2023 Updated New England Rankings: The Under-the-Radars
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The updated 2023 New England rankings were released yesterday. You can click here to view the latest update of the rankings. Rankings are difficult to accomplish, as it’s tough to predict who’s going to have the brightest college and professional…
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Continue ReadingThe updated 2023 New England rankings were released yesterday. You can click here to view the latest update of the rankings.
Rankings are difficult to accomplish, as it’s tough to predict who’s going to have the brightest college and professional careers. But, with the vast amount of players in the area, each individual is going to have a different, subjective opinion.
The five players listed below are players that are flying too much under-the-radar, according to myself.
Fortes, a St. George’s prospect, is one of the most consistent and productive players in the region. He’s also one of the more underrated athletes in the class. An exceptional scorer, Fortes can score in bunches and he can do it in a variety of ways. He moves well without the basketball, covering the court with fluidity and speed that’s unmatched. Fortes burst onto the scene this summer with The House We Built.
I don’t know why more people aren’t paying attention to Fortes, as he has the combination of length and scoring ability to do a lot on the basketball court. He measured in at 6’7″ and has a high-level wingspan. If you combine all of Fortes skills, there’s a player here that’s highly effective and a player that should ultimately be higher on a lot of boards.
Coke is a 6’5″ guard that possesses the length and athleticism to be a high-level talent at the next level. He’s going to be a great, great college basketball player. The length and mobility make Coke super scary in the open court. He can easily score in transition, but he’s also more than capable of doing it in the half-court.
Defensively, Coke’s timing and length make him difficult to score on as an oversized guard. He’s tough to blow by thanks to the wingspan, and he’s tough to muscle through thanks to the underrated strength. He’s an all-around effective player, and that’s why I had him higher than the consensus.
Snagg, another tall and lengthy wing, is an elite scorer and finisher that can weave his way around defenders for easy layups and finishes. But, in my opinion, Snagg’s best attribute is the ability to defend. He’s got excellent timing and instincts. He disrupts ball-handlers on the perimeter. He’s also an above average rim protector and shot blocker for the position.
He’s going to make an impact on that end at the next level. And as the offense continues to develop and impress, it’ll be Snagg’s defensive prowess that gets him on the court. He’s got great leaping ability, finishing ability, and simply just scoring ability. He’s highly underrated on many boards, and it wouldn’t shock me to see him jump up on mine as the season gets going.
Highlights
Joseph-Brown is a 6’4″ combo guard that’s heading to The Newman School for the upcoming season. He’s a springy jumper, and he can get off the ground quickly. He jumps off two feet but gets great elevation on the vertical. He’s can handle the basketball really well, and that ball-handling ability makes him a lethal mid-range and pull-up scorer.
He’s coming along well as a 3-point shooter, as his off-ball movement and IQ are really, really impressive. Joseph-Brown is going to impress on The Newman School stage. He’s a player that’s highly under-the-radar, but I have a feeling that that won’t be for long.
Kinney is your prototypical shooting guard. He’s 6’6″ and can really light it up from downtown. Playing at Brimmer and May, and for Mass Rivals on the AAU circuit, Kinney is going against high-level competition. And, it’s no surprise to me that he’s performed exceedingly well. Plus, he’s got great intangibles to be the next great Brimmer and May guard.
Kinney is a player I’m excited to see more of, as Brimmer and May is right in my backyard here in Boston. It’s very likely that the more I watch him, the more impressed I’ll be. And with that, Kinney has the opportunity to rise up the rankings throughout the 2022-23 season.
Johnson is an imposing, impactful big man that’s heading to Northfield Mount Hermon this season. There, I fully expect Johnson to put on a show. He’s a strong, physical, back-to-the-basket big that’s dominant inside. He’s great at pulling down offensive rebounds, and he can certainly act as a team’s defensive anchor. He has the tools to have an amazing season.
Johnson could be in for a big year. But, admittedly, I have seen enough of him yet. Once I get my eyes on him, there’s a solid chance that he’ll be another player flying up the rankings due to his pure talent and skillset. He has the chance to be one of the best centers in all of New England – he’s that good.