2023-24 NJAC Player of the Year Contenders

Joe Esquivel-Murphy November 6, 2023 @ 08:35 AM

<p>The Garden State hoops season is creeping closer as tryouts start in two weeks. The NJAC should be a competitive conference in 2023-24 with multiple players having the opportunities to take home Player of the Year. Here are the 2023-24 NJAC Player of the Year contenders.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Michaelangelo Oberti, 6'10 C Morris Catholic 2024</strong></h2>   <p>Oberti is one of the most skilled big men in the Garden State and will put his skillset on display this season. The Penn commit has a good face-up game as he can put the ball on the floor and finishes nicely around the basket. Oberti has a good release on his free throws and can knock down jumpers in the mid-range. He elevates for rebounds on both ends of the floor and swats almost everything around the basket. Oberti is a skilled, post prospect who should have a monster senior season for Morris Catholic.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Michael Van Raaphorst, 6'3 SG Delbarton 2024</strong></h2>   <p>Van Raaphorst has had a strong summer and is looking to carry it over into the winter. The 6'3 guard is at his best attacking the basket as he finishes strong around the rim and does not mind contact. Van Raaphorst knows how to get to his spot on the floor and rises up nicely on his jumper. He moves his feet on the defensive end and is an underrated passer. Van Raaphorst's versatility is something that will help his stock in a big way this season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Karson Culuko, 6'2 SG Pequannock 2024</strong></h2>   <p>Culuko had a monster junior campaign as he poured in nearly 600 points in 2022-23 and should put up similar numbers this season. The 6'2 guard has a smooth release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Culuko is more than just a shooter as he can also get to the rim off the bounce and finish through contact. He moves well without the ball in his hands and is a strong rebounder. Culuko had four 30-point games last season and should eclipse that mark in 2023-24.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Brendan Brunnock, 5'11 PG Mendham 2024</strong></h2>   <p>Brunnock will shoulder a bigger scoring load this season and has the potential to have a big senior season. The 5'11 guard has a quick release on his jumper and shoots the ball with confidence from behind the arc. Brunnock plays with poise on the ball and gets his teammates involved in the halfcourt. He is a good passer and gets deflections on defense. Brunnock will be the go-to option for Mendham and should put up big games this winter with his ability to get hot from distance.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Justin Hanson, 6'0 CG Morris Knolls 2025</strong></h2>   <p>Hanson returns to lead the Golden Eagles' offense and will make plays with the ball in his hands this season. The 6'0 guard has a good handle, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and finish around the basket. Hanson can also score in the mid-range and wastes little motion in his release. He plays with good instincts on the defensive end and has the ability to run the offense in spurts. Hanson had six 20-points games in 2022-23, which is a number that he should eclipse in his junior season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></h2>   <p><strong>Evan Colao, 5'10 PG Madison 2025</strong></p>   <p><strong>Jack Leonard, 6'3 SG West Morris 2025</strong></p>   <p><strong>Alex Fessel, SG Vernon 2025</strong></p>   <p><strong>Nick Canariato, SG Kinnelon 2024</strong></p>   <p><strong>Lincoln Zimmermann, 6'2 SG Delbarton 2024</strong></p>

The Garden State hoops season is creeping closer as tryouts start in two weeks. The NJAC should be a competitive conference in 2023-24 with multiple players having the opportunities to take home Player of the Year. Here are the 2023-24 NJAC Player of the Year contenders.