August 4, 2004 Rivals.com releases post-summer 2005 rankings
Tim Watts RivalsHoops.com Editor

After five months of extensive travel, covering AAU tournaments from Orlando to Houston to Los Angeles, Rivals.com is prepared to release the post-summer rankings for the class of 2005.

Unlike any year in recent memory, the race for the top spot in 2005 was wide open, with as many as 10 prospects competing for the No. 1 ranking heading into July, which proved to be the pivotal month for the summer basketball season.

It should be noted that certain areas of a player's game are more easily developed than others, and the developmental curve is of utmost importance. Rankings are more about what a player will become than where he is right now. However, where a player is now says a lot about where he could be.

Click here for the Rivals.com 150Hoops rankings.


Texas shooting guard snags top honors

Rivals.com
Gerald Green is named the nation's top prospect in 2005 by Rivals.com

After his MVP performance at the ABCD camp in Teaneck, N.J., 6-foot-8 small forward Gerald Green earned the reputation as one of the elite players in the 2005 class. Previously ranked No. 9 by Rivals.com, the Houston Gulf Shores Academy product led the ABCD in scoring at nearly 20 points per game. His offensive arsenal includes using his impressive size and solid handle to get off a nice long-range jump shot in addition to impressive athleticism.

Green, who committed to Oklahoma State in June, traveled the AAU circuit this summer with Houston Elite. Coach Rick Nelson said Green is only tapping into his potential.

"He's only just now realizing how ! good he can become," Nelson said. "He has improved so much this past year, and I think he will continue to become better as his career continues. In two or three years he is going to be on top of his game and then people will see what he can do. He's just scratching the surface."

Green said he is honored to be considered among the top players in the 2005 class.

"I've played against some of the big name guys, and there are so many great ones out there that it's overwhelming to think I might be the best," he said. "I've worked so hard and had so many blessings this year. I entered this summer with the goal of playing hard and trying to earn a scholarship and just hoping that I would be able to attend college.

"I'm already working hard, trying to get bigger and stronger. I want to finish my high school career strong and keep my grades up. I owe a lot to the people around me like my parents and Coach Nelson, who keep me focused on the big picture and make sure I understand there is more to life than just basketball."
he number 1 player in the country...