2023 Rankings Update

Joe Esquivel-Murphy June 8, 2021 @ 11:29 AM

The 2023 rankings update is finally here as summer basketball is about to get into full swing. The list is now up to 163 total prospects as 18 new players joined the rankings. The player at the top has not changed as Dajuan Wagner Jr Dajuan Wagner Jr 6'4" | PG Camden | 2023 State #1 Nation NJ . maintains the number one spot.

The 6’3 guard has been playing at a high level for NJ Scholars Elite during the spring, which should carry over into Peach Jam. Wagner Jr. was recently named the NJ Gatorade Player of the Year and has the potential to be the first multi-year winner since Jahvon Quinerly did it at Hudson Catholic in 2016-17 and 2017-18.

Roselle Catholic’s Simeon Wilcher Simeon Wilcher 6'4" | PG Roselle Catholic | 2023 State #17 Nation NJ maintains his spot at number two and has been making noise for the NY Rens in the spring. The 6’4 guard is hard to contain off the bounce and can finish in a variety of ways around the rim. Wilcher should have a strong performance at Peach Jam in July as he runs the show for a talented NY Rens team.

Gill St. Bernard’s Mackenzie Mgbako Mackenzie Mgbako 6'8" | SF Roselle Catholic | 2023 State #5 Nation NJ checks in at the the third spot and has had a solid spring for NJ Scholars Elite. The 6’7 wing can score at all three levels and is the perfect scoring compliment to Wagner Jr. on the perimeter. Mgbako missed the majority of the season with an injury, but is ready to make up for lost time with a big showing at Peach Jam.

Don Bosco Prep’s Akil Watson Akil Watson 6'7" | SF Roselle Catholic | 2023 State #105 Nation NJ holds the fourth spot and has been playing well for New Heights Lightning this spring. The 6’7 wing knows how to beat his defender off the bounce and finish around the rim, but is also capable of burying jumpers from distance. Watson has the length to defend multiple positions on the floor, which is something that should benefit him as the summer rolls on.

Camden’s Aaron Bradshaw Aaron Bradshaw 7'0" | PF Camden | 2023 State #10 Nation NJ rounds out the top five and is having a breakout spring for the NJ Scholars Elite. The lanky 7-footer has a good face-up game as he is comfortable putting the ball on the floor and his range extends past the three-point line. Bradshaw is a premier shot-blocker in the class, which will only help him during Peach Jam this July.

Life Center Academy’s Shawn Simmons Shawn Simmons 6'5" | SF Life Center Academy | 2023 MD is the highest newcomer on the list as he is the 12th ranked player in the class. The 6’5 wing is at his best going downhill as he can punish defenders for challenging him above the rim and can finish shots through contact. Simmons can also knock down jumpers from distance, which will help his game in a big way as he suits up for Team Durant during the AAU season.

St. Benedict’s Tyler Bey Tyler Bey 6'9" | SF Fairfax | 2023 #177 Nation CA-S is the biggest stock riser in the new update as he went up 22 spots. The athletic 6’8 wing attacks the basket with a purpose and is unafraid of finishing with authority above the rim. Bey has picked up four offers this spring and that number should grow as he continues to play well for the NY Rens.