To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ESPN 100 roundtable discussion
What player did you fight for the most?
Paul Biancardi: I didn't need to fight hard to get shooting guard Kameron Williams (Baltimore/Mount St. Joseph's) into the ESPN 100, but getting in the proper spot was important because he has had a tremendous spring campaign scoring the ball. At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds with a slight build, it's easy for him to get lost in the shuffle among so many talented players across the country, but he's a very talented scorer. He has a middle game and floater to complement his 3-point range and is very fluid with his shot, making him a natural scorer.
Adam Finkelstein: Ultimately, PF Reggie Cameron (Paterson, N.J./Hudson Catholic) didn't need anyone sticking up for him thanks to his numbers on the EYBL circuit, but coming into the spring I thought his shot-making and ability to play in a structure were going to make him even more effective at the college level.
Joel Francisco: London Perrantes (Encino, Calif./Crespi) is the most complete point guard prospect out west in the 2013 class. He doesn't possess elite speed or quickness, but he changes speeds very well and is an elite passer in the open court.
Dave Telep: Going into the ESPN 100 meetings, there was one player we didn't have detailed evaluations on but needed to address: Robert Hubbs (Newbern, Tenn./Dyer County). It's been too long since we've seen him live BUT I was able to watch film on him. It wasn't perfect but combined with the brief viewings and information we gathered on him, we were able to debut him in the ESPN 100. Going forward he's a guy we have to do a good job evaluating this summer.
John Stovall: Nigel Hayes (Toledo, Ohio/Whitmer) is a very good glue guy who is multi-skilled and can play both forward positions. He is skilled but has no flash to his game. He is proficient at everything, but great at nothing. One of his best attributes is that he can guard every position but point guard.
Reggie Rankin: SG Matt Thomas (Onalaska, Wis./Onalaska) had a terrific spring and was still able to be very productive shooting the ball, despite playing out of position at the point in order to help his team. Thomas is strong, can knock down 3s from all over the court and is smart and unselfish. Thomas took full advantage of the spring season.
Mike LaPlante: Austin Nichols' (Eads, Tenn./Briarcrest) play throughout the high school season and this spring has earned him a quick rise up the rankings. His high basketball IQ combined with his skill level will give him a chance to be one of the top power forwards in the 2013 class.
What player could crack the top 10?
Paul Biancardi: Small forward Ishmail Wainright (Raytown, Mo./Montrose Christian ) is a tremendous physical specimen whose physical qualities alone make him an elite prospect. He's an excellent defender on or off the ball and he can often be seen leveling off the drive or taking a charge. Wainright is also a good facilitator on offense because of his vision and an impressive scorer in transition. He rebounds on both ends of the floor and has the instincts to know what his team needs with the talent to make it happen.
Adam Finkelstein: The consensus is that everyone loves SF Rondae Jefferson (Chester, Pa./Chester) motor and overall productivity, but remains concerned about his suspect jump shot. If he can smooth out his release and force defenders to, at least, respect his jumper, he could definitely move up from No. 22.
Joel Francisco: Isaac Hamilton (Bellflower, Calif./St. John Bosco) may be the most skilled scoring guard in the country. He's not an explosive athlete, but his savvy (passing), crafty handle and scoring prowess cannot be denied.
Mike LaPlante: Jarrell Martin (Baton Rouge, La./Madison Prep) is combo-forward who is unique because of his size and skill level. As he continues to progress, he will push the players in the top 10 to hold their spots.
Reggie Rankin: SG Xavier Rathan-Mayes (Scarborough, Canada/Huntington Prep) has simply taken over games this spring on the offensive end of the floor with his ability to score consistently from all three areas on the court. He can get to the rim or knock down midrange pull-ups and 3s. He is a confident scorer who can make open and tough shots off the catch or dribble.
John Stovall: Bobby Portis (Little Rock, Ark./Hall) is very talented and has risen quickly in our rankings up to No. 12. He has had a good spring and if he continues to improve and be productive he will be hard to keep out of the top 10.
Dave Telep: Honestly, there wasn't a player that pushed his way into the top 10 that required a fight. Most of our movement came within the established 10 spots, so it was more reshuffling the deck than reintroducing a new talent. Bobby Portis (Little Rock, Ark./Hall) is a kid we were aggressive with in terms of his rating. The kicker is the next time around -- and it's up to him -- he may be a guy worth fighting for in the top 10.
What player just missed the ESPN 100?
Paul Biancardi: At one time, power forward Malik Price-Martin (Miami, Fla./Monsignor Pace) was considered a can't-miss prospect with a variety of offensive skills, a long body and a 7-foot wing span, but a lack of consistent production has him on the outside. Regardless, he still shows flashes of greatness and with a strong spring and summer he can jump back into the ESPN 100.
Joel Francisco: The left-handed Tre'Shaun Lexing (Tacoma, Wash./Lincoln) is a relative unknown outside the Pacific Northwest. However, watch for his recruitment to skyrocket in July thanks to his length, quickness and point-forward skills.
Adam Finkelstein: Josh Brown (Jersey City, N.J./St. Anthony) was a role guy at St. Anthony this year, but has slid over to the point and become the marquee guy for Sports U this spring. If he proves to be a true fit at that position, he's too long, athletic and productive to not show up on the list eventually.
Mike LaPlante: Frank Booker (Augusta, Ga./Westside) is a quality shooter with size who has a great chance at cracking the ESPN 100 before the summer is over. He is also an elite student and has drawn attention from schools in the ACC and SEC.
Reggie Rankin: Although Dre Kalo Clayton (Orlando, Fla./Orlando Christian Prep) is undersized for a power forward, his production is not limited. He is a tough matchup because of his wide body, motor, strength in the post and skill on the perimeter. Clayton is also an excellent passer, especially out of the post and a very good area rebounder on both ends of the floor.
John Stovall: Kevin Johnson (Cincinnati/Summit Country Day) has been blowing up this spring. He is a very athletic combo-guard who has knocked down a lot of shots so far this summer season and has gone from a solid mid-major recruit to having multiple high-major offers.
Dave Telep: Derek Willis (Mt. Washington, Ky./Bullit East) should eventually make the ESPN 100 because he has the talent and ability. Heck, the kid is committed to Kentucky so there's plenty to work with there. The reason why he didn't make the cut is that he didn't perform to his ability during the season or this spring. The good news is cracking the list is up to him. To re-insert himself into the list, we're hoping he finds a balance between being a face-up forward and handling the rebounding responsibilities that come with the position and his size. He needs that balance between perimeter and work in the lane.
Must-see links
You must be signed in to post a comment