2023 player rankings: Newcomers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were more prospects to move up outside of the top 10 in the updated Tennessee 2023 player rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Also, there were three&nbsp;solid newcomers to the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are 3 newcomers to get to know:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Barrett</strong> <strong>Burchyett</strong> from Christian Brothers came in at No. 30 in the latest rankings. The 6-foot-6 power forward has been a plus for the Purple Wave this season as he brings energy on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Burchyett does a great job of altering shots at the rim. He's also very active on the glass, as he snags one rebound after another. Offensively, Burchyett - who's averaging 10 points and 8.0 boards a game - can make shots from the perimeter and post up on the block.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's also effective in pick-and-roll situations as he's a threat from the perimeter and has the ability to put the ball on the floor and finish strong at the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burchyett's teammate, <strong>Jack</strong> <strong>Pender</strong>, debuted at No. 75. Pender is a floor general that does his job very well. He's never going to force a pass. Instead, he reads the defense well enough to find his teammates open for solid looks. While Pender, who's averaging 7.0 points and 6.0 assists a game, does a great job of facilitating, he can score when needed. Pender has a nice shot release and can easily get into a nice rhythm if he's feeling it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Porter</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Kelly</strong>&nbsp;from White Station debuted at No. 50. I had a chance to watch the 6-3 shooting guard early in the season, and his offensive game has drastically improved. Kelly takes a lot of great shots from the field and moves well without the basketball. A defender has to have fresh legs to chase Kelly off screens all night. He never seems to get tired.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are a handful of prospects that made leaps:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Germantown's <strong>Anthony</strong> <strong>Medlock</strong> moved up four spots No. 32. <strong>Michael</strong> <strong>Pepper</strong> from Christian Brothers is inching closer to the top 20. He's currently at No. 24. Lausanne's <strong>Jamarcus</strong> <strong>Powell</strong> is continuing to rise as he's at No. 35. Fayette Ware's <strong>Jairus</strong> <strong>Terry</strong> moved six spots No. 72. A strong finish for the Wildcat will definitely have him in the top 60. Terry, who's averaging 14 points, five assists, three rebounds, and two steals a game, has been solid on both ends of the court for his team this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Watchlist</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christian Brothers <strong>Drew</strong> <strong>Petro</strong> is a prospect to watch for once the rankings are updated once more before the season ends. The Purple Wave have balance on offense, and Petro is doing his part. He's currently averaging 11 points and 7.0 rebounds a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->