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In the world of high school basketball, the distinction of being named the number one player in the nation carries immense weight. It’s a title that often comes with lofty expectations and the promise of a bright future in the sport. Every year, a select few athletes rise to claim this prestigious honor. While some end up fulfilling their vast potential, others have fallen flat after receiving the designation. Let’s take a look at the top recruits over history, starting with the No. 1 player from 2000:
2000: Eddie Griffin (Seton Hall)
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Griffin sat atop ESPN’s old rankings of the top-100 high school players from the 1999-2000 class. The Philadelphia native was an excellent player on the court — though dealt with some issues off of it. A 6-foot-10 forward with terrific ball skills, Griffin was a member of the McDonald’s All-American team. He averaged a double-double as a freshman at Seton Hall (to go along with 4.4 BPG). However, Griffin got in a fight with a teammate which led to him eventually entering the NBA Draft after one year in college.
Though he put up big numbers in college, Griffin at the time was still far too slender to make a real impact. The Nets took him No. 7 Overall in the 2000 NBA Draft with the hopes he’d turn into the next Kevin Garnett. Instead, a number of off-the-court issues plagued Griffin to the point where he never was able to realize his immense potential. Sadly, at age 25, Griffin passed away when he crashed his car into a moving train.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Darius Miles, Gerald Wallace, Zach Randolph
2001: Dajuan Wagner (Memphis)
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A quick and explosive guard, Wagner was the talk of the town in the Tri-State area for years. He had a penchant for scoring the basketball in every which way — whether it was pulling up from three or driving into the paint for dynamic finishes around the rim. The legend of Wagner came when he scored 100 points in a high school game as a senior (and averaged over 40 PPG for that year). John Calipari got Wagner to sign with Memphis — where he averaged 21.2 PPG in his only collegiate season.
Cleveland took Wagner No. 6 Overall in the 2002 NBA Draft. Although he did average 13.4 PPG as a rookie, the rest of his career was quite disappointing. Health issues limited Wagner to only 56 games played over the final four years of his career. By age 23, he was out of the NBA. Interestingly enough, Wagner still has a chance to live out an NBA dream through his son. DJ Wagner is an NBA prospect currently playing for Calipari at the University of Kentucky.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Kwame Brown, Eddy Curry, David Lee, Tyson Chandler
2002: Carmelo Anthony (Syracuse)
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It comes as no surprise to see Carmelo Anthony ranked as the top prep basketball player for his age group. Splitting his time between Baltimore and New York City, Anthony opted to play for college basketball power Syracuse. As a true freshman, Anthony led the Orange to a National Championship. His skill-set for an 18-year-old was phenomenal — in large part because he could bully smaller players in the post and take bigs off the dribble from the perimeter. Anthony’s footwork was also reminiscent of a 10-year NBA pro.
Denver selected him No. 3 Overall in the 2003 NBA Draft. As we saw throughout his professional career, Anthony is a walking bucket. He could score in any way possible. It led to him becoming a 10-time All-Star, one-time scoring champ, and a six-time All-NBA performer. A winner of three Olympic gold medals, Melo is a lock for the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Chris Bosh, Amar’e Stoudemire, Raymond Felton, Brandon Roy
2003: LeBron James (NBA)
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We could write article after article detailing LeBron’s accomplishments. Coming out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, James was thrust into the spotlight almost immediately. How many high school athletes get their games televised on ESPN solely because they’re seen as the next Michael Jordan?
Suffice to say, but James — the NBA’s all-time leading scorer — has more than lived up to the hype.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Luol Deng, Chris Paul, Trevor Ariza
2004: Dwight Howard (NBA)
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Dwight Howard took the mantle the following year from LeBron James as the premier high school player in America. The Atlanta native also saw his team featured on ESPN for a number of games. Fans in attendance were enthralled with the 6-foot-10 center with tremendously broad shoulders and the athleticism to leap out of a gym. Howard was a menace on the defensive end of the floor and made the best competition seem pedestrian. Howard decided to skip school and enter the 2004 NBA Draft with the promise he’d be selected as the No. 1 Overall pick by the Orlando Magic.
Before suffering a litany of back issues, Howard was arguably the best defensive center of all-time not named Bill Russell. He gobbled up rebounds for fun and was a virtual terror when it came to protecting the rim. Howard had a stretch in which he won Defensive Player of the Year three-straight seasons. While he’s had a bit of a weird career once leaving Orlando, Howard is a future Hall of Famer. He’s made eight All-Star teams, eight All-NBA teams, and one NBA title in 2020 with the Lakers.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Shaun Livingston, Rajon Rondo, Rudy Gay
2005: Gerald Green (NBA)
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Gerald Green was a human pogo stick coming out of his native Houston. Standing at 6-foot-6 with insane bounce, it was no surprise to see him skyrocket up the rankings for his high school class. He garnered a ton of hype despite the fact Green didn’t play high school basketball until his sophomore year. After committing to Oklahoma State, Green reversed that decision and instead headed for the NBA.
Green was taken No. 18 Overall by the Boston Celtics. He fell in the draft primarily because he was raw as a player, and some had questions as to whether he’d ever develop into a dependable starter. Green had all the talent in the world — though never seemed to put it together. He played for eight different NBA franchises over 12 seasons. Along the way, Green even had a two-year stint in Russia. A total role player with some scoring capabilities, he was a solid yet unspectacular NBA player.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Monta Ellis, Lou Williams, Andrew Bynum, Danny Green
2006: Greg Oden (Ohio State)
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Revisionist history is a funny thing. Greg Oden and Kevin Durant jockeyed against one another for the top spot in the class of 2006. Ultimately, scouts keyed on the mammoth center over the woefully thin forward. Oden was built like an NBA veteran at age 18. Not only was he gigantic in size, but scouts drooled over his combination of touch around the rim and defensive prowess in protecting it. Despite an injury-plagued freshman year at Ohio State, Oden was still recognized as a Second-Team All-American. He entered the draft — where Portland took him over Kevin Durant with the No. 1 pick.
Unfortunately for both Oden and the Trail Blazers, the big man couldn’t stay healthy. The dreaded microfracture knee surgery effectively ended his career before it began. Oden only played in parts of three NBA seasons (a total of 105 games). After a brief stint in China, Oden called it quits on his career by age 27. Since his playing days finished, he went back to school and earned his degree. Oden now works as a mentor for young athletes.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Kevin Durant, Brook Lopez, Mike Conley Jr.
2007: Eric Gordon (Indiana)
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The former big-time recruit out of Indianapolis decided to stay home and play for the Hoosiers over the likes of Illinois. Immediately upon entering the program, Gordon flashed his immense ability. His stout frame prepared him for the rigors of Big Ten basketball. As a freshman, Gordon broke multiple school records en route to becoming a Second-Team All-American. After averaging nearly 21 PPG for Indiana, Gordon had no choice but to enter the 2008 NBA Draft.
He was selected No. 7 Overall by the Clippers. A franchise known for volatility, Gordon lasted four seasons before eventually moving on to New Orleans and later Houston. Gordon isn’t a star by any stretch, but he’s developed into a very good NBA player. A former Sixth Man of the Year, Gordon is currently a major rotation player for a team with title aspirations — the Phoenix Suns. He remains one of the best three-point shooters in the league.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Kevin Love, O.J. Mayo, James Harden, Blake Griffin, Derrick Rose
2008: Brandon Jennings (Europe)
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Before starring for the prestigious Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, Jennings attended Dominguez High School in Compton, CA — the alma mater of several NBA greats including Tayshaun Prince, Tyson Chandler, Dennis Johnson, and Cedric Ceballos. Once he moved out East, there was no denying Jennings was the top player in the country. The creative lefty dazzled with no-look passes, killer crossovers, and a prolific pull-up jumper.
Jennings’ path to the NBA was different than most. After committing to play college basketball at the University of Arizona, Jennings changed his plans and decided to play professionally overseas instead. Jennings signed with Lottomatica Roma in the Italian league, where he appeared in 27 games before entering the 2009 NBA Draft. Jennings was picked 10th overall and enjoyed an impressive rookie season — highlighted by a 55-point performance versus Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. That was the peak of Jennings career, as he was eventually traded to Detroit before becoming a bench player with the Magic, Knicks and Wizards. He last appeared in an NBA game for the Bucks in 2018.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Jrue Holiday, DeMar DeRozan, Kemba Walker
2009: Derrick Favors (Georgia Tech)
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The Georgia native was, of course, an elite high school player. During his senior year, Favors led a dominant South Atlanta team while posting averages of 28.1 points, 13.3 boards, 5.0 blocks, and 3.0 steals. Favors was the MVP of a McDonald’s All-American game which featured DeMarcus Cousins, Lance Stephenson, and Avery Bradley. He chose to sign with Georgia Tech over in-state rival Georgia.
Favors represented the old-school, throwback style of basketball. He was never a great three-point shooter and preferred to do the majority of his work near the basket. While playing at Georgia Tech, Favors played a sizable amount of minutes at center — despite being just 6-foot-9. In the 2010 NBA Draft, the Nets selected him with the third overall pick. However, he didn’t even last a full season in New Jersey before he was shipped to Utah in the Deron Williams trade. Favors has played 12 years in the NBA and holds career averages of 10.6 PPG and 7.1 RPG.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: DeMarcus Cousins, Avery Bradley, John Wall
2010: Harrison Barnes (North Carolina)
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Harrison Barnes’ high school mixtape is as impressive of a highlight reel that exists. A 6-foot-8 wing with massive bounce, Barnes was already being projected as a No. 1 NBA Draft pick before he even stepped foot in Chapel Hill. Interest waned during a disappointing college career, as Barnes looked more like a complementary player rather than a bonafide star.
While Barnes hasn’t developed into the player many thought he would become, he’s still carved himself a nice niche in the league. He was a member of the Warriors’ 2015 title-winning team, and played a big role in their 73-9 season the following year. Barnes will have made roughly $220 million over the course of his NBA career once his current contract with the Sacramento Kings runs out in 2026.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Kyrie Irving, Tobias Harris, Enes Kanter
2011: Anthony Davis (Kentucky)
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No. 1 recruit to No. 1 pick, Anthony Davis has lived up to the hype, and then some. Famously starting his basketball career as a point guard, Davis grew 10 inches throughout high school. By the time he was a senior, he was viewed as a top prospect and signed with John Callipari and Kentucky — eschewing other programs in his home-state of Illinois.
Davis and the Wildcats dominated in his one-and-only collegiate season, losing just two games all year en route to the 2012 National Championship. As expected, Davis was selected with the top pick by the New Orleans Pelicans (named the Hornets, at the time). Davis is now an nine-time NBA All-Star and won an NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Bradley Beal, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
2012: Nerlens Noel (Kentucky)
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Back-to-back No. 1 recruits for Callipari and the Wildcats. After seeing Kentucky produce six players in the 2012 NBA Draft — including the No. 1 and No. 2 (Michael Kidd-Gilchrist) picks — Noel decided to reclassify so he could arrive in Lexington a year earlier. Dubbed one of the top shot-blockers in years, Noel played in 24 games for Kentucky (before tearing his ACL) with averages of 4.4 blocks and 2.1 steals per game.
The 2013 NBA Draft was a weird one, as the Cleveland Cavaliers shocked the world by selecting Anthony Bennett with the No. 1 pick. Noel’s surgically repaired knee caused him to fall to the sixth pick as the Philadelphia 76ers managed a trade to secure his rights. Noel missed the entirety of his first season while rehabbing, and by the time he made his debut the 76ers had drafted another big-time center — Joel Embiid. Noel spent two years in Philly before the Sixers chose Embiid over him. He’s bounced around since then, providing rebounding and rim-protection for bench units, most recently playing for the Brooklyn Nets.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Marcus Smart, Steven Adams, Shabazz Muhammad, Kyle Anderson
2013: Andrew Wiggins (Kansas)
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“Maple Jordan.” That is the first nickname listed on Andrew Wiggins’ basketball-reference page — a mash-up of the Canadian (Wiggins’ home country) affinity for maple syrup combined with the last name of the greatest basketball player to ever live. The hype surrounding Wiggins was through the roof. He almost certainly would have been the No. 1 pick if the NBA allowed players to enter the draft straight out of high school.
Instead, Wiggins spent one year at Kansas while he bided his time until the NBA. Though his lone season was a bit up-and-down (and his teammate, Joel Embiid, was drawing considerable draft buzz), Wiggins was still the first playes selected in the 2014 NBA Draft. Minnesota wasn’t the ideal landing spot for the youngster. He scored plenty of points in his five-plus seasons with the Timberwolves but failed to live up to expectations. Wiggins got a new start in the Bay Area for the Warriors and was a major part of the team’s triumphant 2022 title run.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Aaron Gordon, Julius Randle, Joel Embiid
2014: Jahlil Okafor (Duke)
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Chicago has been a hotbed for talented giants over the years, and Jahlil Okafor was one of the most skilled big men in years. After a dominant high school career, Okafor enrolled at Duke with a freshman class that included Tyus Jones, Justise Winslow, and Grayson Allen. Okafor led the Blue Devils to a win over Wisconsin in the National Championship game and was projected to be a top pick in the following draft.
Okafor was selected third overall in the 2015 draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. It was a peculiar pick as the Sixers had just spent high picks on centers — Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid — in back-to-back drafts. With Embiid still on the mend, Okafor starred for Philadelphia as a rookie — averaging 17.5 PPG and 7.0 RPG for a 76ers team that won just 10 games all year. It was all downhill from there. Okafor’s minutes waned each year as he struggled on both ends of the floor. He hasn’t appeared in an NBA game since 2021 and is currently playing for the Zhejiang Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Karl Anthony-Towns, Myles Turner, D’Angelo Russell, Devin Booker
2015: Ben Simmons (LSU)
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The Australian-born Simmons began his playing career in Melbourne before moving to the states and attending Montverde Academy in Florida. Playing alongside future NBA All-Star D’Angelo Russell, Montverde dominated Florida basketball during Simmons’ run. The 6-foot-9 point guard opted to sign with LSU over more storied programs such as Kansas, Kentucky, or Duke.
Simmons’ lone year at LSU was…puzzling. Simmons posted solid individual numbers, but the Tigers massively underachieved despite boasting five future NBA players. LSU bowed out of the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and Simmons announced his decision to enter the NBA soon after. The three-time All-Star has had an up-and-down NBA career. Though he has shown immense promise, injuries and holdouts have plagued his career. He’s trying to get back on track with the Nets, but Simmons has not played in over 60 games during an NBA season since 2019.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Jamal Murray, Jaylen Brown, Brandon Ingram
2016: Josh Jackson (Kansas)
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Jackson was a member of a loaded 2016 recruiting class that included several future NBA stars. The future Kansas Jayhawk narrowly beat out Chino Hills superstar Lonzo Ball for the No. 1 spot. Jackson was a two-way force for Bill Self’s squad, being named a Second-Team All-American and leading Kansas to an Elite Eight appearance.
He was touted as an explosive athlete and potential lockdown defender, but Jackson’s offensive limitations made him slide to the No. 4 pick (Phoenix) in the 2016 NBA Draft. Turns out, the three teams drafting ahead of Phoenix were right, as Jackson could not find a comfy role in the league. He bounced around a bit — playing for four different teams — and hasn’t appeared in an NBA game since 2022.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Lonzo Ball, Jayson Tatum, De’Aaron Fox, Bam Adebayo
2017: Marvin Bagley III (Duke)
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Bagley shook the college basketball landscape when he announced that he would reclassify a year earlier than expected. Just about every major program in the nation vied for the versatile big man’s services, but he ultimately chose to sign with Coach K and the Duke Blue Devils. Bagley was one of the top players in college basketball during his freshman campaign, averaging 21 PPG and 11 RPG on his way to being named a consensus First-Team All-American.
Today, Bagley is perhaps best known for being the guy Sacramento selected before Luka Doncic (and Trae Young). It’s been a rough start to Bagley’s career. He’s been traded twice now and has struggled to maintain a full-time role in the Wizards rotation while others in his class are emerging as the NBA’s brightest stars.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: DeAndre Ayton, Trae Young, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ja Morant
2018: R.J. Barrett (Duke)
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Yes, Zion Williamson was not even the highest-ranked recruit on his college team. That distinction belongs to R.J. Barrett. Toronto’s own Barrett gained massive popularity after leading Canada to a win in the 2017 U19 FIBA World Cup. In the final, Canada faced off against the U.S. — a game that featured 11 future NBA players (10 of which suited up for the U.S.). Barrett obliterated the Americans, scoring 38 points in a 99-87 rout.
Barrett then went to Duke where he teamed up with Williamson and Cam Reddish. One of the most popular college teams in recent memory, the Blue Devils fell to Michigan State in the East Regional Final. With Williamson a lock for the No. 1 spot, and Murray State’s Ja Morant going to Memphis at No. 2, the New York Knicks swooped up Barrett with the third overall pick. At the ’24 trade deadline, Barrett was traded to the Toronto Raptors, sending the Canadian native back to his home country. Barrett may never develop into a superstar, but he’s a solid two-way player.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Cam Reddish, Darius Garland, Zion Williamson
2019: James Wiseman (Memphis)
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It’s not too often you see a legit 7-footer with athletic gifts like James Wiseman. The explosive center has speed like a wing and can explode off the floor at a moment’s notice. Couple that with a soft touch around the basket, and it’s no wonder why scouts were so bullish on his potential.
After deciding to sign with the Memphis Tigers and coach Penny Hardaway, Wiseman’s college career lasted a meager three games after being deemed ineligible. Though his collegiate career was short-lived, NBA teams were still enamored with Wiseman’s potential. The Warriors — a franchise regarded for making intelligent decisions — scooped up Wiseman with the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He proved to be a poor fit and was traded after playing just 60 games in Golden State. Now, Wiseman is an afterthought at the end of the Detroit Pistons’ rotation. We’ll see if the 22-year-old can turn it around.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Tyrese Maxey, LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards
2020: Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State)
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Cade Cunningham began his high school career in his hometown of Arlington, Texas, before attending Montverde for his final two seasons. Though several top programs recruited him heavily, Oklahoma State was seen as the top choice after they signed Cunningham’s brother to be an assistant coach.
Cunningham was stellar as a freshman in Stillwater. The 6-foot-6 guard has it all — size, shooting touch, and poise. Cool under pressure, Cunningham routinely knocked down clutch jumpers for the Cowboys all year long. He ended up being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and it has proven to be a wise choice. The shooting range and passing vision of a player with Cunningham’s frame does not come around too often.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Evan Mobley, Jalen Green, Jalen Suggs
2021: Chet Holmgren (Gonzaga)
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Top recruits come in all shapes and sizes. The 7-foot, 190-pound Holmgren is an anomaly. His slight frame doesn’t stop him from being a two-way superstar. Like many top players before him, Holmgren continuously grew throughout his high school career and has maintained his coordination and skill-level. In a lot of ways, Holmgren reminded scouts of another tall and gangly teenager — Kevin Durant — for his ability to handle the rock, shoot with range, and use his length to his advantage.
A dominant force in the Minnesota high school basketball landscape, Holmgren signed with Gonzaga (following in the footsteps of former teammate Jalen Suggs). Following a stellar freshman year in Spokane, Holmgren was selected No. 2 overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Holmgren was forced to miss his first season with the team after suffering an injury. However, he’s looked excellent since making his NBA debut in 2023 and has shown to be a true building block for the Thunder moving forward.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Peyton Watson, Paolo Banchero, Jaden Hardy
2022: Dereck Lively (Duke)
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Several publications were torn about the No. 1 recruit in the 2022 class. While some believed Nick Smith (Arkansas) and Dariq Whitehead (Duke) deserved the top spot, the most common name atop the rankings was the 7-foot center Dereck Lively II. The Philly native went to Westtown School in West Chester, Pennsylvania where he averaged 14.0 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks per game as a senior. He chose to attend Duke over offers from Kentucky and North Carolina.
Lively appeared in 37 games as a freshman for Duke, but was shockingly the team’s 7th leading scorer (5.2 PPG). However, he was a defensive standout (2.4 BPG) for a team that won the ACC Tournament. Despite his modest scoring numbers, Lively was selected 12th overall by the Thunder who immediately traded him to the Dallas Mavericks. He’s been a bright spot for a Dallas team that sorely needed an inside presence next to Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: Brandon Miller, Nick Smith, Dariq Whitehead, Keyonte George
2023: Isaiah Collier (USC)
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Though much of the fanfare as it pertains to USC basketball concerns Bronny James, the son of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, the best freshman to join the Trojans in ’23 is actually No. 1 recruit Isaiah Collier. An athletic combo guard projected to be a top draft pick, Collier sports the look of an NBA starter.
Collier’s game almost doesn’t fit at the collegiate level. He thrives in the open court and should have plenty of opportunities in transition once he makes it to the NBA. Developing his outside jumper will be key. He’s already shown great balance off-the-bounce in the mid-range but has been a bit reluctant beyond the arc. Collier will likely need to become a reliable three-point shooter once he reaches the NBA, as defenders will key in on his ability to get to the basket. Look for Collier to be a top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Other noteworthy players from his H.S. class: DJ Wagner, Matas Buzelis, Bronny James
