2023 Prospects Small Colleges Need To Key In On

Allen Pettigrew

August 15, 2022 @ 01:48 PM

The depth of the 2023 class will be in the non-D1 prospects it may produce. If you're a small college looking for a prospect to fill a role on your team, this class could have your guy. Below are six prospects worth monitoring throughout their senior year.   [player_tooltip player_id='962457' first='Sam' last='Ducksworth']   The calling cards for Ducksworth are excellent body control, surprising athleticism, and a solid frame. He defends both backcourt positions thanks to his strength and ability to pick off ball handlers. The combo guard can play on and off the ball. He finished second in assists and tied for third in rebounds on a team that reached the state final. The rising senior can hit outside shots, create for himself and others in the midrange, and finish above the rim on the break. While you're scouting Ducksworth in the gym, check out his teammate [player_tooltip player_id='962456' first='Quez' last='Curry']. You'll find the smaller guard creating space with his handle, bombing away from deep, and using his speed to get to the rim. He's a gamer that can rattle off scoring runs in big situations.   [player_tooltip player_id='1463346' first='Naylan' last='Rhem']   Rhem had one of the most underrated junior seasons in the state. He was a shade under a double-double for the season, but the 3.9 blocks per game make the stat line eye-catching. The 2023 prospect is an active 6'5 defender with the length and quickness to defend on the perimeter and the timing to protect the rim. His offensive game is still rounding out, but you're looking at a prospect that'll impact defense early. I'm high on him becoming a two-way player as he gains strength and gets a feel for the offensive side of the game. He made 33% of his 61 threes and 67% of his shots inside the line. His ability to finish through contact points to more production in the future.   [player_tooltip player_id='1463291' first='Shawn' last='Cineus']   The hard playing 6'5 forward gives you the energy and developing post-play you're looking for in an undersized big. Cineus can score through contact and take bigs off the dribble. He has solid feet on the block and throws his wide shoulders around to gain space. Cineus runs the floor, rebounds, and gives as much physicality as he takes.   [player_tooltip player_id='1164253' first='Ozell' last='Purifoy']   Purifoy is pound for pound one of the most explosive athletes the sunshine state offers. A pair of JUCOs extended offers to the 6-foot combo guard during June and July live period. Besides launching above the rim when he has momentum, Purifoy can knock down shots well beyond the arc and terrorize defenses in transition. His shooting gives him the ability to play off the ball, while handles, quickness, and the ability to finish through contact give him the advantage on the ball.   Yohandry Ortiz   Ortiz may outplay this list by the end of the season, but if you're looking for a steal, look no further. His high motor play and physicality helped him make a sizable impact for SWFL Hoops. He finishes well in the paint for a 6'5 wing. His long first step and power make him a threat as a slasher. Ortiz crashes the boards on both ends, resulting in him pushing the break and putbacks.

The depth of the 2023 class will be in the non-D1 prospects it may produce. If you're a small college looking for a prospect to fill a role on your team, this class could have your guy. Below are six prospects worth monitoring throughout their senior year.