With the regular season coming to a close I wanted to rank the top 10 Junior players in the state of Indiana. Headed by consensus top 5 Marquis Teague, the 2011 Indiana class compares to the 2007 class in terms of depth, but arguably trumps it in terms of star power. The 2011 class contains 3 legitimate McDonald's All American candidates, but also boasts at least a dozen other division one level players.
(Just an editor's note: I wasn't able to get season averages for a lot of these guys so sorry in advance.)
1. Marquis Teague- 6'1 Guard- Pike High School (Considering Louisivlle, Kentucky, Indiana, Purdue, and Cincinnati)
The number 1 junior in the state is having a fantastic season for the 11-5 Red Devils. Showing off an improved jump shot, great court awareness, and off the charts athleticism, Teague has all the makings of a top flight college point guard. Defensively he is great pressuring the ball, but can be a little steal happy at times. Not set on a college announcement, Teague will make a college coach very happy when he pulls the trigger.
2. Michael Chandler 6'10 Center- Lawrence North High School (Louisville Verbal)
A fantastic center prospect, Chandler is oozing with upside in the true sense of the term. Chandler isn't just a big flop with hops, he is a prospect who is truly improving every day. Comparing the Chandler of 2008-09 vs. 2009-10 would show a completely different and more efficient player. On the defensive side of the ball his athletic ability makes him a dangerous shot blocker and altars many shots. If Chandler continues to improve, he has the chance to be a great big man for Rick Pitino. 3. Branden Dawson 6'6 Forward- Gary Wallace High School (Considering UCLA, Purdue, Indiana, Kentucky, Georgetown, Marquette, and many others)
An athletic forward with a high motor, Dawson excels at scoring around the rim by using his athleticism and effort. He has a great nose for the ball making him a great offensive rebounder and put back machine. Dawson's jump shot is improving, and if he can add reliable handles to his game he will be a dangerous small forward. Dawson is currently averaging 25.9 points and 15.2 rebounds per contest.
4. Cody Zeller 6'9 Power Forward- Washington High School (Considering Butler, Indiana, North Carolina, Florida, Notre Dame, Purdue, Ohio State)
A skilled 4 man with a great feel for the game, Zeller can score with his back to the basket or with the ball in his hands facing up. He has nice touch around the basket, but also has the skill to step out and hit the 3 pointer. He is comfortable with the ball in his hands, able to take slower big men off the dribble and score. He is currently averaging roughly 20 points and 11 rebounds for the 15-2 hatchets.
5. Ryan Taylor 6'6 Forward- Lawrence North High School (Louisville Verbal)
(Taylor, left defending)
Taylor is a combo forward with a high motor and off the charts athleticism. Taylor isn't the biggest or strongest guy, but his relentless effort and knack for grabbing loose balls make him a great rebounder and shot blocker. He needs to improve his shooting and ball skills to transition as a scorer in college, but he can be a contributor on the glass from the get go.
6. Jeremiah Davis 6'3 Guard- Muncie Central High School (Considering IU, Tennessee, Ohio State, Michigan State, Purdue and others)
A smooth combo guard with a nice stroke, Davis won't wow you with his vertical leap or speed, but is a deceptive athlete. He doesn't do any one thing outstanding but does many things well. His perimeter shot can be a great weapon for him offensively, but also can be a bit streaky. On defense he plays the ball handler well but is often caught going for the steal. The key for Davis is too match talent with intensity on both sides of they ball.
7. Darwin "Dee" Davis 5'9 Guard- Bloomington South High School (Xavier Verbal)
Davis is an undersized point guard who is lightning quick with or without the ball. What he lacks in strength, he makes up for in speed and athleticism. Davis is a great finisher near the basket, and possesses acrobatic moves that allow him to convert tough baskets. He has a good first step and is able to take defenders off the dribble and run the half court offense. In the full court he is one man fast break, able to dish for an open bucket if necessary. His speed and quickness allow him to pressure the ball and defend the perimeter well, though he may struggle against bigger guards.
8. Matt Carlino 6'2 Guard- Bloomington South High School (Indiana Verbal)
A crafty guard with a good feel for the game, Carlino can score the ball himself or set up teammates. He has a good handle with the ball and can score the ball well near the rim. He isn't the quickest or fastest guard, but does a good job of attacking the defense and dishing the ball. Defensively he may struggle with speedy guards but his toughness and grit help him to defend ball handlers well.
9. Austin Etherington 6'6 Forward- Hamilton Heights High School (Indiana Verbal)
A skilled three man, Etherington is one of the better 3 point shooters in the state. A good but not great ball handler, Etherington has a good basketball IQ and is a good passer as well. He should excel in college playing with skilled teammates who can find him for open jumpers and create plays for him. He is currently averaging 22.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.6 steals a contest this season.
10. Mitch McGary 6'9 Forward- Chesterton High School (Purdue offer, considering others)
A post player with strong hands and a strong frame, McGary is a great rebounder near and away from the basket. He runs the floor well for a big man and his athleticism allows him to finish in the paint when on the break or in traffic. Defensively he is a good shot blocker at the high school level, but needs to improve his timing to excel in college. Grades are an issue for McGary, so a potential prep school or junior college destination isn't out of the question.
Jut outside: Jalen Packer, Nic Moore, Justin Gant
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