The annual Elite 24 Hoops Classic, featuring 24 of the best high school basketball players in the country, is played outdoors at Harlem's Rucker Park in New York City. InsideHoops.com covers the game each year. The first-ever Elite 24 basketball game was in 2006. Below are recaps for every Elite 24 event.

2008 ELITE 24 HIGH SCHOOL CLASSIC GAME RECAP
By Bobby Ciafardini | August 25, 2008

NEW YORK – Before LeBron James and Sebastian Telfair made it popular to make the jump from high school to the NBA. Before Stephon Marbury logged only one season at Georgia Tech and Kevin Garnett became the youngest player in the league, fresh out of Farragut Academy, there was Kenny Anderson.

Long before the internet boom helped scouts and fans chronicle the exploits of players in middle school, Anderson was carving a niche in New York City basketball history – in the sixth grade – the old fashion way, by word of mouth.

Anderson, the silky, smooth playmaker from LeFrak City, Queens, was a staple of newspaper covers by the time he was 14, considered the best high schooler in the country. Under legendary coach Jack Curran, the young point guard from powerhouse Archbishop Malloy, was a McDonald’s All-American and the Gatorade National Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year in 1989. He finished his high school career as the all-time scoring leader in state history with 2,621 points – a record that would stand for 18 years.

If there was anyone ready for the NBA, many argued it was Anderson. He didn’t make an immediate leap. Instead, he went to Georgia Tech and dominated for two seasons before being selected by the New Jersey Nets with the No. 2 overall pick in 1991.

If anyone knows the pressures of being one of the top players in high school basketball, it’s Kenny Anderson. That’s why it was so important for him take part in the third annual Boost Mobile Elite 24 Friday night at Rucker Park.

There was Anderson, coaching the white squad, renamed after Rucker great Earl “The Goat” Manigault. Although Anderson’s team lost 135-121 in another heart stopping showdown between the top 24 high school players in the country, regardless of sneaker affiliation, the message was loud and clear from the sidelines.

“I didn’t finish college, but I’m happy that I went for two years,” Anderson explained before the game. “Of course, the kids today have to play one season of college ball or go overseas before they can declare for the draft, but I’m happy that I went to college, had that experience and worked on my game a little more. I wasn’t ready for the NBA coming out of high school. It wasn’t even an easy transition coming out of college. The game is so fast. Hopefully, these young men realize how important it is to enjoy the ride. Forget the hype. Play the game. Work hard to get better. With time, they’ll be better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.”

It’s hard not to think pro when you see some of these high schoolers. The media buzz surrounding them doesn’t help much, either. Three-time Elite 24 standout and Lincoln High star Lance Stephenson recently graced a cover of Dime magazine with a title that reads: “Born Ready: “This 17-year-old would be an NBA star right now.”

But with all the hype aside, the top 24 players in the country didn’t disappoint – even if there not ready to play at the ultimate level just yet. Within the confines of a high school all-star game, the Elite 24 couldn’t have tabbed a better bunch to represent the future of the NBA.

The first Elite 24 didn’t generate as much attention, but it did feature Michael Beasley and a cast of others now calling the NBA home. Word got out and last year’s event took off, headlined by Brandon Jennings, Tyreke Evans and the homegrown Stephenson.

This year’s game was a lot tighter defensively throughout the first two quarters and didn’t showcase as many highlights as last summer’s with Jennings dropping 20 dimes and Stephenson and Evans going at it one-on-one, but the matchup was memorable thanks to a more free-flowing second half and the play of the blue squad co-MVPs Dominic Cheek and John Wall and the white squad’s co-MVPs, Maalik Wayns and Stephenson.

Stephenson led all scorers with 29 points, but Cheek wasn’t far behind with 23 and seven rebounds in a winning effort. Wall contributed 10 points and six assists for the blue squad – renamed after Rucker great and current Houston Rocket point guard Rafer “Skip to My Lou” Alston. Wayns added 10 points and eight assists in the loss.

After trailing almost the entire game, the blue squad took a 90-87 lead when Cheek of St. Anthony hit a 3-pointer with 10:50 left. Less than a minute later, Cheek banked in another three to stretch the lead to 98-92.

Blue’s Doron Lamb, a Queens native who’s expected to transfer from Bishop Loughlin to national powerhouse Oak Hill Academy this fall, dropped in a team-high 25 points to ensure victory.

Wall, a fifth-year senior guard from Word of God Academy, brought down the house with a left-handed tomahawk dunk that rattled the rim and bumped the lead to 109-101. The white squad carried a 62-56 lead at the half, but the second half belonged to Wall and the blue squad, who overcame 17 points from Stephenson.

Famed coach Ron Naclerio joined Anderson behind the bench and gave his insight on the game. “In an All Star game you want to give everyone a chance to play and show their talents,” explained Naclerio, who has coached at Benjamin Cardozo in Bayside for 30 years. “By the end of the 40 minutes, the cream rose to the top. The kids that we knew were better players showed more and did better. As the game wore on, some of the kids that are a little young, or might not be at the highest level yet, you saw some of the deficiencies in their games.

“I think a lot of these guys will play in the league,” added Naclerio, who’s nicknamed the “The Teacher”. “Lance Stephenson definitely will. I think Dexter Strickland and Dominic Cheek will, too. John Wall is a tremendous, tremendous talent. I just want to see more in the half court from him, but athletically he has NBA great point guard athleticism.”

Although his team won the game, Naclerio said few people will remember the final score. “It was amazing how my team was down 10, then we were up 10 and then when you’re forced to go rotations every four minutes, there was one group that missed a couple of shots and didn’t rebound well,” he said. “Then all of sudden we are down about six. In the end, I think when it comes to all-star games, a lot of people don’t remember the final score. They remember the best plays. This game had a lot of great plays.”

None perhaps better than a vicious dunk by Wall in the lane. “John Wall broke three defenders jumped up with his right, then switched to his left,” said Bobbito Garcia, the game’s announcer. “And he’s right-handed. To cuff it in traffic with his left. That brought the crowd down. That was the moment of the evening.”

Wall stole the show and was proud to walk away with one of the four Co-MVP awards. “It was a great time. We had fun. It was a packed crowd and we all just wanted to play it up for the fans. It turns out I got MVP.”

Wall surely got some pointers from celeb coach and current NBA All-Star Chauncey Billlups. The Detroit playmaker was impressed by the kid from Raleigh, N.C.

So too were the fans, who serenaded Wall with some oohs and ahhs after he went one-on-one and got the better of the homegrown Stephenson on a couple of clear outs. “It was a great experience going up against Lance,” Wall said. “He’s a great player. He’s strong. He’s used to this court, but he missed some shots in the second half and we took advantage. It was a good game.

“There are a lot of great players here,” Wall continued, holding his MVP award, while signing autographs for some kids in the crowd. “It feels good to be picked as one of the top four players from this group of 24 as MVP. It’s something I’ll cherish for a long time.”


2008 ELITE 24 GAME: SOME STEP-UP PLAYERS
By Patrick Stevens | August 25, 2008

NEW YORK - Kenny Boynton (Plantation, FL American Heritage) talked pro dreams with Kenny Anderson, LaQuinton Ross (Jackson, MS Murrah) introduced himself to Allan Houston, and Maalk Wayns (Philadelphia, PA Roman Catholic) got interrupted during a post-practice interview to be told nice work by Chauncey Billups. Friday capped off the third annual Boost Mobile Elite 24 for the fortunate high school players chosen to close the summer in the Rucker Park showcase, airing Monday at midnight on ESPN2.

Billups and Anderson served as coaches while Houston joined them during the panel discussion on Thursday to school and encourage the nation’s top prep talent on what good the game can bring them.

When the lights came on, hometown kid Lance Stephenson (Brooklyn, NY Lincoln) had the crowd in his palm all night and built anticipation on his first touch knocking down a three-pointer off a deep crossover. The target was on his back after a dominating performance in last year’s game and he would take on challenges from fellow top wing Dominic Cheek (Jersey City, NJ St. Anthony’s) and 15-year old rising sophomore Tony Wroten (Seattle, WA Garfield).

John Wall (Raleigh, NC Word of God) and Wayns became the co-main eventers as they were quickest to get over with the crowd and the other two players most notably built for the street game. Wall took it down the lane for several dunks coming from out of nowhere while Wayns brought his bag of tricks with the dribble and passing that kept the defense on its heels.

With it being a guard’s game, there was just a small taste of the top big men in the junior and senior class facing off in the early going. Derrick Favors (South Atlanta, GA) and Jeremy Tyler (San Diego, CA) made their presence felt with some long takeoffs toward the rim after mixing it up some in the paint. Favors would sneak in a look at his shot-blocking skills when he sent one packing from the weak side. But that wouldn’t stop speedster Brandon Knight (Fort Lauderdale, FL Pinecrest) from elevating like he was shot out of a cannon and meeting Favors at the rim for what the crowd let out a roar for.

Dexter Strickland (Elizabeth, NJ St. Patrick’s) and Doran Lamb (Mouth of Wilson, VA Oak Hill Academy) both played complete games to put up numbers, Durand Scott (Harlem, NY Rice) was cooking the second he stepped on the floor and Dion Waiters (South Kent, CT) displayed some flash with the ball as these four also drew applause from the famed Rucker Park crowd.

To catch the action, turn to ESPN2 Monday at midnight.


2008 ELITE 24 BASKETBALL GAME RESULTS
August 22, 2008

The third annual Elite 24 game and the inaugural All-American Elite 24 Slam Dunk Contest took place Friday night in New York’s famed Rucker Park. The game featured the nation’s top 24 prep players, regardless of grade or shoe affiliation, from across the country.

Before a packed Rucker crowd that included the Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch and New York Knicks’ Nate Robinson, Skip to My Lou/Blue Team, coached by Detroit Piston’s Chauncey Billups, defeated The Goat squad coached by playground legend and former pro-basketball player Kenny Anderson 135 to 121. Shooting guard Dominic Cheek (23 points) and point guard John Wall (10 points) stood out on the winning team garnering co-MVP titles; shooting guard Lance Stephenson (29 points) and point guard Maalik Wayns (10 points) were co-MVPs for The Goat/White Team. The Goat’s Lance Stephenson was the game’s high scorer with 29 points.

Up against Jeremy Tyler, Dominic Cheek and Jordon Hamilton St. Patrick’s Dexter Strickland took home the top title in the inaugural Elite 24 Slam Dunk Contest.

Full recaps, interviews and more coming to InsideHoops.com over the next few days.


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2007 ELITE 24 HOOPS GAME RECAP
By Bobby Ciafardini | August 25, 2007

NEW YORK – It takes one to know one.

And current Houston Rocket playmaker and New York City streetball legend Rafer “Skip to My Lou” Alston knows a pro when he sees one. Alston played the role of scout Friday night at his old stomping grounds – Rucker Park – as the head coach for the Orange Squad in the second annual Boost Mobile Elite 24 Hoops Classic.

The Orange Squad, fittingly named “Skip to My Lou,” lost 169-164 to the White Squad, which was named in honor of Rucker legend Earl “The Goat” Manigault. Nevertheless, Alston was on-point with his analysis, singling out Ohio State-bound B.J. Mullens, a 7-foot-1 center, early in the game. “That kid can play,” Alston told InsideHoops.com from the sidelines during the first half, referring to Mullens, who dropped 14 points in the opening two quarters for Skip to My Lou and the Orange Squad. “He’s special. He’s got a chance to play at the next level.”

Alston felt the same about high school freshman LaQuinton Ross, a 6-foot-6 small forward from Callaway in Jackson, Miss. Ross was the youngest player participating in the game that brought together 24 of the country’s top juniors, seniors and soon-to-be college freshman, regardless of grade or sneaker affiliation.

Ross finished with 10 points in the loss. Mullens added 18.

But Alston saved his highest praise for star point guard Tyreke Evans and Brooklyn’s own shooting guard Lance “Sir Lance a Lot” Stephenson. “Lance has been doing his thing at EBC and all around the city against the big boys. This is nothing for him,” Alston added. “Tyreke is equally dangerous and plays up. If they keep working hard, you’ll see them at the next level someday.”

Stephenson, a Lincoln High School star, led all scorers with 38. He shot 17-for-22 from the field, including 4-for-5 from behind the arc. He also grabbed four rebounds and dished out three assists en route to being named co-MVP for the Orange Squad along with UCLA-bound Jrue Holiday. Holiday went 9-for-10 from the field and a perfect 3-for-3 from 3-point land, finishing with 24 points in a losing effort.

Evans paced the White Squad offensively, scoring 26 to tie DeMar DeRozan for the team lead. Evans, a 6-foot-4 guard from American Christian in Aston, PA., spent most of the evening on the wing, teaming with fellow White Squad co-MVP Brandon Jennings in an explosive backcourt. Jennings, an Oak Hill Academy point guard who’s heading to Arizona, dropped an astounding 23 assists in the win, while also contributing 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting.

It seemed like Jennings was firing no-look passes and alley-oops all night long. From bounce passes to floaters to line drives off the backboard, Jennings stole the show through most of the game until Stephenson began to go one-on-one in the second half, destroying ever opponent he faced. Stephenson scored 14 in the first half and 24 in the final two quarters, but Jennings, Evans and the White Squad put the finishing touches on one of the highest scoring high school all-star games in history by tightening up defensively in the last quarter.

“Why are you guys keeping stats,” Alston joked with press row, which included a host of statisticians with ESPN in the house televising the game. “This is a nonsense game. It’s all about scoring and putting on a show.”

And the prep stars certainly did that. In front of a packed house that included everybody from rapper Fat Joe to legendary college coach Jerry Tarkanian and Golden State star Baron Davis, who coached the White Squad, the prep stars delighted the crowd bucket after bucket.

When word spread on the street that the nation’s 24 best young hoopsters were playing in the park, a line gathered around the block. The park quickly filled to capacity and security was forced to turn spectators away. Many decided to watch the game – as best they could – from the street outside. Even media and VIP guests struggled to get into the park with the large crowds. “This is crazy,” said Bobbito Garcia, the announcer for the game. “This is like old school Rucker when the legends would come out.”

Garcia, a multi-talented performer who hosts MSG’s hit show “Summerball” later added: “This is also got to be one of the highest scoring games for a team of prep stars. This has been great. Even better than last year.”

Stephenson agreed. “I think everyone came to play,” he said. “I played last year and I was happy to be part of it again this year. The players did a good job. We showed what kind of talent we have.”

Stephenson had no trouble playing to the crowd. He nailed some deep NBA 3-pointers and cleared it out on several occasions to go one-on-one against his defender. He finished strong on several attacks of the rim and even showed some finesse with a pair of late scoop shoots and up-and-under moves around the basket.

“I’m used to the Rucker,” Stephenson explained of his performance. “I’ve been playing at the Rucker for four years. I’m just happy that we played as a team in the second half and gave it our best shot. We realized in the closing minutes that the game was slipping away and we had some fun. I didn’t expect this much competition in the game, but I think all the players involved wanted to win and show the fans that we’re for real. We’re the future.”

Mullens was in awe of Rucker Park, but his game didn’t reflect it. “This is my first time in New York,” he said after the game. “It’s been a great experience. It’s special to come here and play in such an historic place. I’m honored to be part of the Elite 24.”

Evans echoed similar thoughts on the game. “The crowd comes to see the young fellas show what they can do,” he said. “We put on a show and it was a good time for everybody, from the players to the coaches to the fans. It’s great to follow in the footsteps of legends like Dr. J (Julius Erving) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who once called Rucker home.”


2007 ELITE 24 HOOPS CLASSIC PREVIEW

By Bobby Ciafardini | August 24, 2007

NEW YORK – Rucker Park, the legendary real estate at 155th in Harlem, has been home to the game’s greatest streetballers, pros and college stars over the years, but Friday night the asphalt will belong to the nation’s top prep players when the second annual Boost Mobile Elite 24 Hoops Classic tips off.

Game time is 7:30 p.m. and will feature 24 of the country’s top juniors, seniors and soon-to-be college freshman, regardless of grade or sneaker affiliation.

Last year’s game was the first of its kind and made history, bringing together the nation’s top seniors, including Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and Kyle Singler. Top underclassmen included Tyreke Evans, Lance Stephenson and Brandon Jennings. Last year’s teams were named in honor of New York streetball legends Earl Manigault and Rafer Alston. NBA stars Jason Kidd and Ben Gordon participated as celebrity coaches for the game.

NBA ballers are expected again tonight at Rucker Park, both among the crowd and behind the benches. Organizers have celebrity coaches planned to man the prep squads.

Stephenson, already a crowd favorite at Rucker and on the New York City streetball circuit, earning the nickname “Sir Lance a Lot,” is one of the top city products returning to the roster this year. The junior guard led Lincoln High School to a state title last year and has been spoke about in the same breath as former Lincoln stars Sebastian Telfair and Stephon Marbury.

Rice product Kemba Walker, another hometown favorite, is fresh off his Entertainer’s Basketball Classic championship title last week as a member of Team RocStar. Walker, who’s known by the nickname “E-Z Pass” at Rucker, is a dynamic senior guard who can score and defend. He shows shades of a young Kenny Satterfield, a fellow Rice alum and former NBA player that he idolizes and teamed with at EBC in the title game.Nevada-bound senior Luke Babbitt, Norcross senior forward Al-Farouq Aminu and rising junior guard Kenny Boynton, Jr. also headline a terrific cast of prep standouts, several of which will likely star in the league someday.

Fans were also excited to hear Evans’ return to the lineup for 2007. One of the smoothest players in the country, Evans, an American Christian star, is one of the game’s top seniors. North Carolina-bound Ed Davis may have a big impact on the game as well, especially with his long arms and aggressive style at both ends of the floor.

Other notables include USC-bound senior Demar DeRozan, Indiana-bound Devin Ebanks and UCLA-bound Drew Gordon.

Oak Hill Academy’s Jennings, a flashy senior playmaker, will be looking to leave his stamp on the game as well. He wowed the Elite 24 crowd last year with his tremendous handle and Magic Johnson-esque no-look passes.

UCLA-bound combo guard Jrue Holiday, Putnam City standout guard Xavier Henry and Fayette County junior Noel Johnson are also capable of stealing the limelight Friday. Although Walker and Stephenson may have the biggest following in New York, Flushing product Sylven Landesberg from Holy Cross should be watched carefully — especially by the opposing defense. The sweet-shooting guard averaged 25.7 PPG last year as a junior.

One of the best big men in the game is Ohio State-bound center BJ Mullens from Canal Winchester in Ohio. His game is ever-improving. Mullens is talented, but not the tallest big man expected to suit up. That honor goes to John Riek, a 7-foot-1 native of Sudan. A defensive game-changer, Riek led Our Savior New American in Centereach, NY this past season.

The youngest player in the game is high school freshman LaQuinton Ross of Jackson, Miss. Despite his age, he’s shown flashes of brilliance and should be able to play with the big boys come tip off.

One of the most complete players on the roster might be Delvon Roe, the Michigan State-bound swingman who averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds as a junior last year at St. Edward. Fellow junior Dexter Strickland of St. Patrick is a primetime scorer, too. He led his squad to state-title last year.

Louisville-bound Samardo Samuels, Georgia recruit Trey Thompkins, Oak Hill Academy senior Willie Warren and Artesia standout Renardo Sidney round out the field of 24.

InsideHoops.com will be on the scene. We’ll see which Elite star shows up big at Rucker.

O.J. Mayo 	 G 	6-5/210   32 	North College Hill (Cincinnati, OH) 	2007
Corey Fisher 	 G 	6-2/180   11 	St. Patrick (Elizabeth, NJ) 		2007
Bill Walker 	 F 	6-6/235   15 	North College Hill (Cincinnati, OH) 	2007
Donte Greene 	 F 	6-9/210   34 	Towson Catholic (Towson, MD) 		2007
Kevin Love 	 C 	6-10/260  42 	Lake Oswego (Lake Oswego, OR) 		2007
Brandon Jennings G 	6-2/165   3 	Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, VA) 	2008
Kyle  Singler 	 F 	6-8/200   33 	South Medford (Medford, OR) 		2007
J.J. Hickson 	 F 	6-9/235   44 	Wheeler (Marietta, GA) 			2007
Chris Allen 	 G 	6-3/190   20 	Meadowcreek (Norcross, GA) 		2007
Samardo Samuels  F 	6-9/235   50 	St. Benedict's (Newark, NJ) 		2008
Rick Jackson 	 F 	6-9/225   40 	Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia, PA) 	2007
Corey Stokes 	 G 	6-6/210   24 	St. Benedict's (Newark, NJ) 		2007

Jerryd Bayless 	 G 	6-3/190 	5 	St. Mary's (Phoenix, AZ) 		2007
Lance Stephenson G 	6-5/195 	11 	Lincoln (Brooklyn, NY) 			2009
Tyreke Evans 	 G 	6-4/200 	1 	American Christian (Aston, PA) 		2008
Michael Beasley  F 	6-9/235 	30 	Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, VA) 	2007
DeAndre Jordan 	 C 	6-11/235 	32 	Christian Life Academy (Humble, TX) 	2007
Senario Hillman  G 	6-3/180 	7 	Wilkinson County (Irwinton, GA) 	2007
Devin Ebanks 	 F 	6-7/205 	12 	The Patterson School (Lenoir, NC) 	2007
Nolan Smith 	 G 	6-3/170 	43 	Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, VA) 	2007
Gary Johnson 	 F 	6-6/220 	23 	Aldine (Houston, TX) 			2007
Cole Aldrich 	 C 	6-11/245 	45 	Jefferson (Bloomington, MN) 		2007
Anthony Randolph F 	6-10/200 	4 	Woodrow Wilson (Dallas, TX) 		2007
Austin Freeman 	 G 	6-5/215 	3 	DeMatha (Hyattsville, MD) 		2007