2023 City Rankings: Austin (15-11)
Check out my analysis on some of the top 2023 prospects in the Greater Austin area! Some of these guys are real division one prospects, with little to no offers. So coaches make sure you check them out when you…
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Continue ReadingCheck out my analysis on some of the top 2023 prospects in the Greater Austin area! Some of these guys are real division one prospects, with little to no offers. So coaches make sure you check them out when you can!
#15 Tiki Morin 2023 6’4 (Round Rock) Stony Point High School (ProSkills ATX Brown)
Tiki is a smooth scorer across all three levels of the floor. I was very impressed with how well he scored with his back to the basket, fading away and creating space even whenever he was planted. His ability to score out of the triple threat was very impressive and he naturally slowed the game down, and then quickly exploded to his spot, keeping his opponents off balance. With a live dribble he showed an ability to get to his spots as well, beyond the arc and especially in the mid-range. He took what the defense gave him every time down the floor. I was very impressed with how well he naturally scored across all three levels. I would like to see him work on his ability to get into the paint and finish with more consistency over bigger defenders.
#14 Will Cole 2023 6’5 Rouse High School (ATX Wolves)
Will is an intriguing wing prospect with his ability to affect the game on the interior, while also handling the ball and initiating offense for his team. He has natural point guard instincts with his ability to pass the ball, but also control the tempo of the game. He never seems to be sped up, even despite intense defensive pressure. He can easily dictate what happens whenever he has the ball and wants to create out of the pick and roll. His versatility always kept the defense on its heels, even when he did not have the basketball. His natural ability to rebound and fight in the paint allowed him to get up easy second chance points, as well as easy looks down low off of quick post spins. I would like to see him work on his ability to move without the ball, and use backdoor cuts to free himself up. I would also like to see him focus on his defensive awareness, and sliding over quicker to protect the paint. He has a great motor and works hard to defend on the ball already, so it should not be a big ask!
#13 Kal-El Gentles – 2023 6’6 Crockett Early College High School
Kal-El is an athletic freak, standing at nearly 6’7 with tremendous guard skills and floor vision thanks to his late growth spurt. He is great at using his length to reach around defenders and finish at the rim. I was very impressed with how low he stays to the ground, before quickly exploding into space and using his vertical leaping ability and size to go up strong. I would like to see him fill out a bit more, but at the right college program, this should not be an issue! He has some tools and skills that you just cannot teach! Coaches, you need to look at this kid if you want a shot on a difference maker in your program!
#12 Evan Chatman Evan Chatman 6'8" | SF Harker Heights | 2023 State TX 2023 6’7 Harker Heights High School (ATX Lockdown 17U)
Evan is a high level forward prospect with his ability to handle the ball and shoot off the bounce, but also naturally dominate the game on the interior. I was very impressed with his confidence in his shot making off the dribble from anywhere on the court. He knew he could shoot over the top of anyone whenever he gets to his spots on the floor. He can play out of the high post and run the dribble hand-off, he sets good hard screens to free up his lead guards. He is also not afraid to go coast to coast and attack the rim whenever he has an advantage. He is also a high level rebounder who routinely uses his athleticism to jump multiple times to end the possession. He routinely made the right outlet pass to set up his teammates after defensive rebounds.
#11 Levi Rutledge Levi Rutledge 6'6" | SG IMG Academy Post Grad (2024) | 2023 State TX 2023 6’5 Brentwood Christian School (ATX Lockdown 17U)
Levi is a huge guard with a great feel for the game and high basketball IQ. He is a smooth scorer off the bounce and can do damage in the mid-range or beyond the arc. I was very impressed with how well he is making shots off the bounce, confidently rising up every time no matter the outcome of the possession the time before. His confidence in his shot from all areas around the arc was very impressive, however he is not just a stand up shooter. He is a great decision maker with the ball and has a real ability to create open looks for his teammates. Rutledge operates well out of the triple threat where he is explosive in turning the corner on his opponent. I was very impressed with the ease of which the scoring came from him in this area. He is great at finishing at the rim off the bounce, a skill that generates him a ton of easy and efficient offense. His ability to euro step around defenders and find space when there is none was very impressive. He is good at moving around contact at the rim and contorting his body to get a better look for himself.