Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Nashville, TN (Future150) -- For the first time in over three years, the #1 prospect in the country for the class of 2015 does not hail from the state of Mississippi. Dynamite scorer Malik Newman had been king of the class since he began his high school career, and while he has had a solid spring AAU season, it hasn't matched that of Australian Ben Simmons, our new #1 recruit nationally.
The 6-foot-9 forward is a smooth and versatile combo forward who showcased his overall skill set all spring, putting him huge numbers during the Nike EYBL circuit. The LSU commit has excellent upside and should continue to make significant strides in his game over the next few years.
Not only is Newman breathing down his neck for the #1 spot, but there are several others who are gaining ground quickly on the Montverde Academy (FL) forward.
Several big men are caught in a logjam at the top of the rankings. Ivan Rabb, Diamond Stone, Chase Jeter, Skal Labissiere and Stephen Zimmerman all have the ability to take over the #1 spot, and they check in at #'s 3-7 in the country, respectively. The latest post to emerge has been Jeter, the Bishop Gorman (NV) power forward who has had a monster spring campagin with Dream Vision. He has not only grown, but has gotten stronger and become more of a power player on the block, while still using his ability as a smooth face-up four man.
Checking in at #8 is Wheeler (GA) guard Jaylen Brown, who has had as explosive of a spring as you could possibly have. The Game Elite wing put up incredible numbers on the Adidas Circuit and has improved his perimeter skills over the past several months. Following him at #9 is OSNA (NY) power forward Cheick Diallo, while Trenton Catholic (NJ) wing Malachi Richardson rises to #10 nationally.
Rising In The Rankings:
Several prospects saw considerable rises in our rankings update. Kinston (NC) 6-foot-8 wing Brandon Ingram jumped 31 spots all the way up to #11 nationally due to his size and perimeter skills. He is beginning to really come into his own this AAU season, and we expect a gigantic July from him.
Orlando Oak Ridge (FL) shooting guard Antonio Blakeney jumped 24 spots of his own, all the way up to #14 in the country. The explosive scorer was dominant this spring and is one of the smoothest wings that we have seen on the circuit.
Athletes First guard Allonzo Trier was the most impressive scorer on the Nike EYBL circuit this spring, and was moved from #32 to #13 nationally because of his scoring exploits. This week, he also announced that he will be making a move to Findlay Prep (NV) for his senior season.
Rice Lake (WI) forward Henry Ellenson has undergone a massive transformation this year. Not only has he gotten into better shape, but he's improved his ball skills and become more explosive. Because of his drastic improvement, he moved all the way up to #16 nationally.
Others who made big jumps in the rankings were George Papagiannis (#20), Ray Smith (#28), Tevin Mack (#46) & Dejounte Murray (#67).
Falling In The Rankings:
Some prospects who took a hit in our latest rankings were Austin Grandstaff (#66), Mickey Mitchell (#76), Cameron Walker (#79) and Marlon Hunter (#150).
For the complete listing of our updated Class of 2015 Top 150 Prospects, Click Here.
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