Class of 2023 Positional Rankings: Power Forwards
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The power forward position features Indiana’s top overall prospect in 6’11” Xavier Booker Xavier Booker 6'11" | PF Cathedral | 2023 State #4 Nation IN (Cathedral H.S. 2023). Not only is the Michigan State commit the state’s top prospect, he…
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Continue ReadingThe power forward position features Indiana’s top overall prospect in 6’11” Xavier Booker Xavier Booker 6'11" | PF Cathedral | 2023 State #4 Nation IN (Cathedral H.S. 2023). Not only is the Michigan State commit the state’s top prospect, he is also the top player in the country according to Rivals. His two-way talent is simply undeniable as he comes off of a season where he helped lead Cathedral to a Class 4A state championship. Offensively, Booker can stretch the floor out to three-point range, handles the ball like a guard in the open floor, and has length and athleticism to finish above the rim. Definitely, he is an excellent rim protector that flashes the ability to switch ballscreens on the perimeter. There is no doubt that Booker is the best college prospect in the current senior class in Indiana.
Beyond Booker, at #6 overall, we have JaQualon Roberts JaQualon Roberts 6'8" | PF Bloomington North | 2023 State IN (Bloomington H.S. North 2023). The Vanderbilt commit was excellent on the 3SSB Circuit with Indiana Elite 2023 showing off his elite versatility on both ends of the floor. He continues to improve as an outside shooter, can change directions as a driver against closeouts, and finishes above the rim consistently. On the defensive end he definitely has the potential to be a difference-maker guarding multiple positions. Next up is Ball State commit Mason Jones Mason Jones 6'7" | PF Valparaiso | 2023 State IN (Valparaiso H.S. 2023) at #13 overall in the class. He’s another versatile 4-man that can stretch the floor, handle the ball, and defend multiple positions. Jones had a great summer with Team GRIII Elite on the Prep Hoops Circuit.
Rounding out the top five at the position group are Nick Richart Nick Richart 6'9" | PF Zionsville | 2023 State IN (Zionsville H.S. 2023) and Nickens Lemba Nickens Lemba 6'6" | PF Southport | 2023 State IN (Southport H.S. 2023). Richart is more of a back to the basket scorer with great footwork, hands, and a soft left-handed touch at the rim. He has the required size to play around the basket and could be a college 5-man. As for Lemba, he is a more undersized but extremely physically gifted athlete. The 6’6″ forward is incredibly strong, quick, and can drive it at you in a straight line. He is at his best when rim running, rolling to the rim, or driving from the 12-15 foot range with a couple of dribbles. Richart is ranked #17 overall while Lemba is #30.