Announcement: 2022 Florida Rankings Update

AAU season is in full swing and the rising senior class here in Florida is one to watch.

Last fall, we updated the 2022 rankings and now this week, we released the newest rankings for the class.

472 players are ranked around the state of Florida in the 2023 class. More stories will follow this week.

2022 Rankings: VIEW HERE

Here is a look at the “Top 5” list with analysis below. 

No. 1 – Jalen Duren Jalen Duren 6'9" | PF Montverde Academy | 2022 FL – 6-9 – F – Montverde

The most ferocious defender perhaps in the entire country, Duren is a gifted shot blocker who has been developed in his upper body since 8th grade. Coming down to Montverde from Pennsylvania and helping the Eagles win a Geico Nationals title, Duren scored in bunches as an attacker and grabbed key boards. With offers from Kentucky, Villanova, UCLA, Memphis, Michigan and more on his plate, he is a serious NBA G League target if he doesn’t ultimately go the college route.

No. 2 – Dariq Whitehead Dariq Whitehead 6'5" | SF Montverde Academy | 2022 State #5 Nation FL – 6-6 – G – Montverde

A mainstay at Montverde since his 8th grade season, Whitehead has gotten stronger, quicker and more seasoned each and every year. One of the most gifted downhill attackers, he can hurt you with his strength on the break and all over the floor. The New Jersey native really made strides this past season and is well on his way. UF, FSU, Kansas, UCLA, Pittsburgh and more have all offered Whitehead with more to come.

No. 3 – Jarace Walker Jarace Walker 6'8" | CG IMG Academy | 2022 State #12 Nation FL – 6-8 – G – IMG

Walker has been a strong asset for IMG the last few seasons. He was instrumental in his team’s Geico Nationals victory in 2018-19. The physical athlete has a nice mid-range, good awareness on the glass and can hurt offenses with his superb on-ball defense. He can cover all five spots on the floor. With offers from UNC, Michigan, Notre Dame, Connecticut, Maryland and more, whatever college ends up with Walker will be awfully lucky.

No. 4 – Jaden Bradley Jaden Bradley 6'2" | PG IMG Academy | 2022 State #15 Nation FL – 6-2 – G – IMG

A confident lead ballhandler and creator, Bradley transferred to IMG from North Carolina last fall. He brought a ton of energy and intensity to his new team on both ends of the floor. A riser and lay-in artist, Bradley is in for another steady senior season as he pursues his college options. North Carolina, UK, Notre Dame, UCLA, NC State and more represent just some of his options.

No. 5 – Eric Dailey Jr. – 6-7 – CG – IMG

One of the smartest and gifted all-around athletes in the country is Dailey Jr. He can flat out shoot, push the tempo and he covers on defense with purpose and aggression. He is a crafty guard who can double as a wing as well and has really made strides over the last year and a half confidence-wise. Texas, Alabama, Miami, Michigan, UF and more have offered Dailey Jr. and I expect him to land at a high-major program here soon.