This is the 4^th of a five part series of 2009 rankings that has been released over the last week. Unlike some other media sources that don’t fully understand that the college and pro game positions are inherently different for many reasons too detailed to discuss here, the Fullcourt Press has always broken down its rankings into 5 different position areas: (a) Centers/Post-Forwards, (b) Combo-Forwards, (c) Wing Forwards/Off-Guards, (d) Combo-Guards and (e) Point Guards. These position categories reflect how multidimensional the college game has become and how much the concept of “versatility” is valued by college coaches. These rankings reflect both current player talent level/skills as well as their “upside” or potential. We have ranked the best of the bunch from 1-10 with others deserving consideration listed further below. For purposes of these rankings: “Southern California” is the area bordering the Fresno area to the north and the Mexican Border to the south.

We will update these 2009 rankings in late August/early September – after we get a chance to digest how much all of these players either improve or digress over the July recruiting period.

Listed below are the top Combo-Guards in Southern California’s Class of 2009 – led by one of the fastest rising prospects in the nation: Roberto Nelson. Justin Hawkins, Jordan Finn and Garrett Johnson are also prospects that are being held in high regard by college coaches and media while the rest of the Top 10 are players worth taking a long look at this July.

2009 Combo-Guards

1. Roberto Nelson 6’3” Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara CA)

Outstanding shooter was arguably the best player at the 2008 Arizona Cactus Classic – leading Compton Magic to the finals there. Strong body allows him to finish his slashing drives to the basket with regularity. Very underrated passer made the Top 20 Cream of the Crop Game at the Pangos All-American Camp in early June and has Ohio State, Washington, Florida, USC, Marquette, UCLA, Oregon State, Arizona State, Tennessee and many others trying to stay in the mix this July. Reminds me of a young Deron Williams (Utah Jazz). Scheduled to be at the Fullcourt Press All-West Camp (July 11-13 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA) as well as with his Compton Magic squad at the Fullcourt Press Cream of the Crop Challenge (July 14-15 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA), adidas Super 64 (July 22-26 @ Las Vegas NV and Fullcourt Press End

of the Trail Classic (July 28-30 @ Cabrillo HS/Long Beach CA).

2. Justin Hawkins 6’3” Taft (Woodland Hills CA)

Solid as a rock lead guard is not flashy but does all the important small things that helps his team win. Hawkins (a UNLV commit) is an excellent defender and underrated scorer. Outstanding leader and person is scheduled to be at the Fullcourt Press All-West Camp (July 11-13 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA) as well as with his Compton Magic squad at the Fullcourt Press Cream of the Crop Challenge (July 14-15 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA), adidas Super 64 (July 22-26 @ Las Vegas NV and Fullcourt Press End of the Trail Classic (July 28-30 @ Cabrillo HS/Long Beach CA).
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3. Jordan Finn 6’4” Etiwanda (Etiwanda CA)

Very versatile combo has the ability to be a true facilitator for his team – consistently making the “right” decisions that help his team win. Finn has a very nice feel for the game and a knack for making the “extra pass” that leads to easy scoring opportunities for teammates. Jordan has legitimate three-point range and the confidence to be a leading team scorer. Love his poise and court temperament. Nebraska, New Mexico, San Diego State, Pepperdine, Santa Clara, Long Beach State, San Francisco, UC-Santa Barbara, San Diego, St. Mary’s and Pacific are currently in the hunt.

4. Garrett Johnson 6’5” Diamond Ranch (Diamond Bar CA)

Multi-dimensional guard with size has excellent handle and real ability to create for himself as well as for teammates. Johnson could be a hot commodity this month. Kansas State, Arizona State, Santa Clara, San Diego, Portland, UC-Irvine and UC-Santa Barbara showing interest. Scheduled to be at the Fullcourt Press All-West Camp (July 11-13 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA).

5.         Eric Lawton                         6’1”     West Valley (Hemet CA)

Athletic combo-guard can really elevate above the rim and is a tricky ballhandler and underrated shooter. Recently committed to San Diego State.

6.         De’shawn Gomez               6’1”     Inglewood (Inglewood CA)

Active and athletic combo gets after it at both ends. Very good ability to beat defenders off the dribble.

Scheduled to be at the Fullcourt Press All-West Camp (July 11-13 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA).

7.         Donley Minor III                   6’0”     Leuzinger (Lawndale CA)

Verbum Dei transfer is athletic and plays tough defense. Underrated ballhandler and passer is scheduled to be at the Fullcourt Press All-West Camp (July 11-13 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA).

8.         Robert Allen                         6’2”     Crossroads (Santa Monica CA)

Good looking lead guard has a solid handle and is hard to contain off the dribble. Scheduled to be at the Fullcourt Press All-West Camp (July 11-13 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA)

9.         Christopher Bearden        6’1”     Sonora (La Habra CA)

Scrappy lefty has a dangerous three-point stroke. Great competitor is an even better student (3.9 GPA). Scheduled to be at the Fullcourt Press All-West Camp (July 11-13 @ The Hangar/Hawthorne CA)

10.       Alan Banker                         6’2”     Mayfair (Lakewood CA)

Dangerous shooter is a dependable ballhandler and excellent student (3.7 GPA)

Other 2009 Combo-Guards To Follow

*      Nolan Abernathy                6’1”     Bonita (La Verne CA)

Quick penetrator can knock down jump shots. Very good student.

*      Lance Bailey                        6’2”     Fairfax (Los Angeles CA)

Very athletic slashing scorer is a quality defender. Just a jump shot away from climbing into the Top 10.

*      Bryce Brady                         6’2”     Campbell Hall (North Hollywood CA)

Solid “catch and shoot” guard has off the charts academics (4.0-plus student).

*      Blake DeJong                     6’2”     Valley Christian (Cerritos CA)

Steady guard has legitimate 3-point stroke.

*      Dalton Harbrough              6’2”     Western (Anaheim CA)

Fundamentally sound guard has an accurate perimeter stroke.

*      Allen Jiles                             6’2”     Lynwood (Lynwood CA)

Savvy lefty has nice “slash and score” ability. Very good student.

*      Brandon Legnon                6’2”     Lancaster (Lancaster CA)

Creative scorer also has the ability to pressure the ball.

*      Christian Mack                    6’1”     Valencia (Placentia CA)

Athletic combo is a swarming defender.

*      Rodney Mendes                 6’2”     San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno CA)

Fine passer and solid ballhandler.

*      Michael Pannagio              6’0”     Bishop Montgomery (Torrance CA)

Very good shooter.

*      Brandon Parga                   6’2”     St. John Bosco (Bellflower CA)
Cerebral guard has a nice touch from beyond the 3-point arc. Needs to improve defensive effort.

*      Myron Peyton                      6’1”     Perris (Perris CA)
Defensive stopper is a deceptive slashing scorer.

*      Keion Pledger                     6’2”     Lynwood (Lynwood CA)

Sleeper combo prospect has very good upside and is a crafty scorer. One to keep an eye on this summer.

*      Travis Robbins                  6’1”     Santa Clara (Oxnard CA)

Skilled guard is a fine passer.

*      Deronn Scott                       6’3”     Etiwanda (Etiwanda CA)

Underrated lead guard is quick to the basket and is a dependable ballhandler.

*      Travon Wesson                  6’1”     Ridgeview (Bakersfield CA)

Solid with the rock, Travon has range on his jump shot.

*      Brad Wyche                         6’0”     Hart (Santa Clarita)

Hardworking guard has a nice perimeter stroke and is a solid student.

Photos of Roberto Nelson, Justin Hawkins and Jordan Finn by Nick Koza (www.SportsAmp.com).

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