C/O 2023 National Rankings: Top West Coast Prospects
The Prep Hoops National rankings were released today. The list consists of 150 of the top players in the nation. With so many talented players, it’s impossible to see everybody, however thanks to staying in the gym, I’ve been fortunate…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops National rankings were released today. The list consists of 150 of the top players in the nation. With so many talented players, it’s impossible to see everybody, however thanks to staying in the gym, I’ve been fortunate to catch several of these young stars in person. In this article we take a look at some of the top 2023 west coast players in our national rankings.
Baye Fall 6’11 PF Colorado Lutheran (CO) (#3)
Where: 2019 Fantastic 40
Story: I watched Fall play 17U with the Colorado Hawks last summer. I was instantly blown away by his size, fluidity and athleticism. His activity was a problem on both backboards and while protecting the rim.
Projection: Lottery Pick – You have to consider him to be a franchise type player down the road. While the game has certainly gravitated toward the perimeter, having an elite shot blocker, and rebounder is still extremely valuable. In addition to those skills, Fall has already showed he can score, averaging nearly 20 per game in his debut season.
Bronny James 6’2 PG Sierra Canyon (CA) (#8)
Where: 2019 Tarkanian Classic Showcase Game
Story: SC pulled up to Vegas to take on Oakridge last season. Although playing limited minutes on a talented squad, I was blown away by James’ advanced skill set. Things like his Euro Step, and Step Backs were to be expected, but he had wrong foot floaters and several other Elite professional moves on display.
Projection: 1st round pick – He has a ton of up side to his game, and has the signature skill of shooting to hang his hat on. As he grows, and tightens his handle, I could easily see him becoming the premiere combo guard in the class.
Marquise “Mookie” Cook 6’6 SF Jefferson (OR) (#27)
Where: 2019 Les Schwab Invitational
Story: So glad I pulled up to the LSI this year. Cook was cooking, throwing up 26 and 6 against Crater and PH #15 ranked c/o 2021 big man Nathan Bittle. Good fluid athlete with a versatile offensive skill set, Cook can get out in transition, finish around the rim and step out and hit the open 3.
Projection: 1st round pick – Cook has the type of frame and skill set that is valuable in the League. I can see him transitioning into a modern day 3 and D wing player.
Sebastian Mack Sebastian Mack 6'4" | CG Coronado | 2023 State #58 Nation NV 6’1 SG Durango (NV) (#64)
Where: Local Nevada Player
Story: I’ve seen Mack more than any other player on the list. He put together a sensational season helping Durango reach the 4A Semis. He’s one of the best shooters in the class, and is a pure bucket.
Projection: D1 HM -There will always be a place for someone that can shoot the ball like Mack. The key to his ceiling will be if he’s able to transition into a floor spacing point, or a taller wing player.
Jared McCain 5’11 PG Coronado Centennial (CA) (#68)
Where: 2019 Tarkanian Classic
Story: McCain took Coronado Centennial on a magical ride to the Platinum Division Championship at the Tarkanian Classic. He played like a seasoned veteran, hitting several cold blooded 3’s throughout the week. He’s a knock down shooter, that only needs to see one go in.
Projection: D1 HM – Much like Mack, McCain’s shooting is simply too good to ignore. In addition to his shooting, he displayed a nice cerebral floor game that included a handle, good vision and passing ability.
Marcus Fizer Jr Marcus Fizer Jr 6'6" | SG Phhoenix Prep | 2024 State AZ 6’4 SG Silverado (NV) (#77)
Where: Nevada Player
Story: Fizer was flat out balling before an injury shortened his freshmen season. The rangy wing is a good shooter, both in catch and shoot, and rhythm dribble situations.
Projection: Professional – I’m not comfortable calling him an NBA player just yet, but Fizer has all the tools to have a long basketball career. He has the frame and besides his shooting, he possesses several 1 on 1 moves he uses to create separation. He needs to get a little stronger, and I would like to see him use his length and athleticism to impact the game on the defensive end, however he is an intriguing sleeper in the this class.
Osiris Grady Osiris Grady 6'7" | PF Coronado | 2023 #195 Nation UT 6’7 PF Silverado (NV) (#91)
Where: Nevada Player
Story: Grady is a good young post that played with a ton of toughness this season. He runs the floor well, and proved to be a big time rebounder and rim protector in his first season with the Skyhawks.
Projection: D1 HM – Grady needs to develop his low post game, but his size frame and athleticism will fit in at all levels. He’s a throwback guy that plays with a ton of heart and a high motor. His rim protection and ability to sprint, catch and finish is in high demand at the D1 level.