Jordan Brand Classic Preview and Rosters
By MonsterMash
Having 4 of the top 5 players according to Scout.com’s recruiting rankings, the East may be the favorite to win, but the West roster still features 3 Wildcats:
| Joel Embiid |
| 7-0 • 230 • Center • The Rock School • Gainesville, FL • Hometown: Gainesville, FL • College: Kansas |
| Embiid is a native of Cameroon, a country in west Central Africa. He did not start playing basketball until he was 16 and given the chance to attend the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders camp in Africa. Like most international players, Embiid spent the majority of his time playing soccer and volleyball growing up. The 7-footer has great length, natural shot-blocking instincts and is considered a top sleeper in the class of 2013. Embiid will take his untapped potential to Kansas. |
| Aaron Gordon |
| 6-8 • 210 • Forward • Archbishop Mitty H.S. • San Jose, CA • Hometown: San Jose, CA • College: Arizona |
| Gordon is arguably the top West Coast prospect and it’s no surprise he was chosen as Mr. Basketball for the state of California, as a junior. He comes from a basketball family as his dad played at San Diego State, older brother Drew (JBC Alum ‘08) played at New Mexico, and his sister Elise is a junior at Harvard. Gordon has the ability to get the crowd off their seats, often compared to JBC Alum Blake Griffin. Not afraid of the big stage, Gordon led Archbishop Mitty to Division II state titles the past two years. He is undecided on his college choice next year. |
| Kasey Hill |
| 6-0 • 170 • Guard • Montverde Academy • Montverde, FL • Hometown: Eustis, FL • College: Florida |
| Hill is a true point guard and can get wherever he wants on the floor in order to lead his team. The University of Florida bound and Preseason ALL-USA Team selection brings explosive athletic ability and a high basketball IQ every time he steps on the floor. Hill has led Montverde Academy to a top five ranking in the national polls this season. |
| Dakari Johnson |
| 6-10 • 250 • Center • Montverde Academy • Montverde, FL • Hometown: New York, NY • College: Kentucky |
| Johnson showcased his talents at an early age; as he was selected as the National Freshman of the Year for his play in 2010-11. He has continued that dominance and is arguably the No. 1 center in the class of 2013 after re-classifying from the 2014 class. Johnson has participated in the LeBron James Skills Academy, is a member of Nike EYBL’s Each 1 Teach 1 program and has represented the United States as a member of the USA Basketball Team in the U17 World Championships. He will attend the University of Kentucky next fall. |
| Matt Jones |
| 6-4 • 180 • Guard • DeSoto H.S. • DeSoto, TX Hometown: DeSoto, TX • College: Duke |
| Jones is regarded as one of purest shooters in the country. Shooting over 50% from the field and over 45% from beyond the arc his numbers speak for themselves. His range extends out to 20 feet and he is just as dangerous on the catch and shoot. Jones participated in the Nike EYBL in 2012 for Texas Titans. He will take his game to Cameron Indoor Stadium and join the Duke Blue Devils next season. |
| Marcus Lee |
| 6-9 • 200 • Center • Deer Valley H.S. • Antioch, CA • Hometown: Antioch, CA • College: Kentucky |
| Lee is one of the premier rebounders and shot-blockers in the class of 2013. His knack for shot blocking comes from playing middle blocker for his high school volleyball team. He is an explosive athlete that runs the floor and finishes with grace. He can put up big numbers as shown earlier this season when he racked up 31 points and 29 rebounds. Lee will attend the University of Kentucky next season. |
| Jabari Parker |
| 6-8 • 220 • Forward • Simeon Career Academy • Chicago, IL • Hometown: Chicago, IL • College: Duke |
| Parker is one of the most gifted athletes on this year’s roster. He is arguably the top small forward and ranked by some as the top player in his class. Parker is a member of his school’s honor roll and has earned a 3.63 GPA. He has won countless awards such as: USA Basketball’s 2011 Male Athlete of the Year, Gatorade and ESPN HS National Player of the Year, and is also the first underclassman to earn Illinois Mr. Basketball. Parker will attend Duke University in the fall. |
| Noah Vonleh |
| 6-8 • 220 • Forward • New Hampton School • New Hampton, NH • Hometown: Haverhill, MA • College: Indiana |
| Vonleh has some incredible physical intangibles such as his 7-foot-4 wingspan. He uses his length to his advantage on both sides of the ball. Vonleh can create his own shot off the dribble and has a great handle for a big man. After reclassifying from the class of 2014 to 2013, Vonleh was recruited heavily by top programs before committing to Indiana University. |
| Troy Williams |
| 6-7 • 190 • Forward • Oak Hill Academy • Mouth of Wilson, VA • Hometown: Hampton, VA • College: Indiana |
| Williams is a skilled forward who uses his length and athletic ability on both sides of the ball. He is a menace on defense as he gets into the passing lanes regularly. Offensively he has good scoring ability up to 22 feet. Playing his senior year at Oak Hill Academy, Williams has helped lead the warriors to a Top 25 ranking once again. He is the nephew of AAU legend Boo Williams and will be suiting up for Indiana University next year. |
| Nigel Williams-Goss |
| 6-3 • 180 • Guard • Findlay Prep • Henderson, NV • Hometown: Happy Valley, OR • College: Washington |
| A high basketball IQ and natural floor leader are two things that most describe Nigel Williams-Goss. He was the youngest starter for Findlay Prep, starting since his freshman year and currently is the all-time leading scorer in school history. Williams-Goss knows how to take over down the stretch and earlier this year hit a three at the buzzer to defeat the then No. 1 team in the country. He is a 4.0 student and has committed to play basketball at the University of Washington. |
| James Young |
| 6-6 • 210 • Forward • Rochester H.S. • Rochester, MI • Hometown: Rochester, MI • College: Kentucky |
| Young is another high level recruit headed to the University of Kentucky. He was named to The Detroit News Dream Team after averaging 25 points, 10 rebounds and three assists per game to go along with a 49-point performance. Young won MVP honors at the 2012 Nike Global Challenge and played for The Family during the Nike EYBL season. |