2023 player rankings: A shuffle in the top 10
Prospects in the 2023 class showed progression during the summer, and as a result, the 2023 player rankings had some high risers. The 2021 high school basketball season is going to be interesting as other prospects will look to make…
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Continue ReadingProspects in the 2023 class showed progression during the summer, and as a result, the 2023 player rankings had some high risers.
The 2021 high school basketball season is going to be interesting as other prospects will look to make some noise.
Here’s the new top 10 in the 2023 rankings.
Isaiah West Isaiah West 6'3" | SG Goodpasture | 2023 State #216 Nation TN jumped one spot to No. 1. The 6-foot-3 guard had a close-to-perfect ending to the regular season. He helped lead Goodpasture to a DII-A Boys’ State Championship. West is a physical guard that plays on both ends of the court. He’s good for at least eight rebounds, which is a positive for his size. West has solid ball handles, and his upper body strength can easily move defenders out of the way when he’s driving into the lane.
Blue Cain Blue Cain 6'4" | SG IMG Academy | 2023 State #102 Nation FL checks in at No. 2. The 6-4 shooting guard expanded his game over the summer showing his ability to play the point guard position. Cain is crafty with the basketball, and can knock down shots from the perimeter. But, this summer was a special one for Cain. Showing that he can play at point guard helped his stock as a premier college prospect.
Jaylen Jones Jaylen Jones 6'0" | PG East Nashville | 2023 State #178 Nation TN checks in at No. 3. Jones is only 6-0, and is already a proven scorer. But, Jones showed that he can be a sold passer. During the BCAT Top 100 Camp, Jones made difficult passes into small gaps to his slashing teammates. He’s molding into the balanced point guard college coaches want to have as their floor general.
Eddie Ricks III Eddie Ricks III 6'9" | SF Clarksville Academy | 2023 State #152 Nation TN lands at No. 4. The 6-7 shooting guard can be effective on both ends of the court. Ricks can knock down shots from 3. If needed, the rising junior can move to point guard and run the offense because of his ball handles and court vision. Defensively, Ricks can contest and block shots at the rim.
E.J. Smith comes in at No. 5. The 6-1 point guard had solid performances for EAB 17U and WACG 17U. Smith has put on muscle, his ball handles are sharper than ever, and his jump shot is consistent. Smith plays well under control. He’s always poised. Smith has improved as an on-ball defender.
Jarred Hall Jarred Hall 6'8" | SF Lebanon | 2023 State #65 Nation TN is right outside the top five at No. 6. The 6-8 wing can score with the best of them. Hall’s scoring ability gives a team flexibility because he can slide to the shooting guard spot if needed. Defensively, Hall is difficult to score on. He feasts on contesting shots. Hall is an all-around solid player that’s only going to improve.
Javar Daniel Javar Daniel 6'8" | PF Bartlett | 2023 State TN comes in at No. 7. The 6-10 big man had a productive summer for Team Thad 16U. Daniel is a force offensively. He’s one of a few bigs in the class with handles and a mid-range jump shot. Daniel will also alter shots at the rim. Nothing is coming easy at the rim if Daniel is inside the paint.
Jasen Brooks Jasen Brooks 6'1" | PG Cleveland | 2023 State TN comes in at No. 8. Brooks has had a productive summer, and has helped his college recruitment. Brooks had a great showing at the BCAT Top 100 Camp. His mid-range jump shot was falling, and he showed his flexibility playing both guard spots. Brooks’ value is above the clouds. His ball handling, scoring ability, and court vision has him on the radar of many college programs. Brooks is a special player.
Lukas Walls Lukas Walls 6'4" | SG Knoxville Webb | 2023 State TN makes his way into the top 10 at No. 9. The 6-3 combo guard can flat-out shoot the basketball from deep. Walls moves well without the basketball, is perfect in pick-and-roll action, can rebound the basketball at his height, and can finish strong in transition. Walls is at a school (Knoxville Webb) that’s balanced offensively. He’s learning how to be effective in half-court and transition.
Jamarion Harvey Jamarion Harvey 6'0" | SG Memphis East | 2023 State TN comes in at No. 10. Harvey didn’t have the glorious summer on any circuit, but he’s been working on his game. I have sat in on some of his workouts against some competitive college basketball players. Harvey is a tough guard with a niche for going hard on every possession. He can be disruptive on the defensive end. Offensively, Harvey isn’t a bad shooter. He’s better when he’s able to get into the lane. Harvey didn’t get to play at Memphis East last season due to the pandemic, so the 2021 season will be an important one for him.