Where Are They Now? Basketball Spotlight Looks Back Too Our 2012 Rankings. How Did We Do?

Kyle Anderson Region's #1 Player Class 2012

One of the toughest parts of playing of being an evaluator is ranking players. Two years ago at this time we released our 2012 rankings. Some people disagreed with our assessments and breakdown of the players. Here’s a flashback of the Top 10. It’s kind of interesting. .

Basketball Spotlight Class of 2012 Elite 50 Regional Rankings

1. Kyle Anderson 6’6 Guard (Fairlawn, NJ)- Anderson got our nod as the lanky and towering point guard guided one team to a National Title after guiding another to the Las Vegas Main Event crown. The Shawn Livingston type dazzled crowds coast to coast with his slick passes and clutch play. He should be an instant impact on the high school level at Paterson Catholic. Check out his highlights from the AAU Nationals. Highlights

Now: Anderson proved us right by currently being ranked #5 nationally in this class. So I think we were dead on with having him at #1. This kid has big time potential.


2. Nkereum Okoro 6’4 Guard (Bronx, NY)- When teammates finish 1and 2 it lets you know how strong the Lightning were. Okoro has an argument for the number 1 spot has the smooth wing player does damage in some many different ways. He will can the jumper or create his own shot off the dribble. He also knows how to maneuver on the baseline for easy buckets or free throw trips.

Now: Okoro is currently ranked #48 in the country according to ESPN.com. He has been destroying the circuit with the Long Island Lightning. I think we did okay with this ranking but #2 was probably too high. He has two more years though.

3. Savon Goodman 6’4 Forward (Philadelphia, PA)- Goodman had the goods this year. I was really impressed with his perimeter skills and his ability to get teammates involved. Savon has a nice build and plays above the rim at times. He also can hurt you by how hard he plays and willingness to play defense. His name should ring bells in the City of Brotherly Love early and often.

Now: Goodman was a great pick at #3 because he currently is ranked in the Top 25 on ESPN and Rivals. This superb athlete is really turning heads and is beginning to develop his perimeter skills.

4. Amile Jefferson 6’5 Forward (Philadelphia, PA)- The Real Deal has a tremendous future ahead of him especially if he grows at least 3 more inches while in high school. He has polished lost post moves and excels at changing or blocking shots on the defensive end. The development of his perimeter game will be a key to his future endeavors.

Now: Amile was a great pick at #4 but probably should been in our Top 3. The questions about his length were answered he’s currently 6’7. He has starred on the circuit and camp events.

5. Thaddeus Hall 6’3 Guard (New York, NY)- There’s no denying Hall’s athleticism and his ability as a playmaker. The lefty can get to the rack with good speed and power. When he gets to the rack he can finish in traffic or above the rim. Thaddeus also has a chance to fly up this ladder. He also is apparently attending Rice.

Now: Hall has the tools but hasn’t hit the national rankings as of yet. He received some good reports on the circuit while running with Metro Hawks. We were a little off on this one but he has two more years to help us out.

6. Rashard Andrews 6’4 Guard (Brooklyn, NY)- Don’t be surprised when it’s said and done that Andrews rises to the top of this list. I see so many interesting things in his game. First of all he seems to have a few more inches to grow which is always important, then it appears that he is one is way to become a fluid wing player and finally he seems to have a good attitude and serious work ethic to get better.

Now: I’m really scratching my head about Andrews. I saw so much potential in this kid. He’s showing some progress on the AAU circuit and should make his varsity debut for St. Anthony this year. I think we will make out good with this one before he reaches college. He’s currently ranked #58 on Sports Press TV website.

7. Dashawn Suber 5’11 Guard (Spring Valley, NY)- The lefty will put up huge numbers against any opponents. It’s virtually impossible to keep him away from the basket off the dribble. Suber has been around the game for years and uses his experience to outwit opponents. Word is he’s headed to Rice. If so than he should develop into something serious.

Now: Suber is now at St. Pats and should explode on the scene after having a nice summer with The Choz 16U. This summer will be is chance to make his mark on the national ranking scene. He’s currently ranked #53 on Sports Press TV website. I think we were on point.

8. Omar Calhoun 6’3 Guard (Brooklyn, NY)- Calhoun is the prototype two-guard. He has size, ball handling and a jumper that can hurt you when he is on. I like his body control and ability to get to the tin while penetrating. If he gets the freedom in high school he could flourish into a serious stud. Think about Paul Pierce style of play.

Now:Calhoun was in our Top 10 but probably should have been Top 5. He’s currently ranked #23 in the country according to ESPN.com. I feel right good about this ranking. I think we did okay.

9. Labrent Walker 6’2 Guard (Queens, NY)- If you want excitement look no further than Mr. Walker. The lefty lives to shack defenders with his crossover before finishing above shot blockers. His handle and decision making has improved but still needs to fine tune his outside shot which can be streaky at times. He will look very good in an open floor system.

Now:Walker is currently ranked #60 on Sports Press TV rankings. He’s still a good athlete and should be developing his ball handling. I think we did okay with this pick.

10. Daniel Dingle 6’5 Forward (Bronx, NY)- Dingle has been one of the top power forwards on this age level for years. He has grown gradually over that time period and skills have also picked up. Dingle is capable of hitting the glass and scoring inside with touch.

Now:Dingle is beginning to prosper as promised. He had a huge summer and turned some heads playing with the Long Island Lightning. Dingle is ranked in the Top 100 on several sites.