Kristian Dyer
February 25, 2024 11:45 am ET
Get ready for some February madness, because there is a new No. 1 player in the nation.
The inaugural USA TODAY High School Sports Top 10 is here, and likely not without some controversy. That’s because Cooper Flagg, the consensus top player in the nation according to ESPN, On3, Rivals and 247Sports is, with all due respect, not the top pick here.
That’s no slight on Flagg, who has been a tremendous player and been simply dominant as a senior at Montverde (the top team in the nation). But there is one player who has shown a sublime blend of athleticism, basketball IQ and growth to his game.
No. 10 - Carter Bryant (Arizona basketball commit)
School: Centennial (Corona, California)
Position: Power forward
While his frame and power in getting to the rim is what really stands out, Bryant has some polish to his outside game, with the ability to create his own shot. Moves well laterally with some solid footwork. Defensively is a force down low and a good, instinctual rebounder.
No. 9 - VJ Edgecombe (Baylor basketball commit)
School:Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, New York)
Position:Shooting guard
Confident on the dribble, Edgecombe is always looking to get to the basket. Defensively, he can be aggressive and tenacious in his pursuit of turnovers – always with the idea of getting into transition.
No. 8 - Asa Newell (Georgia basketball commit)
School:Montverde Academy (Montverde, Florida)
Position:Power forward
One of the most complete power forwards in recent memory, Newell has a skillset that should see him develop into a lottery pick in the NBA draft. Defensively, he can get out to the perimeter and alter shots while still being a rim protector due to his length. Offensively, has a very nice mid-range game that complements his knack for getting open
No. 7 - Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky basketball commit)
School:Word of God Christian Academy (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Position:Center
Court awareness is a strength of Quaintance, who has game-altering length as a defender. While he can be a bit slow to develop a shot, he is at his best in the open court where he sits in good space. Powerful in getting to the rim, Quaintance will see his game develop as his footwork continues to grow
No. 6 - Dylan Harper (Rutgers basketball commit)
School: Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, New Jersey)
Position: Guard
A future first-round pick with some tremendous basketball genes, Harper continues to solidly impress this season despite injuries. The most complete guard in this class, Harper won’t wow with his athleticism. Instead, he runs the court well and can break down opposing defenses on the dribble or as a shooter.
No. 5 - Ian Jackson (North Carolina basketball)
School: Our Savior Lutheran (Bronx, New York)
Position: Shooting guard
With a quick release, Jackson is a dangerous shooter with range. He has a good handle and runs the court very well. Perhaps the most explosive guard in this class, Jackson is a complete guard.
No. 4 - Flory Bidunga (Auburn basketball commit)
School:Kokomo (Kokomo, Indiana)
Position:Center
Very new to the sport as he has only been playing since high school, Bidunga is a natural leaper. Controls the air space around the rim on both ends of the court. Runs the court well. Basketball IQ will grow at Kansas, but this ranking is about his untapped potential as it is about the finished product.
No. 3 - Tre Johnson (Texas basketball commit)
School:Link Academy (Dallas, Texas)
Position:Shooting guard
Give Johnson an inch and the ball is going through the net. An effortless shooter who can score with a hand in his face. Has the ability to create his own shot. Good dribbler and is strong driving to the rim as well. A real dynamic player who can create for others and has the potential to score at will.
No. 2 - Cooper Flagg (Duke basketball commit)
School: Montverde Academy (Montverde, Florida)
Position:Forward
A complete forward, Flagg’s athleticism is always underappreciated in sizing up the recruit. Dominant and strong near the rim, Flagg uses his length well defensively and on the glass. Requires double teams to be stopped when in the post. Lacks some speed and explosion but makes up for that with a deft shooting touch and tremendous court awareness.
No. 1 - Ace Bailey (Rutgers basketball commit)
School:McEachern (Powder Springs, Georgia)
Position:Forward
Smooth when he runs the court, Bailey is a long strider who covers acres of court in just a handful of steps. This combined with his athleticism and explosiveness makes him the recruit in this class with the highest potential. The development of his outside game is very much evident, making him the player with the greatest NBA ceiling in the class of 2024.
