Former Tilton prep stud and product of the Dirty E (Everett, for non-Bostonians), Nerlens Noel has re-classified from the class of 2013 BACK to the class of 2012 and will be eligible to start his collegiate career next fall. For those outta the loop, Noel is a 6’10” shotblocker – long (pause) and athletic as hell, and for those colleges looking to bolster their inside presence, they’re embroiled in a bidding war for the services of the Everett native.

One issue in particular has arose from the re-classification – where is he gonna finish up his high school career? He re-classified about a week and change ago, but hasn’t formally re-enrolled at Everett High. This obviously presents a bit of an issue as far as recruiting and graduation is concerned, but whatever. Regardless, high-D1 schools across the country are going nuts about this kid, whose timing and game (of the moment) are reminiscent of another product of Boston – Patrick Ewing.

I did a little research to compile a (reasonably) short list of McDonald’s All-Americans that were born and school out here in the lovely Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I was a bit surprised to see that there hadn’t been more, but the ones that we DID produce were hit-or-miss NBA prospects at one time or another. Heeeeere we go (Slick Rick voice):

• Patrick Ewing – Cambridge Rindge & Latin (1981) – College: Georgetown – 1985 NBA Draft – 1st overall selection – NBA career spent with the New York Knicks (1985 – 2000), Seattle Sonics (2000-01), Orlando Magic (2001-02); multiple All-Star appearances and Finals appearance in 1994.
• Rumeal Robinson – Cambridge Rindge & Latin (1986) – College: Michigan – 1990 NBA Draft – 10th overall selection – NBA career spent with Atlanta Hawks (1990 – 92), New Jersey Nets (1992-93), Charlotte Hornets (1993-94), CBA teams (1994 – 96), Portland TrailBlazers/LA Lakers (1996-97), CBA teams (1997 – 1998), played in Croatia, Italy, and Venezuela (2001-02)
• Billy Curley – Duxbury High (1990) – College: Boston College – 1994 NBA Draft – 22nd overall selection – NBA career spent with Detroit Pistons (1994-95), Portland TrailBlazers (1995 – 96), Minnesota Timberwolves (1997 – 1999), New Jersey Nets (1999), Golden State Warriors (1999), Houston Rockets (2000), Dallas Mavericks (2000), Golden State Warriors (2000-01).
• Chris Herren – Durfee High (1994) – College: Boston College (1994-95); Fresno State (1996-1999) – 1999 NBA Draft – 33rd selection – NBA career spent with Denver Nuggets (1999 – 2000), Boston Celtics (2000-01), overseas (China, Germany, Poland – 2001 – 06)
• Wayne Turner – Beaver Country Day School (1996) – College: Kentucky – Undrafted – NBA career spent with Boston Celtics (1999); overseas and minor league (1999 – 2008 [Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, Harlem Globetrotters)
• Scott Hazelton – Central Catholic (2000) – College: UConn (2001 – 03), Rhode Island (2003 – 05) – Undrafted – No pro experience available.
• Torin Francis  – Tabor Academy (2002) – College: Notre Dame – Undrafted – Pro career includes Italy, Greece, Israel, Germany (2006 – present).
• Michael Jones – Thayer Academy (2003) – College: Maryland – Undrafted in NBA, drafted in CBA draft – Pro career included Turkey, Cyprus, and Romania.