Updated 2023 Rankings: Forwards (5-1)

We recently updated our senior class rankings in the state of VA, and we will take a look at each positional ranking from guards, wings and forwards. Obviously some of these players are positionless players that can fit in multiple spots, but we did our best to categorize them based on their skillset.   Here's a look at the top 5 power forwards and centers in the new rankings.   5) [player_tooltip player_id='999623' first='Luke' last='Smith'] | 6'8” C | Collegiate (#20 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/Smith-Luke-CBG.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/Smith-Luke-CBG.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1308360" /></a></figure>   Smith is one of the most versatile big men that you'll come across on the offensive end in the state, as he is a walking mismatch who can do a little bit of everything on the offensive end. He's really improved in his post up game as he can seal and receive passes in the paint and has an array of moves with soft touch in the paint, he can make good passes out of the post and on the perimeter he's a triple threat who can handle, shoot and deliver passes on the money. The University of Chicago commit has really improved at making the game simpler and he's one of the more polished offensive players you'll come across.   4) [player_tooltip player_id='1748168' first='Jeremiah' last='Whitmore'] | 6'7” PF | Oak Hill (#18 Overall)   Whitmore is a player on this list with as much potential as anyone and could be a little higher in our rankings if we had a chance to see him more so far this year. The 6'7” forward has great physical and athletic tools as he has a lean and strong upper body, he moves well with his ability to run the floor and move his feet laterally to stay in front of defenders of multiple positions and he's a super explosive finisher that plays well above the rim and brings great energy with his high flying finishing ability. He has some tools that make you think he could play on the wing or in the paint in college and as he continues to polish up his scoring ability he could be a very good player at the next level.   3) [player_tooltip player_id='815595' first='Judah' last='Egbo'] | 6'8” C | Life Christian Academy (#16 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/Egbo-Judah-CBG-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/Egbo-Judah-CBG-scaled.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1622952" /></a></figure>   Egbo is one of those players whose best basketball is still ahead of him, as he's improved quite a bit over the past few years but still has a lot of room to continue to get better. The 6'8” forward is the perfect new age big man as he's mobile and runs the floor hard on the offensive end, he's explosive and can challenge shots and stays vertical when doing so and he's a big time finisher on dives and roles above the rim. He has decent touch out to 18 feet and good hands to catch tough passes, and he's really improved in his timing and making deliberate actions on the floor.   2) [player_tooltip player_id='1159838' first='Evan' last='Ramsey'] | 7'0” C | Abingdon (#10 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/Ramsey-Evan-CBG.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/Ramsey-Evan-CBG.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1302370" /></a></figure>   Ramsey dealt with an injury that cut his junior season short last year and while some forgot about how good he was leading Abingdon to the state championship game as a sophomore he's wasted no time reminding everyone as he's been up unbelievable numbers during his senior campaign. The 7 footer has been a walking double-double and has multiple 20-20 and even 30-20 games, he's shown his ability to score inside and even step out and make some shots from the perimeter as well. He's a paint clogger who can protect the rim and makes it difficult for driving guards and the way he's played his senior year he could be a steal for a program at the next level.   1) [player_tooltip player_id='999617' first='Carter' last='Lang'] | 6'9” C | STAB (#3 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/Lang-Carter-DMV.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/Lang-Carter-DMV.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1498669" /></a></figure>   Lang is clearly the best big man in the 2023 class and has been one of the top players in the state for years as he's started for STAB for five years now since he was in the eighth grade. Lang has been one of the most productive players I have seen over the past few years whether it's in the high school setting or on the 3SSB Circuit with Team Loaded VA, the Vanderbilt commit is a walking double-double who plays with a good motor and is always around the ball whether it's crashing the glass or sealing in the paint and finishing around the rim. He's a big target who knows how to use his body to make it easy for entry passes to get to him the post, he has soft touch around the rim on the jump hook and has counter moves to it, he can step out to the three-point line where he can make shots and he's a good rebounder and passer as well, making him one of the most effective stat sheet stuffers you'll come across.

We recently updated our senior class rankings in the state of VA, and we will take a look at each positional ranking from guards, wings and forwards. Obviously some of these players are positionless players that can fit in multiple spots, but we did our best to categorize them based on their skillset.