New Jersey's 2024 Top 10 Ballers :
Regardless of Class
New Jersey is always loaded with some of the top ballers in the country. Here's a look at New Jersey's top 10 "Ballers", regardless of class!
1. Samardo Samuels Sr. St.
Benedict's Prep Newark Committed to LOUISVILLE
The 6'9 Samuels remains one of the most dominant forces to ever play in the
Garden State. He'll have a heavy load to carry on his shoulders this year with
the killer schedule the Gray Bees plays with the likes of teams like St. Patrick
and Oak Hill, but he's definitely built for it.
2. Mike Rosario Sr. St. Anthony Jersey City Committed to RUTGERS
The Scarlet Knights got a steal of a recruit when the 6'2 shooter from Jersey
City who scores in bunches agreed to make New Brunswick his place of residence
for the next few years. He'll be an immediate impact player in the Big East next
year. However look for him to lead the Friars to a March Match-up with St.
Patrick en-route to capturing that elusive Non-Public B State Title and
Tournament of Champions appearance.
3. Marcus Morris Sr. Apex Academy Pennsauken Committed to KANSAS
The 6'7 Morris is an extremely versatile wing player who traveled across the
water from Philadelphia with his twin brother Markeiff to shake up the prep
basketball scene in NJ. He's the classic match up problem, too quick and elusive
for Bigs too guard and too big an strong for smaller players. He'll definitely
give opposing coaches headaches all season.
4. Dexter Strickland Jr. St. Patrick Elizabeth Undecided
We were the first to tell everyone about how special Dexter was and he's made us
look really good. Currently being courted by Memphis, Michigan State, Florida,
North Carolina, Villanova and UConn , the 6'3 Strickland will be looked to take
more of a leadership role this season. He'll have to put up some lofty numbers
if the Celtics plan on making a run at defending their back to back TOC titles.
5. Quintrell Thomas Sr. St. Patrick Elizabeth Committed to KANSAS
Thomas himself never imagined being much more than a mid-major prospect while at
Newark Science-Park High School. This season the 6'8 Thomas, who's a ferocious
rebounder and shot blocker will be called on to team up with Strickland to make
up the most dominant inside/outside combination in the state. Already an
explosive finisher, he'll have to create some of his own offense this season if
he plans on winning his 3rd state title in 4 years.
6. Jordan Theodore Sr. Paterson Catholic Committed to SETON HALL
Jordan is a Garden State gem. He believes he's the best point guard in the state
and we agree with him. The six-footer is a tremendous shooter, passer, finisher
and defender. His best attributes however may be his leadership qualities. This
summer he quarterbacked the nation's #1 AAU/Grassroots Team (NY Gauchos). This
winter one of the most talented young squads in the NJ will have to follow his
lead if they want to be in the mix with St. Anthony and St. Patrick in March.
7. Markieff Morris Sr. Apex Academy Pennsauken Committed to KANSAS
The 6'9 Morris twin is incredibly athletic and strong around the rim but is also
a pretty good 3 point shooter. Both skills make for a deadly option in the pick
and roll and pick and pop game. Look for the twins to make their mark in the
Garden State this winter.
8. Ashton Gibbs Sr. Seton Hall Prep West Orange Committed to PITT
Playing for the Non-Public A Title is familiar territory to the 6'2 Combo guard,
hailing from Scotch Plains. Gibbs will go for his 4th State Championship in his
final year at the West Orange basketball power. We predict Gibbs will remain a
consistent performer that puts up big numbers and makes big plays. Never afraid
to take the big shot, Ashton will look to lead his squad to a TOC finals
appearance in his final campaign.
9. Greg. Echenique Jr. St. Benedict Prep Newark Undecided
When the 6'9 Venezuela native isn't snatching rebounds of the glass and firing
pinpoint outlet passes, you can find him finishing around the rim or freeing up
a teammate with a solid screen. He along with Samardo make up one of the most
dominant frontlines to ever don Gray Bees uniforms. He's been so impressive,
Coach K and Duke are making a strong push for his services.
10. Dominic Cheek Jr. St. Anthony Jersey City Undecided
At first look it may be hard to realize exactly how special Cheek is. After all, playing on a team with 7 seniors who'll all be playing Division 1 ball next year makes it a bit hard to stand tall. But watch closely and you'll notice the lanky 6'7 wing making plays that will leave you awe struck. Whether it be a long range 3, a mid range 17 footer, or a seemingly unbelievable tip-dunk, Cheeks may be the best player in the state that won't average double figures this year.
Schools like North Carolina, Ohio State, Georgetown, and Syracuse are already vying for his services.
