Top 2023 Players heading into the Season: Part II

<p>Part I of my top players heading into the 2021-2022 basketball season featured some incredible talent. The Class of 2023 is loaded! You need size it’s there; you need speed it’s there; you need power it’s there. Within the Class of 2023 there are superstars as well as hidden gems. No matter where you look throughout our Class of 2023 rankings, you will find the type of player that you want and need. This is Part II of my top 2023 players heading into the 2021-2022 season.</p> <p><strong><em><u> </u></em></strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1158399" first="Isaiah" last="Manning"] | F | Drive Nation EYBL | Mansfield Legacy HS    </strong></p> <p>Standing at 6’7 with the skills of a small guard. Manning is a matchup nightmare for his opponent. Manning can shoot the three, defend at a high level and rebound with the best of them. For a player who spends most of his time on the perimeter Manning is an outstanding rebounder as well as scorer on the low block. This season I expect Manning to take everything he does great to the next level.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="787357" first="Matt" last="Reed"] | F | BMM | ISchool Lewisville    </strong></p> <p>Reed is skilled at 6’9, filled with power, force and grace. With all that Reed can also step out and shoot the 15-footer and three point shot. I love watching Big Reed go the work on the low block. He can turn over both shoulders and finish around the rim with both hands. He has the ability to play with his back to the basket as well face up and become a solid threat from the perimeter. A major 20 and 10 threat on the floor, I look forward to seeing Reed dominate this season as he has trimmed up and got himself in incredible basketball shape.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1332638" first="Ashton" last="Hardaway"] | F | Duncanville HS</strong></p> <p>Son of legendary former NBA Superstar Penny Hardaway. [player_tooltip player_id="1332638" first="Ashton" last="Hardaway"] stands all by himself. I watched him make “pro” like moves on the low block. Jab step, one dribble fade away pull ups. Most young men at his age and size rely on an incredible shot or their outstanding athleticism. Hardaway relies totally on pure skill. I love watching him at 6’8 handle the ball at times like his father. Hardaway is on the right team in the right situation that will help take his game to new heights.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="892133" first="Payton" last="Chism"] | G | Southern Assault 3SSB | Mount Pleasant HS </strong></p> <p>Chism is a point guard extraordinaire. I love how he’s able to keep his teammates involved while making sure his offense stays on course. He’s an efficient scorer, distributor and shooter. Chism is a proven defender, he guards 94 by 50 while still being able to control and dictate the offense for his team. I love guards who use their off hand as well as they do their dominate hand. Chism handles pressure with both hands equally. I watched him attack with the left many times creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. Chism is primed for a big junior campaign. Looking forward to seeing his greatness unfold as one of the top guards in the Class of 2023.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>BJ Hooper | CG | Triumph Basketball | Prosper Rock Hill HS    </strong></p> <p>Every time I see Hooper I think of NBA great Barron Davis. He has the height, size, speed and explosiveness that makes him one of the best players in his Class. Hooper attacking the rim is a problem for defenders as he uses his body shield them off and finish over the top of them. Whether you’re a big or guard, he will attack you and attack you with force. When jump shot and three ball is going in he’s virtually unstoppable. I see Hooper’s going up the rankings as the season progresses.</p>