(The post has been contributed to by Corey Evans, Managing Editor of HoopSeen.com.)
The Class of 2016 is not only loaded with future NBA stars, but there are a litany of players with the skill sets to dominate the highlight reels.
Which brings us to the mixtapes. Mixtapes are, clearly, not the best way for us to evaluate a player. They don’t factor in level of competition, turnovers and missed shots are conveniently edited out, and just because a dude can throw down an acrobatic dunk on a fast break doesn’t mean he understands how to use that athleticism in a basketball setting.
That’s all true, but ... those mixtapes sure are fun to watch, aren’t they?
Here are the ten best from the Class of 2016:
Malik Monk: The 6-foot-4 native of Arkansas is one of the most electric scorers in the country. Monk once had a 57-point game during a Nike EYBL contest and he has deep range along with an ability to play well above the rim. Monk is strongly considering Arkansas or Kentucky.
Seventh Woods: Unfair hype was thrown on Woods after his freshman year of high school -- thanks to a mixtape -- but he’s still managed to become a quality guard. The 6-foot-1 Woods could decide this week between Georgetown, North Carolina and South Carolina.
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Kwe Parker: A former high school teammate of Harry Giles, Parker is one of the best contest-dunking guards in the country. His explosiveness leaping at the rim is elite for a 6-foot-1 guard and the former Rutgers commit recently opened things up.
Dennis Smith: Although he’ll be out for a long time recovering from a torn ACL, the N.C. State commit can fly around the rim while also making high-level passes. The 6-foot-3 Smith formed a ferocious one-two punch with five-star power forward Bam Adebayo.
Miles Bridges: One of the most powerful in-game dunkers in recent memory, the Michigan State commit kills windmills and likes throwing down on defenders. The 6-foot-6 Bridges is also a multi-positional wing who can score all over the floor.
Josh Jackson: The 6-foot-7 native of Detroit is one of the most athletic wings in recent memories, drawing athletic comparisons to other big wings like Andrew Wiggins. Jackson is also an exceptional passer and all-around player. The Rivals No. 1 player is still undecided.
Thon Maker: Maker made a national name for himself thanks to some eye-popping plays for a 7-footer on mixtapes. The uncommitted center moves like a guard but still protects the rim with elite shot-blocking abilities.
J.J. Caldwell: Passing is the Texas A&M commit’s forte and he has some of the best vision in the class. The 6-foot-0 Caldwell might not be the high-flyer of some of his point guard peers, but he’s a tremendous floor leader who makes others around him better.
Terrance Ferguson: The centerpiece of Avery Johnson’s first class at Alabama, the 6-foot-6 Ferguson could win a NBA dunk contest someday. A creative dunker who can take off from extreme distances, Ferguson also owns a feathery perimeter jumper.
Mark Vital: A teammate of Ferguson’s both in high school and grassroots ball, the Baylor commit is another high-quality in-game dunker. An undersized forward who relentlessly attacks the basket, Vital is a four-star prospect.
(You can read Corey’s work at HoopSeen.com and you can follow him on twitter @CoreyEvans_10)