2023 Rankings Primer
April 5, 2023 by Max Feldman
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Breaking Down The Top
As the class of 2023 has evolved, there has been no shortage of fluctuation in the top ten. There’s been a lack of clarity and while no one has separated themselves, the top four stand strong in Isaiah Collier, Matas Buzelis, DJ Wagner and Ron Holland. All have seen ups and downs over the last year or so, but have done enough to remain atop the class.
Upside Wings
A strength within the class is the intriguing group of wings and off-guards who’ve flashed high end outcomes. To name a few – Cody Williams, Stephon Castle, Garwey Dual, Myles Colvin, Jaylin Stewart, Coen Carr, Kaden Cooper and Dailyn Swain. High on the next-level fit of each respective prospect.
International Presence
The NBA Global Academy’s have rapidly become a breeding ground for enticing long-term prospects. Thierry Darlan leads the conversation here – a rangy 6-7 guard with a 7-1 wingspan and juice off the dribble. The Central African Republic native has strung together numerous positive showings between the national team and with Global Academy – he lands in the top 15 in 2023 rankings.
Alex Toohey, a skilled 6-8 wing with a smooth stroke and plus feel, is headed to Gonzaga next season. Alex Condon, a fellow Australian out of the NBA Global Academy, has committed to Todd Golden and the Florida Gators. The 6-10 big plays with poise and polish on the interior.
Miro Little has steadily rose throughout the year since coming over from Finland. The two-way guard has been a standout in FIBA play over the last few years, now starring with Sunrise Christian in the NIBC. Physical, high IQ and shoots the ball at a high clip. Baylor, Indiana and Villanova amongst others were entrenched in the recruitment, before Little ultimately chose Scott Drew and the Bears.
Marqus Marion, a 6-9 forward out of Denmark, has committed to Wake Forest after a productive campaign in the top Danish pro league.
NBA Africa’s Dramane Camara has shown flashes, but now steadily growing more consistent. The 6-5 guard by way of France plays above the rim, defends both backcourts spots and some wings and has shown steady progression as a shooter, all aligning as an impactful ancillary swingman at the next level. Churchill Abass has burst onto the scene over the last few months, now leading a high major recruitment. The bruising, explosive 6-8 big has the tools to be an impact player early on at the next level.
Mid-Major Fits
Year after year, mid-major freshman leap out as perhaps going undervalued coming out of high school. The potential for high value gets at the mid-major level should only continue to rise given the boom of the portal. At this stage, seven 2023’s leap out as prime prospects to monitor at the mid-major level next year.
Mayar Wol chose the College of Charleston over a wealth over high-major options, and should have the opportunity to slide in early on given his shooting ability at 6-8.
Nils Cooper, the son of former Laker Michael Cooper, has the tools to be the next gem that Pepperdine has identified at an early stage. There’s a ton to like given the 6-5 guard’s creation ability and defensive aptitude.
Jadyn Toppin is headed to New Mexico, who secured the 6-8 post just as it seemed his stock was set to explode. Heady, skilled, highly instinctual and productive every step of the way, it’d be no surprise to see the Texas native make an impact early on.
Frank Martin grabbed the commitment of Robert Davis Jr. The 6-6 Detroit native spaces the floor at a high level and has the chance to carve out a role early on given his perimeter prowess. There’s a cool flow and tempo to his game that once settled into the collegiate game, could shine bright.'
Richmond locked down the commitment of Combine Academy's Collin Tanner. A high level secondary guard and connector, the 6-6 Carolina native has been trending up over the course of the last year.
Lawrent Rice once had a final eight full of high major programs, but eventually secured his commitment to Murray State. A quick twitch 6-3 guard loaded with scoring instincts and pull-up shooting ability, it’d be no surprise to see Rice string together some big box score outings early on with the Racers.
Lastly, two teammates out of Chicago land in the back-half of the top 150. Simeon’s Miles Rubin, headed to Loyola Chicago, and Sam Lewis, headed to Toledo, have taken big steps forward over the course of the summer and into the winter. Rubin, a skilled rim protector with intriguing passing chops, looks like a prime fit in the A-10 and should find his way onto the floor for the Ramblers given his motor in the frontcourt. Lewis dealt with injuries during his final summer on the EYBL Circuit, but had all the ingredients at the time of a breakout. At 6-7 with a smooth shooting stroke and real feel as a creator, this one could age very well for Toledo as Lewis’ frame continues to develop at the next level.