Thursday, November 08, 2007

Preseason power rankings - Big men

Georgia has been a factory of late when it comes to producing college ready big men. This year's field of post players is tremendous with a number of nationally-ranked prospects. In our final listing of the top players in the season, we break down the bigs in the final pre-season power rankings.
  1. JR Derrick Favors (pictured), South Atlanta – Meet the state's best player regardless of class and one of the top 10 talents in the nation regardless of class. The 6-9 big man is a throwback player with an ever-improving game at every facet. He's a quiet killer and the ultimate team player with zero ego or attitude. Coaches dream? No question. Favors is the toughest player to defend in the state and his presence on both ends of the floor is felt immediately after the jump ball.
  2. SR Al-Farouq Aminu, Norcross – The 6-8 big man can burn you inside, burn you outside, can shoot, can pass, can run the floor and can win state championships. His role is increased this year and gone are the three other Division I prospects that helped Norcross win it all last year. That being said, don't be surprised to see the Wake Forest bound forward put up huge numbers this season.
  3. SR Chris Singleton, Dunwoody – Like Aminu, Singleton has the ability to beat teams in the paint or on the wing. Over the summer, he showed off great ball-handling skills, an ever present threat from the wing and quick springs as a shot-blocker. Now at Dunwoody, he'll shine in the up-tempo style and anchors an already talented club at the forward position.
  4. SR Howard Thompkins, Wesleyan – Returning back to Georgia after a year's stint at Oak Hill Academy (Va.), the 6-foot-8 forward is looking for a AA state championship this season. Why not? He's one of the most versatile players at his position in the state. Thompkins can burn teams both inside and out and is a crafty rebounder with gusto.
  5. SR Delwan Graham, Dunwoody – When it comes to maximizing a game from start to finish, no one does a better job of that than this 6-6 warrior. His motor doesn't have an off switch nor does it ever overheat. He is on constant alert, attacks the basket with his strength and athleticism, out works and out hustles anyone that steps in front of him.
Talk about the power rankings on the Georgia Hoops message board. Be sure to vote on the poll on the right.