2023 rankings – centers

<p>The smallest list of players in the 2023 class ranking is the big men.</p> <p>The number one player in the class would have been <strong>David Oyona</strong>, a 6-foot-10 project at Sunrise Christian Academy. The native of the Republic of Congo was coming along by leaps and bounds, and is already receiving a lot of D1 offers.</p> <p>Oyona has decided to continue his development in Serbia. His absence left the center group small in number. But there’s quality in this quartet.</p> <p>Here are the four centers in the first edition of the Kansas 2023 Player Rankings:</p> <p>12 [player_tooltip player_id="1080174" first="Jack" last="Wilson"], Manhattan:</p> <p>Wilson has a truckload of tools to work with. He can score with either hand in the lane and has advanced footwork. He can face the basket and knock down jumpers all over the midrange. And he is comfortable, and effective, from beyond the arc. At 6-foot-5, he has the size to play in the post in the 6A class. And he has the speed and agility to be a weapon in the open court and on the break. The Indians will have a lot of seniors to replace this year, and Wilson may find a lot of playing time right away.</p> <p>21 [player_tooltip player_id="1080182" first="Cole" last="Watson"], Lawrence:</p> <p>Watson’s 6-foot-4 frame and physicality has been on display this fall for the Lions football team. He is powerful and doesn’t back down from contact on the basketball court either. He is a powerful and relentless rebounder and intimidator in the lane. But he’s not limited to being just a big body. He can handle the ball and shoot it, and he’s not averse to making a move to the goal. He is a good passer and unselfish with the ball. [player_tooltip player_id="599752" first="Zeke" last="Mayo"] and company should benefit from having Watson on varsity next year.</p> <p>25 [player_tooltip player_id="1080186" first="Will" last="Mlynek"], Shawnee Mission South (pictured):</p> <p>The tallest player in this first round of 2023 rankings, Mlynek showed at the Kansas Top 250 Expo that he is a developing force. He has good strength and developing coordination. He can be a facilitator, and a threat, on the perimeter. He can catch and turn to face the basket, and he can overwhelm smaller opponents on the block.</p> <p>27 [player_tooltip player_id="1080188" first="Joe" last="Otting"], Hayden:</p> <p>Otting is a prospect on the offensive and defensive line for the Wildcats. He shows the same agility and smooth feet on the basketball court. Otting is a 6-foot-3 widebody who somehow has the hands and feet of a much smaller and lighter player. He runs well and moves about the lane to create opportunities. He has good post moves, and an excellent shot. He showed off a good turnaround jumper during the summer. He got some quality playing time as a freshman, and will be in line for much more this winter.</p>