Class of 2023 Players Deserving of Offers

On Thursday the last NCAA Live Period begins for the Class of 2023. This current group of seniors have had an crazy developmental cycle because of events out of their control in recent years. Still, this group of Oklahomans have matured into a strong and deep class. Which by Oklahoma standards is deep when it comes to size and athleticism,   Here’s a group of standouts that have the ability to play at the next level and should see recruitment pick up in recent weeks     [player_tooltip player_id="981287" first="Terry" last="McMorris"], 6’6 Wing, Del City   Playing at the Nike Peach Jam in North Augusta, SC with Team Griffin   Athleticism, size, defensive instincts and tenacity. McMorris has those traits in spades and it is shocking more regional "D1" programs haven’t targeted him for defensive impact he could bring to their programs. Not only does he rack up steals and blocks, he’s an outstanding perimeter defender on smaller guards. To go along with his natural gifts, McMorris has winning DNA and big time experience thanks to high school and travel ball exploits. As a sophomore he won a Class 6A State Title at Del City, then was runner up in Class 5A as a junior. Del City will enter this season as favorites for the 5A crown, in large part because of McMorris. Meanwhile this spring and summer, he has competed and excelled against elite national competition on Nike’s EYBL circuit with Team Griffin.   Chase Surchada, 6’4 Combo Guard, Newcastle   Playing at The Stage in Dallas, TX with Buddy Buckets OKC   After a strong junior season with the Racers, Surchada has been putting up loud numbers and performances at team camps and tournaments this June and July. He’s an athletic guard, who impacts the game on both ends of the court but really shines with his ability to get to the rim on the offensive end. Mix in strong shooting from the perimter, and the bigger guard is a full offensive threat with a lot of raw tools and production that will translate well to the next level for regional "D2s" and "JuCos".   [player_tooltip player_id="1139378" first="Zach" last="Hays"], 6’3 Wing, Westmoore   Playing at the Sunflower Showcase, Kansas City, MO with Oklahoma Rogue   Production is a trait that can be overlooked by college coaches who can rely too much on looking for "prototype" players. With his rebounding and post scoring abilities, Hays at times can look like an undersized post player. Perhaps that’s why his recruitment has been relatively quiet for a player who has produced at the 6A level and now on one of the best independent programs in the region. To go along with the post scoring and rebounding, Hays is able to use his strong frame to absorb contact when driving and has developed into a strong three point shooter. Regional D2, NAIA and similar programs willing to make a bet on production would be wise to target the Jaguar.     [player_tooltip player_id="1357063" first="Percy" last="Green"], 6’4 Guard , Del City   Playing at The Stage in Dallas, TX with OK Impact 4:13   The Eagles are a loaded program and Green broke out for them as a big time shotmaker during their playoff run. He’s a very strong three point shooter and also really excels in the midrange. This spring and summer he has improved his handling and general playmaking ability, which makes it appear he’s trending closer to be a "two guard" type than a catch and shoot wing option that he played the role for Del City. Still, his prized shooting ability is his best advertisable trait to collegiate programs. That shooting ability combined with next level size should make him a priority target for regional small colleges.   [player_tooltip player_id="1068565" first="Jarreth" last="Ingram"], 6’7 Wing, Tulsa Memorial   Playing at The Stage in Dallas, TX with Tulsa Hawks   The intriguing prospect possibly has the highest ceiling of any player on this list. He’s a big time athlete, who shows flashes of great feel for the game as a passer and shooter. There are other times when his lack of experience at higher levels of basketball are evident with a raw feel. It’s like his mind and feel for the game are still catching up to what his body can do. Ingram has just about every D2 in Oklahoma targeting him, making a "Blue Chip" type recruit for those programs who recognize what he can already do, and the potential he could bring. Still, he has some interest from Low to Mid Major programs that also are interested in developing that athletic and active Charger.   [player_tooltip player_id="1295696" first="Nate" last="Brown"], 6’5 Wing, Edmond Memorial   Playing at The Stage in Dallas, TX with Buddy Buckets   There’s an abundance of bouncy players in the 6’5 to 6’7 range in Oklahoma’s Class of 2023, and the Bulldog is another who definitely fits that bill. During Edmond Memorial games last winter it was almost a lock that when he got in the game he would record an eye popping transition slam, alley oop in a half court set or a monster block on the defensive end. Now on the grassroot circuit he’s displaying improved ball handling, which makes him a ferocious driver who can finish above the rim. There are still raw aspects to his game, so JuCo might be the best route for Brown to keep developing his big time potential. But four year programs that have time to be patient and develop him could be rewarded with a game changing player in a couple of years.   [player_tooltip player_id="1068566" first="CJ" last="Smith"], 6’5 Wing, Putnam City North   Playing at the Nike Peach Jam in North Augusta, SC with Team Griffin   Rounding out the list is another versatile wing. In Oklahoma with his size, Smith is a top tier scorer. On the nation circuit he still finds spots to help out with scoring, but also showcases other traits thats are very translatable to the next level. With his natural tools and desire, the new Putnam City North wing is very active on the glass. Especially on the offensive end. He’s also able to provide good versatility on defense with a combination of being physical against bigger foes, and athletic enough to move his feet when covering guards. Smith took a recent trip to UT Arlington, and should be a target for regional D1s and D2s looking for wing depth.

On Thursday the last NCAA Live Period begins for the Class of 2023. This current group of seniors have had an crazy developmental cycle because of events out of their control in recent years. Still, this group of Oklahomans have matured into a strong and deep class. Which by Oklahoma standards is deep when it comes to size and athleticism,