High school basketball is a breeding ground for future NBA talent, with scouts and fans eagerly watching the next big thing.
Over the past ten years, each season has crowned a top player, hailed as the next superstar. But how have these young phenoms fared as they’ve transitioned from high school courts to the professional arena? Some have soared to stardom, while others have faced unexpected challenges.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and catch up with the No. 1 high school basketball players of the last 10 years, exploring their paths and current standings in the basketball world.
2014 – Stanley Johnson
Stanley Johnson was a straight-up monster at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. The dude led his team to four state championships in four years—yeah, four. He was a total mismatch for anyone who tried to guard him, showing off size, athleticism, and a skill set that had scouts drooling. By the time he graduated, he wasn’t just one of the top recruits in the country—he was “the” guy.
After all the hype, Johnson took his talents to the University of Arizona for the 2014–15 season. And man, he hit the ground running. As a freshman, he averaged 13.8 points, 6.5 boards, and 1.7 assists while locking down opponents on defense. He was named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Pac-12 First Team. Arizona made a nice run in the NCAA Tournament, falling just short of the Final Four, and by then, Johnson’s NBA stock was sky-high. He declared for the draft after one year.
The Detroit Pistons picked Johnson eighth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, betting on his defensive versatility and potential as a two-way star. Early on, he built a reputation as a gritty defender who wasn’t afraid to mix it up—even going toe-to-toe with LeBron James in the 2016 playoffs. But offense? That was another story. His shooting and scoring consistency just didn’t develop the way people hoped. He spent four seasons in Detroit, showing flashes of promise but never quite putting it all together.
In 2019, Johnson started bouncing around the league. He had short stops with the Pelicans and Raptors, where he mostly played a backup role. The Lakers gave him a shot during the 2021–22 season, and he had a few nice moments on a team desperate for energy and defense. Later, he had a stint with the Spurs, where he became more of a locker-room leader for a rebuilding squad. By the end of his NBA run, Johnson had played in 449 games, averaging 6.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists—not bad, but not the star everyone expected.
Fast forward to 2024, and Johnson decided it was time for a fresh start. He signed with Anadolu Efes, a top-tier team in Turkey that also competes in the EuroLeague. This isn’t just any overseas gig—Efes is legit, and Johnson will get a chance to show what he’s got on one of the biggest stages outside the NBA. It’s a new chapter for him, and who knows? Maybe it’s the spark he needs to reignite his career.
2015 – Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons was that guy back in 2015. Playing for Montverde Academy in Florida, he dominated the high school scene, leading his team to three straight national titles. At 6’10” with guard skills, Simmons was a walking mismatch who could do it all—score, rebound, and set up his teammates. He wasn’t just the best player in his class; he was a unicorn before the term got overused.
After high school, Simmons headed to LSU, where he was basically a one-man show. He averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 boards, and almost five dimes a game while putting the Tigers on his back. LSU didn’t make much noise as a team—they missed the NCAA Tournament—but Simmons was clearly NBA-ready, and everyone knew it. After one year, he declared for the draft and was the consensus No. 1 pick.
The Philadelphia 76ers scooped him up first overall in 2016, but his rookie season was a wash after he broke his foot. When he finally hit the court in 2017, he made up for lost time. Simmons was an instant star, putting up near-triple-double averages and winning Rookie of the Year. Over the next few years, he became a two-time All-Star, known for his defense, court vision, and ability to run an offense. But his refusal—or inability—to shoot the ball became the elephant in the room.
Things went sideways during the 2021 playoffs. Simmons got roasted for passing up a wide-open dunk in a do-or-die game against the Hawks, and it led to a complete meltdown with the Sixers. By the start of the next season, he was sitting out games, citing mental health struggles. Philly shipped him to Brooklyn in a blockbuster deal for James Harden, but Simmons’ troubles didn’t go away.
His time with the Nets has been, well, rough. He missed all of 2021-22 with a back injury that needed surgery, and when he came back the next year, he didn’t look like the same player. In 2023-24, he only played 15 games before being shut down again. His stats? Career lows across the board. It felt like his career was slipping away.
Now in the 2024-25 season, Simmons is trying to find his groove again, coming off the bench for the Nets while averaging 5.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.9 assists in nine games. There have been flashes of his old self—like a recent game where he dropped 12 assists—but the issues with his shooting and aggression are still there. People are skeptical, and understandably so, but at least he’s back on the court and giving it a shot. Whether he can reinvent himself and stick in the league is still up in the air.
2016 – Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball was the man back in 2016. At Chino Hills High School in California, he turned heads with his flashy passes and deep threes, leading his team to a perfect 35-0 record and a state title. His court vision and basketball IQ were off the charts, making him the top recruit that year.
After high school, Lonzo headed to UCLA and immediately brought the buzz back to the program. In his one-and-done season, he averaged 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 7.6 assists, and completely transformed the way UCLA played. His court vision and unselfishness were next level, and he even had a funky, yet effective, jumper. The Bruins made it to the Sweet 16, and Lonzo declared for the 2017 NBA Draft after a standout season.
The Lakers grabbed him with the second overall pick, hoping he’d be the perfect fit to revive the franchise. Lonzo’s rookie season showed promise—he had flashes of brilliance as a passer and defender but struggled with injuries and inconsistent shooting. After two seasons, he was shipped to New Orleans in the Anthony Davis trade. With the Pelicans, Lonzo worked on his shot and became a legit three-point threat, while still showcasing his defense and playmaking. In 2021, he signed with the Chicago Bulls and played a key role in their resurgence alongside Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.
Then the injuries hit. In early 2022, Lonzo suffered a knee injury that derailed his breakout season with the Bulls. What initially looked like a routine setback turned into a nightmare, as he needed multiple surgeries on his left knee and missed the entire 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons. There were even doubts about whether he’d ever return to the court.
Fast forward to the 2024–25 season, and Lonzo finally made his long-awaited comeback. Fans were hyped to see him back in action, even though the Bulls were easing him into the rotation. In his first three games, he averaged 4.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in limited minutes. The rust was obvious, but just having him back on the floor felt like a win.
Unfortunately, Lonzo’s bad luck struck again. During a game in late October, he sprained his right wrist, sidelining him for several weeks. The injury is a setback, but it’s not as serious as his previous knee issues. The Bulls remain optimistic that Lonzo can stay healthy long-term, but his track record with injuries has been a constant cloud over his career. Whether he can fully bounce back and reclaim his spot as one of the league’s premier playmakers remains to be seen, but his resilience and determination are keeping the hope alive.
2017 – Michael Porter Jr.
When it comes to pure talent, few high school players had the hype that Michael Porter Jr. carried in 2017. At Nathan Hale High School in Seattle, he wasn’t just dominant—he was unstoppable. He averaged a ridiculous 36.2 points and 13.6 rebounds per game, leading his team to an undefeated season and a state title. Porter’s smooth scoring touch, versatility, and NBA-ready frame made him the undisputed top recruit in the country.
He committed to the University of Missouri, putting the program in the spotlight. But his college career was derailed before it even started. Just minutes into his first game, Porter went down with a back injury that required surgery, sidelining him for most of the season. He returned late in the year, but only played two games and was clearly far from 100%. Despite the setback, his upside was too great to ignore.
The Denver Nuggets took a gamble, picking him 14th in the 2018 NBA Draft. It was a risky move, as he missed his entire rookie season rehabbing his back. But when he finally stepped onto the court in 2019, it was clear why the Nuggets rolled the dice. Porter quickly showed he could score at all three levels, making an instant impact off the bench and later earning a starting spot.
Injuries continued to haunt him, though. Another back surgery in 2021 sidelined him for most of that season, and questions about his durability grew louder. But when Porter was healthy, he delivered. In the 2023 season, he helped lead the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship, stepping up in big moments and proving he could thrive under pressure. His shooting, especially from three, was a huge weapon during their playoff run.
Coming off a great 2024 season for him, Porter is showing why the Nuggets always believed in him this year too. He’s averaging 18.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting lights out—47.5% from the field and 40.8% from deep. He’s settled in as the Nuggets’ reliable scoring option alongside Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. While the injury concerns are still a lingering fear, Porter’s focus on conditioning and recovery seems to be paying off. His perseverance and ability to adapt have kept him in the mix as one of the league’s most promising forwards. Denver’s championship window is still open, and Porter is a big reason why.
2018 – RJ Barrett
RJ Barrett was the man back in 2018. Coming out of Canada, he dominated at Montverde Academy in Florida, leading his team to an undefeated season and a national championship. Averaging 28.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, he was the top recruit in his class.
After high school, RJ took his talents to Duke for the 2018–19 season, teaming up with Zion Williamson and Cam Reddish. He put up impressive numbers, averaging 22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, earning consensus First-Team All-American honors. Duke made it to the Elite Eight, and RJ declared for the NBA Draft after one season.
The New York Knicks snagged him with the third overall pick in 2019. RJ had a solid rookie year, averaging 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. He kept improving, and by the 2021–2022 season, he was putting up 20 points a game, showing he could be a go-to scorer.
In the 2023–24 season, RJ was traded to the Toronto Raptors, bringing him back to his home country. He quickly became a fan favorite, averaging 20.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. His versatility and scoring ability have been crucial for the Raptors.
On Saturday night, RJ had a standout performance against the Boston Celtics, recording his first career triple-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high 15 assists. Despite his efforts, the Raptors fell short in a 126-123 overtime loss. RJ’s journey from high school phenom to NBA standout has been impressive, and he’s continuing to make his mark in the league.
2019 – Sharife Cooper
Back in 2019, there wasn’t a high school player more electrifying than the kid running the show at McEachern High in Georgia. Sharife Cooper was pure excitement every time he touched the ball. His team? Undefeated, 32-0. His stats? Ridiculous—30.6 points, 7.8 assists, and 3.6 rebounds a game. Whether he was breaking ankles with his handles or threading impossible passes, Sharife made sure everyone knew he was that dude.
When Auburn landed him for the 2020–21 season, the hype followed. It took a little longer than expected for him to debut because of eligibility drama, but once he hit the court, it was on. Sharife dropped 20.2 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.3 boards per game in just 12 games. Yeah, his time in college was short, but it was enough to show NBA teams he had big-league skills.
The Hawks took a flyer on him late in the 2021 draft, snagging him at 48th overall. Sharife had moments in the G League, cooking defenders and putting up big numbers for the College Park Skyhawks, but he didn’t get much shine in the NBA. After one year, Atlanta moved on, and Sharife found himself grinding in the G League with the Cleveland Charge. He balled out there, but an NBA contract stayed out of reach.
Sharife decided to bet on himself in 2024 by heading overseas. He signed with the Liaoning Flying Leopards in China, and it paid off big-time. He helped the team win the CBA championship, putting up 22 points, nine assists, and six boards in the clincher. After that, he packed his bags for Europe, signing with Yukatel Merkezefendi in Turkey’s top league for the 2024–25 season.
Now, Sharife’s taking his crafty game to the international stage, proving that the dream doesn’t die—it just finds a new court.
2020 – Cade Cunningham
Back in 2020, Cade Cunningham was the talk of the town. At Montverde Academy in Florida, he led his team to a perfect 25-0 record, averaging 13.9 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game. His versatility and leadership on the court made him the top recruit in his class.
After high school, Cade took his talents to Oklahoma State for the 2020–21 season. He didn’t disappoint, averaging 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His performance earned him the Big 12 Player of the Year award and consensus First-Team All-American honors. After one standout season, he declared for the NBA Draft.
The Detroit Pistons selected Cade with the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He had a solid rookie season, averaging 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. In his second season, he improved his numbers to 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. Yet, his season was cut short due to a shin injury that required surgery.
In the 2023–24 season, Cade returned to the court and continued to develop his game. He averaged 22.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, showing significant growth as a playmaker and scorer. His performance earned him a five-year, $224 million maximum rookie extension with the Pistons, which could increase to $269 million if he earns All-NBA honors.
As of the 2024–2025 season, Cade is leading the Pistons with averages of 23.2 points, 8.6 assists, and 7.1 rebounds per game. His all-around play has been a bright spot for Detroit, and he’s showing why he was the top pick in 2021. Cade’s journey from high school phenom to NBA star has been impressive, and he’s continuing to make his mark in the league.
2021 – Chet Holmgren
There was no one quite like Chet Holmgren in 2021. A 7-foot unicorn out of Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, he had the skills of a guard and the size of a center. He was blocking shots, draining threes, and crossing up defenders like it was nothing, leading his team to state championships and solidifying his spot as the top recruit in the country.
Chet took his talents to Gonzaga for the 2021–22 season, and it was clear from day one that he was special. He averaged 14.1 points, 9.9 boards, and an insane 3.7 blocks per game, anchoring the defense while stretching the floor offensively. He cleaned up in awards too, snagging West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors. After just one season, he declared for the NBA Draft as one of the most hyped prospects in years.
The Oklahoma City Thunder snagged him with the second overall pick in 2022, expecting big things. But before he even got a chance to hit the court, Chet suffered an ankle injury during a pro-am game, which wiped out his entire rookie season. It was a tough blow for the Thunder and their fans, who had to wait another year to see their prize pick in action.
When he finally hit the court, he delivered. Playing all 82 games, Chet averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks while shooting 53% from the field and 37% from deep last season. Not bad for a guy coming off a year-long injury. He showed why OKC fans were so hyped about him, anchoring their defense and stretching the floor offensively.
This season, Chet’s taken things up another notch. Through 10 games, he’s averaging 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks a night while shooting 50.5% from the floor and 37.8% from three. He’s been a key piece for the Thunder as they make a push in the West, showing he’s not just hype—he’s the real deal.
2022 – Dariq Whitehead
Dariq Whitehead was one of the most exciting high school players in 2022. At Montverde Academy, he shined on a team loaded with talent, leading them to multiple national titles and solidifying himself as a top-tier recruit. His scoring ability, athleticism, and defensive presence made him a can’t-miss prospect.
After high school, Dariq committed to Duke for the 2022–23 season. His year was hampered by injuries, which affected his production, but he still managed to average 8.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. While the season didn’t fully showcase his potential, his flashes of brilliance were enough to keep NBA scouts intrigued. He declared for the NBA Draft after his freshman year.
The Brooklyn Nets selected Whitehead with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, betting on his long-term potential. Unfortunately, his rookie season was cut short due to a left shin stress reaction that required surgery in January. It was a tough setback, but Whitehead stayed focused on his recovery and preparing for a fresh start.
In the 2024 NBA Summer League, he got back on the court and played in five games, averaging 7.4 points and 2.6 rebounds. It wasn’t a breakout performance, but it showed progress as he worked his way back into form. Now, in the 2025 season, Whitehead has been a role player for the Nets. Over 10 games, he’s averaging 5.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, shooting 42.3% from the field and 35.7% from deep.
Whitehead’s journey has been marked by challenges, but his determination and work ethic are keeping him on track. While he’s still finding his place in the NBA, his potential remains clear, and the Nets are optimistic about what he can bring as he continues to develop.
2023 – Cameron Boozer
Cameron Boozer, son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, has been making significant strides in high school basketball. Playing for Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, he has led his team to three consecutive state championships, a first in the school’s history. In his sophomore year, Cameron averaged 21.1 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and two blocks per game, showcasing his versatility and skill on the court.
In October, Cameron and his twin brother, Cayden, committed to Duke University, following in their father’s footsteps. Their decision was highly anticipated, as both brothers are considered top recruits in their class.
For the moment, Cameron is continuing his high school career, focusing on further developing his game before joining the Blue Devils. His commitment to Duke has generated excitement among fans, who are eager to see how his talents will translate to the college level at one of the top programs.
Looking ahead, Cameron is projected to be a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a highly coveted prospect. With his family’s legacy and his own dedication to the sport, he is poised to make a significant impact in the coming years.
2024 – Dylan Harper
Dylan Harper is carrying on the family legacy in a big way. The son of five-time NBA champ Ron Harper, Dylan dominated in his senior year at Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey. He led his squad to a 29-3 record and a state championship while averaging 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. His all-around play earned him the MaxPreps National Player of the Year award, and he was easily one of the most hyped players in the 2024 class.
Dylan committed to Rutgers last year, making history as the highest-ranked recruit the school has ever landed. He’s teamed up with another elite recruit, Ace Bailey, to form one of the most exciting freshman duos in college basketball. Fans are buzzing about what they’ll do together in the Knights’ lineup.
Fast forward to the start of this season, and Dylan’s living up to the hype. In his debut game, he dropped 20 points to lead Rutgers to a win over Wagner, and he hasn’t slowed down since. So far, he’s putting up averages of 21.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, making him a must-watch every night.
Dylan’s already projected as a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and it’s easy to see why. He’s got size, skill, and a high basketball IQ, plus that natural competitiveness that runs in the Harper family. If he keeps this up, he’ll be following in his dad’s NBA footsteps sooner rather than later.
