Updated 2023 Rankings: Biggest Risers
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The updated 2023 class rankings in VA came out last week, and with that will come a lot of content in the next week or so! Today, we take a look some of the biggest stock risers in the rankings,…
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Continue ReadingThe updated 2023 class rankings in VA came out last week, and with that will come a lot of content in the next week or so!
Today, we take a look some of the biggest stock risers in the rankings, featuring players who have moved up the most.
Check out the full rankings here, and stay tuned for more content and class rankings updates!
#7 AJ Wills AJ Wills 6'1" | PG S3 Academy | 2023 State VA | 6’1” PG | LC Bird (Previous Rank: #24)
Wills came on the radar when he played with Boo Williams last summer playing up on their 17U team, but when he transferred to LC Bird not only did he grow a few inches but he showed he’s one of the best all-around PGs in the state with his mix of athleticism and improved shot making ability too. He’s super shifty off the bounce and can get in the lane at will where he has great passing ability and vision, he can guard the basketball the length of the floor and has quick hands, he can knock down shots from deep and he’s an explosive finisher at the rim and in transition.
#15 Adrian Myers Adrian Myers 6'5" | SF Massanutten | 2023 State VA | 6’7” PF | Massanutten (Previous Rank: #64)
Myers was a player I saw a lot of potential in when I saw him over the summer, but since he’s moved to Massanutten not only has he learned the game and become much more impactful but he’s shown he can do it against some of the best players and he still has so much room to continue to improve moving forward. The 6’7” forward is long and very explosive as he can protect the rim and pin shots on the glass, he’s a big time finisher in transition and he continues to improve as a shooter with his ability to catch and shoot from deep and create off the bounce for himself in the half court.
#26 Patrick O’Brien Patrick O’Brien 6'8" | C Bishop O'Connell | 2023 State VA | 6’9” C | Highland School (Previous Rank: #38)
O’Brien was always on the radar with his size and potential moving forward, but he’s starting to put it together and reach that potential as he’s improved not only his strength but his timing and skill set as well. He has good length and is able to play at the rim as a rebounder and challenge shots, he has improved his hands and catches and finishes at and above the rim consistently now and he’s extended his range to be able to knock down shots from 18 feet and out more often now.
#27 AJ Clark AJ Clark 6'2" | SG Menchville | 2023 State VA | 6’3” SG | Menchville (Previous Rank: #37)
Clark was another player who showed a lot of potential and seemed like he was just waiting for his turn to show what he can do, but he also showed a lot of improvement on the offensive end and has turned himself into a high energy lock down defender as well. He’s extremely explosive as he has a quick first step and gets off his feet quickly and with good pop to finish above the rim, he has improved in his ability to catch and shoot and put it on the deck and get to spots to make midrange jumpers and he plays with a very high motor whether it’s jumping passing lanes, fighting for loose balls or coming help side to challenge shots as a guard.
#31 Joe Baldwin Joe Baldwin 6'7" | SF Fairfax Christian | 2023 State VA | 6’5” SF | Fairfax Christian (Previous Rank: #67)
Baldwin intrigued me when I first saw him as he has great physical and athletic tools that translate to the next level, and now that he’s learning how to be productive and improving those areas he needed to he’s starting to look like a 3 and d guy at the next level. He’s improved a lot in his ability to knock down shots off the catch and has become an efficient three-point shooter, he’s a big time athlete who can play above the rim and is good for a few chase down blocks each game and he has great length and uses it defensively to get deflections and challenge shots too.
#39 Owen Gray Owen Gray 6'10" | C Steward | 2024 State VA | 6’9” C | Steward School (Previous Rank: #55)
Gray continues to show that we underrated him early in his career, as he was a big part in Steward’s run to the final four in the VISAA D2 division and he has a lot of upside still as he continues to add to his game. He’s a very good athlete at his size as he’s able to run the floor and finish above the rim and protect the rim defensively, he has some toughness to him in the paint and isn’t afraid to battle on the glass or on the block and he continues to improve his touch and range over time.
#45 Paul Williams Paul Williams 6'8" | C Walsingham | 2023 State VA | 6’8” C | Walsingham (Previous Rank: #79)
Williams came on the radar playing with Team Richmond last year, but he was quietly one of the most productive players in the TCIS and with his size and athleticism, as well as the fact he’s tracking to be valedictorian at a prestigious academic school, he should have high academic D1s looking at him. He’s a gritty big who thrives in the paint where he can protect the rim and finish above the rim, he finishes in the paint consistently with both hands, he can step out and knock down the midrange and he is very efficient and productive across the board.
#47 Stark Jones Stark Jones 6'3" | CG Cave Spring | 2023 State VA | 6’3” CG | Cave Spring (Previous Rank: #77)
I hadn’t seen Jones in a few years since he was a freshman when I said he had the potential to be the best prospect in the Roanoke area, and after helping Cave Spring to the Class 3 state championship I don’t think it’s far fetched to say he may be living up to that prophecy. He’s grown to a legit 6’3” with good length and has become a very explosive athlete when he grew into his body, he gets downhill very aggressively and looks to finish above the rim regularly, he continues to improve as a shooter from deep and he’s an excellent on ball and help side defender with great instincts and quick hands.