2011 Bleacher Report Preseason High School All-American Teams

The time has come to release the Bleacher Report's first-annual 2011 Preseason High School All-American Team. Containing the 24 best high school basketball players from New York to Seattle, the four teams contain the stars that are sure to dominate high school, college and NBA basketball for years to come.

Along with having a heavy dose of high school seniors, numerous juniors made the cut for the team, mostly because of just how talented the elite level junior prospects are this season. While no high school sophomores or freshman made the list this year, there are a number of prospects who are on the cusp for next season's prestigious list.

This year's preseason teams contain the best four point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, power forwards and centers in the high school game. Also, I have an "honorable mention" list of 10 prospects who just made the cut. Check back after the high school season to see which prospects solidified their spots on the official All-American Teams, who slipped off the pedestal, and which recruits worked their way onto the list.

Without further adieu, the 2011 Bleacher Report's Preseason High School All-American Team ...

Fourth Team: Kaleb Tarczewski

Height: 7'0"

Weight: 220 pounds

Position: Center

High School: St. Mark's School (NH)

Class: Senior

Committed to: Arizona

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: The athletic big man can run the floor exceptionally well, while displaying advanced post moves for a high school senior. He is just one integral part of Sean Miller's monster 2012 recruiting class that he will be bringing to Tucson next season.

Fourth Team: Shaq Goodwin

Height: 6'8"

Weight: 245 pounds

Position: Power Forward

High School: Southwest DeKalb High School (GA)

Class: Senior

Committed to: Memphis

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: He is the star prospect in the state of Georgia's deepest talent pool ever. He is a super athletic forward who uses his instincts and quick reaction time to make make a major impact on every game he is in.

Fourth Team: Aaron Gordon

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 210 pounds

Position: Small Forward

High School: Archibishop Mitty High School (CA)

Class: Junior

Committed to: Undecided 

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: The 6-foot-7 Bay Area native might be the most athletic player in the country not named Shaquille Johnson. Once his skills catch up to his ability to wow crowds with his dunks and blocks, he will be a dominant college player and future professional.

Fourth Team: Gary Harris

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 195 pounds

Position: Shooting Guard

High School: Hamilton Southeastern High School (IN)

Class: Senior

Committed to: Michigan State

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: The basketball and football star is as athletic of a high school prospect as you will find. If he so chose, he could be playing major college football for the next four years, but he has decided to stick to the hardwood. He brings an advanced slashing game to the table, where he is capable of dunking on anyone in his way. A big-time defender who is capable of locking down star players on the offensive end.

Fourth Team: Kris Dunn

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 180 pounds

Position: Point Guard

High School: New London High School (CT)

Class: Senior

Committed to: Providence

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: The long and athletic point guard will be a game-changer from the moment he steps foot on Providence College's campus. He is best when penetrating into the lane and creating for himself and his teammates. His jump shot needs work, but it will be fine tuned with practice.

Third Team: Dajuan Coleman

Height: 6'10"

Weight: 280 pounds

Position: Center

High School: Jamesville-DeWitt High School

Class: Senior

Committed to: Syracuse

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: An absolute load in the low block. He is a monstrous prospect, who when in his peak physical condition, dominates opponents because of his physical size. He should be an immediate force in the middle for Syracuse, posting double-doubles from the get-go as a freshman.

Third Team: Brandon Ashley

Height: 6'8"

Weight: 215 pounds

Position: Power Forward

High School: Findlay Prep (NV)

Class: Senior

Committed to: Arizona

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: Brandon has been a popular name on the West Coast since his freshman year of high school. Up until this summer, his progress had seemed to level out. However, he absolutely tore up the circuit in 2011 and not only rejuvenated his game in the process, but his perception as an elite player on the national level. He should have an immediate impact in an Arizona uniform next season. 

Third Team: Marcus Smart

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 200 pounds

Position: Small Forward

High School: Marcus High School (TX)

Class: Senior

Committed to: Oklahoma State

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: With the body of a college linebacker, Marcus Smart has a physique to be desired at the high school level. His forte at this point is his lock down defensive skills, which alone could land him a career in the National Basketball Association down the road. He has a motor that never stops, and brings energy and toughness to his high school team.

Third Team: Ricardo Ledo

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 180 pounds

Position: Shooting Guard

High School: South Kent School (CT)

Class: Senior

Committed to: Providence

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: Perhaps the most offensively gifted player in the country, Ricardo Ledo is a pleasure to watch. He has consistent NBA range on his jump shot, and is equally adept at pulling up off the dribble. His maturity issues seem to be dissolving, and he looks ready to blossom into the superstar talent he was destined to become.

Third Team: Rodney Purvis

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 185 pounds

Position: Point Guard

High School: Upper Room Christian Academy (NC)

Class: Senior

Committed to: North Carolina State

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team:  A physically powerfully combo guard right now, Rodney Purvis is looking to transition to the point guard position full-time. He thrives when he is driving to the basket, where he is always on the prowl, ready to unleash a rim-shaking dunk on an unsuspecting defender. He is another prospect who has taken his game to another level in the past year, and he is hungry to be a great player.

Second Team: Nerlens Noel

Height: 6'10"

Weight: 215 pounds

Position: Center

High School: The Tilton School (NH)

Class: Junior

Committed to: Undecided

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: The distinction of being the best defensive player in the country goes to Nerlens Noel, without a doubt. He is the best shot-blocker to hit the prep ranks since Greg Oden roamed hardwood floors all over Indiana. He possesses uncanny timing on his jumps, and alters even more shots. He is a work in progress on the offensive end of the floor, but that's alright at this point in his career.

Second Team: Mitch McGary

Height: 6'10"

Weight: 225 pounds

Position: Power Forward

High School: Brewster Academy (NH)

Class: Senior

Committed to: Michigan

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: The late-blooming power forward is a vocal star. He punctuates blocks and dunks with ferocious yells, and uses his non-stop motor to get results each and every time he steps on the floor. He is a prospect very reminiscent of Tyler Hansbrough, and should make Michigan Wolverines fans very happy once he steps on the floor wearing maize and blue.

Second Team: Anthony Bennett

Height: 6'8"

Weight: 230 pounds

Position: Small/Power Forward

High School: Findlay Prep (NV)

Class: Senior

Committed to: Undecided

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: The Canadian born recruit has the body of a power forward yet possesses the skill set of a small forward. He will be polishing his skills this season at Findlay Prep under head coach Michael Peck, and you can bet his game with expand greatly because of this. He is wanted by nearly every big time college team, and it's easy to see why. He is a consistent shooter from the outside, but can also take his defender to the post and punish him on the interior.

Second Team: Archie Goodwin

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 180 pounds

Position: Shooting Guard

High School: Sylvan Hills High School (AR)

Class: Senior

Committed to: Kentucky

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: Coach Cal's latest guard project will be Archie Goodwin. The athletic combo guard will be a perfect fit for the Dribble Drive Offensive run by Kentucky, which utilizes versatile players skills. He is an above average ball handler, who is exceptional at attacking the basket.

Second Team: Andrew Harrison

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 210 pounds

Position: Point Guard

High School: Travis High School (TX)

Class: Junior

Committed to: Undecided

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: Though he is just a junior, Andrew Harrison might be the best point guard prospect on the high school scene. He has pro size at 6-foot-5, is an above-average shooter, solid ball-handler, and he has great court vision. He terrorizes opponents with his partner-in-crime, twin brother Aaron, a nationally-acclaimed shooting guard in the class of 2013.

First Team: Isaiah Austin

Height: 7'0"

Weight: 200 pounds

Position: Center

High School: Grace Preparatory Academy (TX)

Class: Senior

Committed to: Baylor

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: The seven-footer is the "cream of the crop" when it comes to high school centers. He uses his size and length to block and alter tons of shots per game, and on offense, he causes just as many problems for the opponent. He has the ball-handling skills of a guard, and can consistently drop silky 3-point shots on over-matched big men. Baylor is getting a prize next season when the Texas native steps on campus.

First Team: Julius Randle

Height: 6'9"

Weight: 225 pounds

Position: Power Forward

High School: Prestonwood Christian Academy (TX)

Class: Junior

Committed to: Undecided

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: Julius Randle has as much upside as any prospect that you will find from coast to coast. He plays like a mix between Kentucky's Terrence Jones and a young Chris Webber. He has advanced post moves down low, dribbles like a guard, and shoots the ball with efficiency. On the defensive end of the floor, he takes great angles to block opponents shots, and is a master at getting into passing lanes. 

First Team: Jabari Parker

Height: 6'8"

Weight: 220 pounds

Position: Small Forward

High School: Simeon Career Academy (IL)

Class: Junior

Committed to: Undecided

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: Chicago's latest star hails from the same high school that produced Derrick Rose. He plays like a young Carmelo Anthony, and can dominate a game in a variety of ways. His game is advanced in just about every aspect, and coaches from every top program are trying to land this rare talent. Look for him to lead Simeon to another state title this season, and garner even more media attention along the way.

First Team: Shabazz Muhammad

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 215 pounds

Position: Shooting Guard

High School: Bishop Gorman High School (NV)

Class: Senior

Committed to: Undecided

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: The product of Las Vegas has been the pride of high school basketball for over two years now. He has an incredible work ethic, and has continued to improve his game year after year. He has NBA size and athleticism, and will be an instant program-changer for whatever school he ultimately signs with. 

First Team: Kyle Anderson

Height: 6'7" 

Weight: 210 pounds

Position: Point Guard

High School: St. Anthony's High School (NJ)

Class: Senior

Committed to: UCLA

Why He Made The B/R All-American Team: The most versatile prospect in the country, Kyle Anderson can affect a game in a variety of ways. The 6-foot-7 point guard dominates helpless opponents in the paint, but can just as easily get to the hoop against them. Playing shooting guard and small forward, he can choose which way he would like to beat you. He can reign jumpers from deep, pull up mid-range, or post-up. He has phenomenal vision for a guard, and UCLA is getting a fantastic prospect next season.

Honorable Mention:

Name:                Height:      Weight:    Position:      Class:     State:   Committed to: 

Yogi Ferrell           5'11"         160 lbs.       PG.            Senior         IN             Indiana

Aquille Carr           5'7"           150 lbs.       PG.            Junior         MD         Undecided

Gabe York            6'2"           170 lbs.      SG.             Senior        CA            Arizona

Omar Calhoun       6'3"           185 lbs.      SG.             Senior        NY             UCONN

Danuel House        6'6"            185 lbs.     SF.              Senior       TX              Houston

Alex Poythress       6'7"             215 lbs.     SF.             Senior        TN           Kentucky

Jarnell Stokes        6'8"             250 lbs.     PF.              Senior        TN         Undecided

Chris Walker          6'10"           195 lbs.     PF.               Junior        FL          Undecided

Cameron Ridley       6'10"          230 lbs.      C.                 Senior        TX              Texas

Shaquille Cleare       6'9"            270 lbs.      C.                Senior        TX           Maryland