2024 Top 5 Deep Dive

Rankings need transparency, so we have to give some insight into our decisions. During the 2024 deep dive, I’ll explain what landed our top 5 players at the head of their class. It’s a worthy reshuffle filled with an Ohio native jumping a few spots, a pair of SIAA state champions, and the youngest brother of a former NBA lottery pick. #1 Karter Knox Karter Knox 6'6" | SG Tampa Catholic | 2024 State FL Strong, mean, and standing at 6’6 Karter Knox Karter Knox 6'6" | SG Tampa Catholic | 2024 State FL was the captain of a state final four team that had one senior on it. Blessed with the athleticism needed to play at the highest levels of the game and a constantly developing skillset Knox may have the highest upside of the field. There are moments where he looks like a sophomore but can erase those mistakes with his shotmaking, shot-blocking for the position, and elite-level toughness. Knox averaged 20.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game while leading his team to a 22-8 record playing every single game on the road.  #2 Sammie Yeanay Sammie Yeanay 6'9" | SF The Rock | 2024 State FL Yeanay’s case starts with a dominant Prep Hoops Expo debut. He was already having a strong summer, but at the camp, he attracted a crowd of cameras and bystanders all day. The wide shouldered 6’7 forward lived above the rim, showcased unmatched strength, and an almost wing-like ability to slash to the rim. After moving to The Rock, he took over the team when Ryan Jones Ryan Jones 6'9" | PF The Rock | 2024 State FL went down with a season ending injury. He’d average a double-double as a combo forward prospect equipped with a functional jumper. The title run he went on included defeating two nationally ranked programs. He’s continuing his prolific run by averaging 19 points, and 7 rebounds, good for top 15 in both categories, and shooting 46 from three on 13 attempts. #3 Amier Ali Amier Ali 6'8" | CG Montverde Academy | 2024 State FL Ali has the most interesting jump of any prospect in the top 5. He came from Texas where he spearheaded a foreign all star team of youth players where more than half the roster played D1 or D2 basketball after graduation. He had a quiet year playing with Montverde but soaked up experience playing with McDonald’s All Americans and other high major recruits. Ali’s size, skill, and potential have drawn offers from the top teams in every high major conference.  #4 Marcus Allen Marcus Allen 6'7" | SF Norland | 2024 State FL Allen’s transformation as a player was remarkable. From the first game, his 6’7 size, motor, and athleticism kept his team in games, pushing him to double-double status. As he continued throughout the season, his skill level rose. Midway through the season, the combo forward converted to primary wing player. The shot started to drop from distance, his handle became tighter, and his ability to create his shot in the midrange became a weapon. He’s a true two-way force that can defend 1-4. The fact that he’s done this with one of the toughest schedules in the state and playing in the talent rich Miami area, he’s certainly earned his spot. He’s currently a top 20 scorer in EYBL play averaging 18.3 points 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest. #5 Ryan Jones Ryan Jones 6'9" | PF The Rock | 2024 State FL Jones was in for a big season before going down with a significant injury. The 6’9 stretch four was a walking double-double shooting a shade above 38% from three. He’s coming off a FIBA 16U Americas gold medal and invites to subsequent USA camps. The 4 star forward continues to work on his body and create for himself in the high post. Jones has solidified himself as one of the top recruits in the country. It’s all about the bounce back at this point.