The Kernel’s 2014 UK prospect outlook
August 26, 2012
By Nick Jones
Huntington, W.Va., forward Andrew Wiggins is considered by many to be not only the top player in the 2014 recruiting class but in possibly all of high-school basketball.
Wiggins is considering a move to reclassify to the 2013 class, which may open the top slot in the rankings.
Tyus Jones, a point guard from Apple Valley, Minn., may replace Wiggins at the top if that happens.
UK is in the running for many of the top prospects in the country, including six of the top 10. Rounding out the top 10 is Kentucky native D’Angelo Russell, a 6-foot-4 shooting guard out of Louisville.
1. Andrew Wiggins: Huntington, W.Va., 6-foot-8, 195-pound small forward. Most complete player in the country. Unstoppable in about every area.
High school: Huntington Prep
AAU: CIA Bounce
Scout: 1
Rivals: 1
ESPNU: 1
Max Preps: 1
2. Tyus Jones: Apple Valley, Minn., 6-foot, 175-pound point guard. Elite floor general, has great passing ability that makes players around him better.
High school: Apple Valley
AAU: Howard Pulley
Scout: 2
Rivals: 5
ESPNU: 2
Max Preps: 5
3. Noah Vonleh: New Hampton, N.H., 6-foot-8, 210-pound small forward. Freak athlete, outstanding offensive rebounder, blocks a lot of shots and handles the ball well for his position.
High school: New Hampton School
AAU: Massachusetts Rivals
Scout: 5
Rivals: 3
ESPNU: 4
Max Preps: 2
4. Cliff Alexander: Chicago, 6-foot-9, 230-pound center. Elite rebounder and shot blocker, high-energy player.
High school: Curie
AAU: D-Rose
Scout: 6
Rivals: 4
ESPNU: 10
Max Preps: 6
5. Dakari Johnson: Montverde, Fla., 6-foot-10, 260-pound center. Excellent low post game, great rebounder.
High school: Montverde Academy
AAU: Each 1 Teach 1
Scout: 7
Rivals: 7
ESPNU: 5
Max Preps: 7
6. D’Angelo Russell: Louisville, Ky., 6-foot-4, 180-pound shooting guard. Great scorer, can score many different ways, creative passer.
High school: Montverde Academy
AAU: Louisville Magic
Scout: 12
Rivals: 10
ESPNU: 15
Max Preps: 12
7. Theo Pinson: High Point, N.C., 6-foot-5, 170-pound small forward. Great shooter, complete mid-range game, consistent outside shot.
High school: Wesleyan Christian Academy
AAU: Oak Ridge
Scout: 13
Rivals: 16
ESPNU: 9
Max Preps: 23
8. JaQuan Lyle: Evansville, Ind., 6-foot-4, 170-pound point guard. Combo guard with scoring ability.
High school: Benjamin Bosse
AAU: Spiece Indy Heat
Scout: 15
Rivals: 19
ESPNU: 17
Max Preps: 41
9. Leron Black: Memphis, Tenn., 6-foot-7, 200-pound power forward. Long and athletic, able to get to rim, finish with ease.
High school: White Station
AAU: Team Thad
Scout: 21
Rivals: 18
ESPNU: 13
Max Preps: 36
10. Stanley Johnson: Santa Ana, Calif., 6-foot-5, 190-pound small forward. Great scorer, deep 3-point range, good rebounder for position.
High school: Mater Dei
AAU: Oakland Soldiers
Scout: 28
Rivals: 17
ESPNU: 24
Max Preps: 11