2023 Top Newcomers

<p>The 2023 updated rankings are finally here as the month of August comes to a close. New prospects are included in every update and this one is no different. Here are the top newcomers in the updated 2023 rankings.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1269773" first="Geancarlo" last="Peguero"], 6’5 SF Gill St. Bernard’s</strong></p> <p>Peguero is the top newcomer in the 2023 class and should make an impact for the Knights this season. The Puerto Rico native attacks the basket hard and is unafraid of drawing contact on his way to the rim. Peguero finishes above the rim strong and is capable of pushing the ball in transition. He skies for rebounds on both ends of the floor and has the athleticism to defend multiple positions. Peguero is an athletic wing prospect who should fit nicely into Gill St. Bernard’s scheme.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="992525" first="Terrell" last="Pitts"], 6’4 SG St. Thomas Aquinas</strong></p> <p>Pitts will get his first taste of New Jersey basketball this season and will be a prospect to watch in the GMC. The Bisohp McDevitt transfer is an athletic wing who can finish above the rim with authority. Pitts has a good handle, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and finish around the basket. He has a good release on his jumper and can knock down open shots from the perimeter. Pitts is ready for a big debut season in the Garden State as he plays alongside Seton Hall commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="787644" first="Jaquan" last="Harris"] </strong>this winter.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1269659" first="Babacar" last="Mbengue"], 7’0 C Olympus Prep</strong></p> <p>Mbengue is one of the top big men in the class and should put it on full display this season. The 7-footer has a motor that does not stop on either end and he crashes the offensive glass for tip-ins. Mbengue knows how to get good position down low and demands the ball when he’s open. He uses his size to altar shots on the defensive end and is developing his range. Mbengue has the option to be a part of the 2022 class, but he will be a post player to watch throughout the season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1200775" first="Saraj" last="Ali"], 6’4 SG Olympus Prep</strong></p> <p>Ali will be making his debut to the Garden State this season and is ready to make an impact right away. The Pennsylvania native is at his best attacking the basket as he is a good finisher and does not mind drawing contact. Ali likes to finish above the rim and plays with energy on both ends. He is an underrated shooter and has the ability to bring the ball up the floor, especially in transition. Ali is an athletic wing prospect who should make plays this season for Olympus Prep.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1269792" first="Tyler" last="Velez"], 6’5 SG Arts</strong></p> <p>Velez is part of a talented Arts team and should have a strong junior campaign. The 6’5 wing attacks the basket hard as he has a nice touch close to the rim. Velez is more than just a slasher as he has a nice release on his jumper and his range extends out to the three-point line. He is a strong rebounder and makes plays on the defensive end. Velez is a hard-working, two-way wing prospect who could be a breakout candidate in Essex County in 2022.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1269776" first="Koi" last="Bennett"], 6’5 SG/SF Roselle Catholic</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1270515" first="Brandon" last="Dean"], 5’10 PG South Plainfield</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1270571" first="Chase" last="Murray"], 6’9 PF Timber Creek</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901959" first="Marcus" last="Gaffney"], 6’2 SG Pennington</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1269732" first="Kamal" last="Lee"], 6’0 PG St. Thomas Aquinas</strong></p>