The Exciting 2023 Creative Class
Despite largely disappointing, broadly analyzing, the Class of 2023 is enjoying a modest resurgence. Whether it be stagnation, regression, transferring outside of Tennessee, or actually committing a crime, the class lost much luster. After April’s weekends it is now apparent that the ’23 bunch is not empty just thin atop the rankings.
The following players appeared ready for more college evaluations. Their improvement is notable.
Calvin Goliday Calvin Goliday 6'3" | PG Hillwood | 2023 State TN (Team Brandan Wright 17u)
Smooth. So smooth. Calvin earned District MVP. His creativity offensively is special. There is some Malik Riddle to his frame and game. Calvin gets off the deck with grace and lift. He can hit an open three or speed past a defender. Lipscomb’s assistant coach watched two of his games, not necessarily him specifically, but two full games.
Jack Carter Jack Carter 6'6" | SG Goodpasture | 2023 State TN ( Tennessee Tigers 17u)
Carter is playing more guard than he did and does with Goodpasture. “The Pasture” often utilizes him as a rebounding, rim-crashing forward. With his Tigers it is more clear how capable he is as a faceup wing. The shooting touch is nice and his range is revealed. The handle is average to occasionally above. The more he gets into the lane the better as JC is a wonderful free throw shooter.
Alex Hyder Alex Hyder 6'3" | SG Cleveland | 2023 State TN ( Tennessee Tigers 17u)
The surging Hyder is a known talent for all PrepHoopsTN readers. For years Cleveland High School Head Coach Reggie Tucker raved about his ’23 grouping and Hyder was and is a key reason for that confidence. Within April, Hyder showed his continued focus on becoming an extremely reliable three-point shooter. It is happening though not without hiccups. He looked both incapable of missing and incapable of making shots within the same day. The morning was cold and the evening was scorching hot. If the latter is any indication, then Hyder will be an elite shooter with nice guard size and athleticism.
Nick Smith Nick Smith 6'2" | SG Tyner Academy | 2023 State TN (Chattanooga Elite 17u)
Always a bouncy guard, the lefty Nick Smith Nick Smith 6'2" | SG Tyner Academy | 2023 State TN is rounding into a nice, small-college option thanks to his mid-range consistency. Solid feet. He gets into his shot quickly. More combo than point guard probably.