Intriguing Class of 2023
The Bayou state’s best is yet days are yet to come. The 2021 class is decent, 2022 is a little deeper, but some believe 2023 has some gems. If the potential is met this class has the chance to have…
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Continue ReadingThe Bayou state’s best is yet days are yet to come. The 2021 class is decent, 2022 is a little deeper, but some believe 2023 has some gems. If the potential is met this class has the chance to have a huge impact on college basketball in terms of offers, and guys who will play integral roles in their future teams’ success. This weekend I will have another chance to watch and evaluate players. I will be watching to see improvements and for new unknown or guys flying under the radar. Below are a few of these promising young stars.
Chris Lockett Chris Lockett 6'5" | CG Isidore Newman | 2023 State #180 Nation LA 6’5″ PG Newman
Everyone who follows youth basketball has heard of Lockett, who has become one of the most heralded in Louisiana’s 2023 class. Lockett is considered a 5-star prospect who currently holds 8 offers and counting is, the New Orleans area top prospect and Louisiana’s top player in the class of 2023. This Covid-19 travel ball season Lockett has run with his normal team Houston Hoops team and has continued where he left off during the prep season lighting defenses up.
Canin Jefferson 6’0″ PG Newman
Jefferson is another prospect who attends Newman H.S. Last season Jefferson played a complementary role due to the leadership and success of teammates Javon Ruffin and Chris Lockett Chris Lockett 6'5" | CG Isidore Newman | 2023 State #180 Nation LA . However, with the possibility of Ruffin not returning Jefferson will be given the opportunity for a bigger role. The quick guard uses quickness and craftiness to create for himself and others. This is a rare skill these days when guards believe every play is run for themselves. Another quality Jefferson has is extended range on his pull up jumper, which he’s willing to try at 23 feet or so. With increased strength and his body filling out, he will become an issue for opposing defenses.
Fred Payne Fred Payne 6'2" | PG Legacy School Of Sport Sciences | 2023 State TX 6’1″ PG Sunrise Christian
Payne is another young player who has made a name for himself on the national scene in various camps and showcases. The north Louisiana prospect will be taking his show on the road to national power Sunrise Christian Prep. This is a great move for him to grow his game and brand. Currently, Payne is best suited off the ball because of his scoring guard mentality, and does a great job of doing it. This ability has helped him bully competition in his age group and some high school competition. Nevertheless, the transfer will allow him to practice and play against elite skill, length, and athleticism, which makes me excited to look forward to the projected growth.
Tyler Ringgold Tyler Ringgold 6'7" | SF Legacy Early College | 2023 State SC 6’7″ SF Southern Lab
Ringgold first appeared on my radar in January at the Big 8 Classic in Baton Rouge. I noticed a kid who was very active and involved in positive plays for his team. Ringgold has positional size, body, and a growing skill set. I have had a chance to watch his since then, and he’s seemed to have gotten a little stronger and added a few inches to his bounce. Ringgold currently has 4 Division 1 offers on the table, but the question is how much he will be allowed to fail forward? Mistakes are a part of growth and development for perimeter players. However, most youth/AAU/prep coaches love winning over development. Players who have potential like Ringgold are placed closer to the basket in favor of a smaller guard with a tighter handle, but who have limited potential as a small forward. Today’s work will determine the future, I’m wishing Ringgold success in overcoming this hurdle.
Warren Young 6’1″ PG Walker
Young is also another of the scoring first types at the point guard position. He is a very active and aggressive guard who is constantly looking to make something happen on defense and offense. Consequently, this may lead to erratic play on his part. There is no doubt he plays hard and wants to win. Nonetheless, he must learn to pace himself and read the game better from the position of a point/lead guard. Subsequently, his performances will become better and more consistent, and this will lead to Young positioning himself in the top tier of his class in Louisiana.
Robert Youngblood 6’2″ SG Dutchtown
Light bright, yes this is the nickname I gave Young in his AAU teams tryout before I knew his name. As players began to stick out in their play I noticed Youngblood. He was attacking the goal, fighting for rebounds, and moving well without the ball before any plays were put in. The next chance I got to watch him were the games in the Power 24 tournament. I noticed Youngblood had become the utility man for his team. A guy who could fill in at a variety of spots covering for teammates who may not be as proficient or filling in spots to earn minutes. If I had to predict the future today Youngblood will be considered a late bloomer, a sleeper, or someone slept on. Repetition is said to be the mother of skill, and with more reps/minutes Young will have a chance to improve in skill and production. Eventually, he will become readily recognized for his play.
Deon Ware 6’3″ CG Carver
In watching Ware’s game he reminds me of D’Angelo Russell. The smooth lefty is as adept in running the ball screen as he is shooting from the outside. Another player who played a complementary role in his prep team’s success last season, however, he will be expected to take his game up a notch if the team is to be successful. Ware must become tougher and show a deeper love for the game. Many players who are skilled and successful young can coast at times. If he is to become an elite player, he must improve his toughness and commitment to the game.
Corey Skillman Corey Skillman 6'4" | SG Brother Martin | 2023 TX 6’3″ CG Brother Martin
Skills pay the bills is what I was taught, and when it comes to skills Skillman has it. He currently has been working on building his strength in an effort to play stronger and more confident. I tried to watch him in the Power 24, which was difficult due to so many players on his team and an injury that cut his play short. Be that as it may, I noticed some positives in his effort to compete and trying to assert himself on his talented team. One area of improvement would be pacing. Pacing is a hard skill to teach and learn. Many players have one of two speeds…. fast or out of control. The best offensive players master pace and change of pace. That being said players should not allow defensive players to speed them into mistakes. So, playing at a pace that is successful for him and his team is an elite level of development that Skillman can add to his toolbox.
John Kelly John Kelly 5'10" | CG De La Salle | 2020 State LA 6’7″ Wing Crescent City
Kelly is a player who I’m very familiar with, having watched him since 7th grade. He is a player who has played around the basket early on. But the future says his athleticism, skillset, and disposition would make him most successful on the perimeter. I list Kelly as a wing because his game has yet to be defined whether shooting guard or small forward. In metropolitan areas where there’s an abundance of size, Kelly would have an opportunity to develop possibly at the shooting guard position due to a decent perimeter shot. Yes, he must tighten his handle and decision making to be on the perimeter full time. But a small improvement in playing low to high would create huge improvements.
Corey Chest 6’5″? McMain
Chest who’s transferring this season from Slidell H.S. possibly to McMain. He is a guy I like due to his motor. Many players, parents, and fans fail to understand the importance is MOTOR!!! Chest has this and uses his energy to gather rebounds, block shots, and dunks. Often good youth and prep players struggle at the next level due to low or no motor at all. Definitely that won’t be an issue for Chest, his issue will be development. At the moment he’s playing in the post, if he doesn’t devote himself to hours and hours on his game with solid tutorship he will not reach his maximum potential. Chest can go as far as he truly wants if he follows this formula.
Malachi Evans 6’9″ PF Hamilton Christian
Evans may be one of the tallest players in his class in Louisiana. Being a big early on for most bigs can be a rough experience. Some people expect 14-16-year-old players to be Garnett or Shaq as soon as they step on the floor. Evans is learning the game of basketball and his body due to a growth spurt. Evans runs the floor well and he can alter shots, with this said he will show flashes early on the defensive end. In today’s game improving his eye-hand coordination will lead to his success in the ball screen game.
Kaden Jasmine 6’7″ PF De LaSalle
A guy who just came out of nowhere for me is Jasmine. Presently, he’s at 6’7″ and slated to perhaps growing 2-3 inches. Possessing decent hands, solid footwork, and a demeanor to bang a little. Jasmine may grow into one of the most dominant players in the post in the state.
Kameron Johnson 5’8″ PG Shaw
Johnson is a fearless guard despite being undersized. Playing in the Power 24 Johnson didn’t shrink from his normal game and playing style. One area early on he seeded to struggle with was being in tight spaces with length. This short-travel season will definitely be used as a testing ground for Johnson. It is imperative Johnson get an opportunity to practice his talents against longer and more athletic guards. Successful performances against these types of players will breed experience and confidence moving forward. This information will allow evaluators and coaches to determine his future level of play.
Derek Burditt 6’2″ CG Cresent City
Burditt is another guard who does well off the ball as a scorer. With the basketball, he is an explorer, looking to spots and moments to drive or shoot. These skills and talents have been apart of his game since a young player, which means he does not lack for confidence. This prep season Burditt will also step into another bigger role with the State Champions Crescent City. It’s been hard to gauge his growth in this travel team season due to the depth on his team. I will get another chance this weekend to see him and his team to make further evaluations.