Class of 2023 Ranking: Biggest Risers
10 players who will make the biggest jumps in the next class of 2023 player rankings… No. 7 Demerius Shakur Demerius Shakur 6'2" | CG Martin Luther | 2023 State WI – Wisconsin Playground Club Previous: 12 Nice jump…
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Continue Reading10 players who will make the biggest jumps in the next class of 2023 player rankings…
No. 7 Demerius Shakur Demerius Shakur 6'2" | CG Martin Luther | 2023 State WI – Wisconsin Playground Club
Previous: 12
Nice jump for the Martin Luther standout. Took a chance on putting him in the top 15 initially and it turned out that wasn’t high enough. Shakur is a terrific pick n’ roll floor general. I like his decision making when it comes to hitting the roll/flare man or turning the corner and getting to the rack. A plus-length guard that can also defend the ball and shoot from the outside, Shakur has a lot of tools and will be on the radar of Division 1 schools in the coming years.
No. 10 Cal Klesmit Cal Klesmit 6'2" | CG Neenah | 2023 State #235 Nation WI – Wisconsin Blizzard
Previous: 16
Klesmit’s performance against PGC in the 15U title game last weekend not only cemented what we thought of him initially, but boosted his stock as well. A skilled combo guard that can score and facilitate, Klesmit has strong take over ability offensively. In that win over PGC, Klesmit either scored or assisted on roughly two-third’s of the Blizzard’s points. Klesmit can mix it up offensively. If you give him space on the perimeter, he’ll burn you from deep, but also quick enough to blow by defenders and get to the rack.
No. 11 Bennett McCormick – JH1 Elite
Previous: 19
With limited viewings this summer, it’s tough place prospect after just one live evaluation. I could definitely see McCormick in the 6-7 range, but I’m going to split the difference from where I had him originally…for now. The Catholic Memorial guard/wing looks like one of the most well-rounded players in this class. McCormick does a little bit of everything and doesn’t have an off-switch. McCormick stands out as a slasher, passer, rebounder, on-ball and off-ball defender, and glue guy. Given all that, he’ll be a very recruitable player.
No. 12 Colin Hardrick Colin Hardrick 6'3" | CG Wauwatosa West | 2022 State WI – Wisconsin Playground Club
Previous: NR
Definitely heard of Hardrick before this summer, but wasn’t much film available to make an evaluation. The Wauwatosa West guard can be instant offense at times. Hardrick has good size (6-3), athleticism, and length. He can catch and shoot or stop and pop off the bounce. Hardrick is an effective three-level scorer and also a nightmare to handle in transition. His measurable will also allow him to be a darn good defender as well if he puts in the work on that end.
No. 17 Levi Birkholz Levi Birkholz 5'2" | SG Lakeside Luthersn | 2023 State #290 Nation WI – Wisconsin Crusaders
Previous: 23
A prospect that I could see continuing to slide up with more time, Birkholz has had a big summer thus far. A high-motor, athletic guard, Birkholz can absolutely attack and finish above the rim in traffic. Birkholz has turned a lot of heads this summer with his transition and dribble drive presence. He’s also a quality shooter from 3-point range and can create shots off the bounce.
No. 18 Logan Arndt Logan Arndt 6'2" | SG Oconomowoc | 2023 State WI – ABC Young Lions
Previous: 27
Arndt is gonna be a player to watch for sure. He’s more advanced than a lot of the guards in the state right now. An athletic, high-motor guard, Arndt has a good blend of skill and tenacity with his play. Not only is he a guy that can generate shots offensively, he does a lot of the dirty work in terms of rebounding and coming up with 50-50 balls.
No. 20 Amillion Buggs Amillion Buggs 6'4" | SF Wausau West | 2022 State WI – ABC Young Lions
Previous: NR
If his skillset catches up to his athleticism, Buggs is going to fly up this list. Usually one of the best athletes on the floor each time he laces em’ up, Buggs turned a lot of heads last weekend with his high-flying ability in transition and shot blocking presence. A strong, plus-length wing, Buggs sets a tone and makes those momentum-shifting plays by turning defense into offense.
No. 21 Will Starks Will Starks 6'4" | SF Kenosha Tremper | 2023 State WI – World Hoops Elite
Previous: NR
Stark has a lot of upside to keep climbing this list. The Kenosha Tremper product was unknown going into July, but had a huge opening weekend in Appleton. The 6-foot-3 wing just lives at the rim and loves to get up and down the floor in transition. Stark also has a knack for attacking the offensive glass and getting garbage buckets on second-chance opportunities.
No. 28 Seth Miron Seth Miron 6'4" | SF Kimberly | 2023 State WI – Wisconsin Blizzard
Really like Miron’s base as a skilled 6-foot-4 wing that can shoot and handle the ball. The Kimberly native has terrific positional size and versatility. Also a standout quarterback in the 2023 class, Miron plays the game with a certain toughness and edge to him. Even though he’s a little lanky and probably still growing, Miron moves well for his size, both vertically and laterally. He’s got the ability to bend and play low to the ground, which combined with his fluid handles and rise and fire jumper, make him a difficult matchup. Definitely a prospect I’d project inside the top 20 at some point.
No. 30 Chris Djurasovic Chris Djurasovic 6'8" | PF Homestead | 2023 State WI – Chapman Basketball Academy
Previous: NR
Djurasovic has a chance to be one of the best pure post prospects in this class. He definitely looks the part at 6-foot-5 with a strong frame and plenty of mobility. Djurasovic is a skilled back-to-the-basket forward who you can dump the ball inside to on the block and get easy looks. He also shows some ability to space the floor and get up and down in transition. Bigs like Djurasovic generally develop later, but the Homestead product definitely has a good-looking base to work with now.