New England Rankings: Five Underrated Players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 New England rankings are on the way soon. In the meantime, let's discuss some of the underrated players in the Class of 2023 that aren't getting enough love. If you'd like to featured in a story or discuss anything, give me a follow on Twitter @alex_walulik.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1477759' first='Jaden' last='Battle'] 6'1" MacDuffie High School</strong> <strong>2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Battle is severely undervalued as a prospect and player, and he's going to surprise a lot of people this season with an emerging, developing skillset. Battle can defend some of the best offensive players, and he can score on some of the best defensive players. He's an all-around, two-way player that projects to take the leap with MacDuffie this season. He's capable of making difficult, tough shots over the outstretched arms of defenders. Most importantly, Battle just plays hard. He's an energetic, intense basketball player that's not getting enough attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1477903' first='Miles' last='Rose'] 6'5" Putnam Science Academy</strong> <strong>2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lengthy, tall point guard, Rose is one of the most under-recruited players in all of New England. But, Rose will certainly draw significant attention from programs with yet another improved season with Putnam Science Academy basketball. Let's talk about Rose's game: he can slash and get to the rim easily, with any defender on him. He's an improved, developing 3-point shooter and he's an excellent passer and facilitator. He's the modern, prototypical point guard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1081863' first='Kayvaun' last='Mulready'] 6'4" Worcester Academy 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing with The City Rocks in the Nike EYBL, Mulready flashed and showcased high-level versatility and he's got an excellent, well-built 6'4" frame. Mulready is progressing as a 3-level scorer, but he's got significant time to get there. He's shown it in flashes, and I believe that the consistency will come this season. One thing that Mulready has is an amazing-looking jumper. It's fluid, it's smooth, it's clean. He's able to finish through contact and under pressure. He's an all-around offensive powerhouse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2313011' first='Justin' last='Betts'] 6'6" Vermont Academy 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Betts is a player that's heading to Vermont Academy for the 2022-23 season, and he's a player that's yet to receive the attention he deserves. He can score at all three levels, including in the mid-range where he has a solid pull-up jumper and an excellent floater and layup game. Betts will get more attention as he heads to Vermont, but as of right now, he's a player that's significantly flying under the radar. His scoring ability and length and athleticism are enough for him to attracting serious consideration from top-tier programs and publications.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2325692' first='Darius' last='Lopes'] 6'2" Vermont Academy 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To me, it feels as if the entire Vermont Academy roster isn't getting noticed enough. With the likes to [player_tooltip player_id='1464578' first='Darin' last='Smith Jr']. and Betts, and now Lopes, these are all players that should be getting national recognition. Lopes, in particular, is a true point guard that sees the floor really well. He's an excellent facilitator and playmaker, but he's able to score the basketball as well. He can start-and-stop and change directions with ease, and he plays active on defense. He's a 2025 without many weaknesses in his game, and because of that, more attention needs to be given to him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->