Senior class has depth but lacks superstars

When it comes to potential, there is great parity at the top of this high school class, which lacks a clear-cut superstar (such as Kevin Garnett in 1995) but offers plenty of blue-chip prospects. Our choice for No. 1 is unsigned Georgia lefty Donnell Harvey, a superbly athletic rebounder/ shot-blocker/inside operator who could become a potential star with a more reliable jump shot.

Hot on Harvey's heels is future Tar Heel Joseph Forte, a sensational wing scorer who has had a better season than more touted Kentucky-bound teammate Keith Bogans at famed Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha Catholic.

Sixteen of our top 25 seniors signed letters of intent during the November signing period, and highly promising Ivory Coast native Samuel Dalembert verbally committed to Seton Hall and plans to sign in April if Tommy Amaker remains Seton Hall's coach.

Three of the top 25 (center Casey Sanders, point guard Jason Williams and swingman Michael Dunleavy) opted for Duke, and two (Bogans and insider Marvin Stone) have chosen Kentucky. No other college has signed more than one top 25 prospect. Note that the Blue Devils also are a strong contender for unsigned Alaskan power forward Carlos Boozer.

From a conference standpoint, the ACC and SEC each has signed five of the top 25. No other conference has landed more than two.

Individuals whose reputations have improved the most this season include Forte, Sanders and New York combo guard Kenny Satterfield, a Cincinnati signee. Interestingly, Kentucky recruits Bogans and Stone have had relatively disappointing senior campaigns, though no one would dispute the considerable talents of either.

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