, 6-1/175, Saginaw, Mich./Saginaw (Florida)

Roberson once was the undisputed top player at this position, but Felton is just too strong. What if "Peeper" pieces together a magical run and wins MVP honors at the adidas Big Time tournament? Well, he would have to be awfully dominant.

3 Chris Rodgers, 6-4/190, Portland, Ore./Wilson (Arizona)

Sun Tzu, an ancient Chinese military leader, once said of being a general: "He shifts his position and traverses indirect routes in order to keep other people from being able to anticipate him." He could have been talking about this big combo guard, who has an impressive first step to the basket.

Also look out for: Sean Dockery, 6-2/170, Chicago/Julian (Duke); Daniel Horton, 6-2/180, Cedar Hill, Texas/Cedar Hill (Michigan).

Shooting guard

1 Rashad McCants, 6-3/205, New Hampton, N.H./New Hampton School (North Carolina)

There isn't a stronger, more athletic swingman in the class. He overpowers defenders on the block, can hit the perimeter shot and is more than capable of the showstopping drive-and-dunk.

2 J.J. Redick, 6-4/185, Roanoke, Va./Cave Spring (Duke)

Sun Tzu wrote: "If the enemy opens the door, you must race in." In basketball terms, that means if you have an open jumper, take it. That's when Redick is at his best. He has been a little gun-shy this summer. Nevertheless, he's a sniper down the stretch.

3 Bracey Wright, 6-4/185, The Colony, Texas/The Colony

It'll be hard for Wright to overtake McCants and Redick, but the MVP of the Nike Peach Jam proved he has what it takes in leading Team Texas to the prestigious title. Wright's shooting has included occasional misfires this summer, but when he's on, he puts up big numbers.

Also look out for: Maurice Ager, 6-3/185, Detroit/Crockett Tech; Hassan Adams, 6-4/190, Los Angeles/Westchester.

Small forward

1 Lenny Cooke, 6-6/200, Old Tappan, N.J./Northern Valley Regional

The only battle Cooke lost since the circuit cranked up was to super junior LeBron James at the ABCD Camp. Otherwise, he has a strong foothold on the top spot. Not only does he play at a high level, his passing skills get others involved.

2 Carmelo Anthony, 6-7/195, Mouth of Wilson, Va./Oak Hill Academy (Syracuse)

Summer school is keeping him busy, but it probably won't affect his status at the position. He's the best scorer of the bunch, and his arsenal is scary good.

3 Evan Burns, 6-7/200, Los Angeles/Fairfax

He's a crafty scorer with excellent athletic ability and, like Anthony, is capable of scoring in a variety of ways.

Also look out for: Kennedy Winston, 6-6/190, Pritchard, Ala./Blount.

Power forward

1 Shavlik Randolph, 6-10/210, Raleigh, N.C./Broughton

Injured during an event in May, Randolph persevered through some tough times. He's the rare player with skills in both the inside and perimeter games. He'll likely hold the top spot but needs to win some battles at the Big Time tournament.

2 Shelden Williams, 6-9/245, Midwest City, Okla./Midwest City

He had his chance against Randolph at the Peach Jam but didn't make the most of it. Now is the time for him to assert himself.

3 Sean May, 6-9/265, Bloomington, Ind./North

This is where it gets interesting. May is a tank blessed with superior fundamental scoring skills and passing ability and has a knack for rebounding. He came up big against Randolph once but hasn't been as consistent in the long run. His defense could stand to improve.

Also look out for: Chris Bosh, 6-9/205, Dallas/Lincoln); DeAngelo Collins, 6-9/225, Inglewood, Calif./Inglewood.

Center

1 Amare Stoudemire, 6-10/235, Orlando/Cypress Creek (Memphis)

Not only is he the best center, but he has risen to the top of the overall class. No one has been able to match his power and explosiveness. He's not likely to be at Memphis for long, if at all.

2 Torin Francis, 6-10/220, Marion, Mass./Tabor Academy

So far, he has done everything you can ask of a player in the summer. His offensive skills are beginning to catch up to his defensive prowess.