Nerlens Noel, Shabazz Muhammad headline final 2012 Top 100
March 14, 2012 by MaxPreps, AZPreps365
Photo by Jim RedmanA native of Everett, Mass., Nerlens Noel is a menacing defensive presence.
Let's cut straight to the debate at the top. Recently re-classified big man Nerlens Noel has surpassed scorer extraordinaire Shabazz Muhammad as the nation's No. 1 prospect.
Despite a recent New York Times story that shed light on handlers and middle men making a mess of Noel's recruitment, the 6-foot-10 defensive phenom's potential is too great to ignore. An Anthony Davis-type impact is not out of the question at the collegiate level next season.
The decision to elevate Noel over Muhammad didn't come without some agonizing debate. Muhammad can fill it up in a hurry – exploding for 30 points in the first half of his final game at Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) en route to a third state title in four years. Perhaps most impressive is his maturity and ability to handle the hype that has followed him every step of the way during his high school career.
Both Noel and Muhammad remain unsigned and uncommitted, giving college basketball's spring signing period an element of drama that has been absent in recent years.
Point-forward Kyle Anderson of St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.) remains near the top of the list at No. 3 as he looks to cap a legendary high school career with back-to-back NJSIAA Tournament of Champions and national titles. Over the past three seasons, his teams have gone 91-1.
New Zealand import Steven Adams is the biggest wild card in the class. He's a superb athlete for a 7-footer and has progressed at a rapid rate. Handling the spotlight and demands of college and potentially professional basketball are the biggest question marks surrounding Adams.
Rounding out the top five is Isaiah Austin, another tantalizing 7-footer who seems to be headed to the perfect program to employ his skill set in Baylor.
The Top 100 is a composite look at the nation's top prospects based on high school success and production, as well as potential at the collegiate level and beyond. Post-graduates who were included in the final Class of 2011 Top 100 were not considered for inclusion.
MaxPreps Class of 2012 Top 100
