2023 Rankings Risers

April 5, 2023 by Max Feldman

 No 2023 prospect has risen to the degree of Dual over the last few months. After moving out West, the 6-6 wiry wing has steadily slid into a more primary offensive role and impressed in the process. Among the youngest prospects in the class, Dual is progressing fast and the growth on the ball will certainly be a trait to monitor. Shooting consistency and strength will be areas of focus early on at the next level, but the future Friar finds himself in five-star territory given his slithery movement skills, playmaking feel and premier defensive upside.

 Stewart, a Seattle native, has steadily ascended over the last year or so. Chock-full of functional strength and the ability to generate mismatches, the PNW product turned things up a notch this past summer and brings forth an appealing skillset projecting ahead. High motor, defends multiple spots, quick off the ground and brings a physical presence on the wing. Hurley and the Huskies made the cross-country wing a priority, and locked him down in mid-September.

 It’s not all flash or flair, but Dioubate impacts winning at a high level and brings forth a highly scalable skillset. Loaded with explosiveness and strength, the Crimson Tide signee thrives playing in tempo, puts pressure on the rim, plays through contact and defends multiple spots. Dioubate took a step forward with PSA this past summer and although upping his shooting volume will be key to gauging the long-term upside, he’s done more than enough to garner a top 40 spot in the class looking ahead.

 If Griffiths remained on the market and was healthy early in the summer, it seemed likely some big dogs were going to enter his recruitment. With that, Steve Pikiell locked down an elite offensive prospect in 2023. A high profile, exceedingly skilled shooter with pass, dribble and shoot productivity. The New England native knocked down over 40% of his three point attempts on a high volume at Peach Jam – the skillset translates to the highest level and Griffiths has arguably the most impressive shooting makeup in the nation.

 A steady climber over the last year, Amadou’s flourishing perimeter confidence turned a ton of the potential into production with Philly Pride this summer. An explosive leaper and vertical floor spacer with the frame to add plenty more mass in a collegiate weight room. The Golden Eagles have took a massive step forward this season and Amadou fits the bill of exactly what they’ve built upon on the wing and in the frontcourt. Shaka Smart made the high flyer from PA a priority and earned a commitment in August.

 Arguably the most impactful defender on the EYBL circuit, Tugler’s summer campaign with Houston Hoops opened some eyes. A hand in glove fit with the Cougars, Kelvin Sampson’s system should only accentuate Tugler’s ability to wreak havoc on the defensive end. Physical, explosive and a motor that stays revved up. It’s a unique, non-traditional skillset given his size, but Tugler has an approach to the game that’s worth betting on at this stage.

Swain strung together a massive summer with All Ohio, hitting a collection of lofty analytical marks and has shown progression in his skill level over the course of the season. A hyper twitchy athlete who slashes, makes plays for others and has an enticing defensive ceiling. Xavier kept the Columbus product in-state and Swain shows shades of a former Sean Miller guard, Dalen Terry. One of the youngest prospects in the class, there appears to be plenty more to be tapped into skill-wise.

 It's been an impressive senior campaign for Zaide Lowery, who transferred into the NIBC's La Lumiere from Kickapoo in Springfield, Missouri. The 6-5 athlete starred from an independent program through the summers, making him more of a blindspot for many on the national front. The Golden Eagles got in the door early and identified Lowery as a prime scheme fit given his fast-twitch athleticism, defensive instincts and floor-spacing ability. Now at La Lu, the Marquette signee has connected on 44% of his three point attempts and consistently provided big-time value on minimal usage. Looking ahead, Lowery's ability to close passing lanes, score in transition and space the floor off the catch should give hima chance to earn early opportunity under Shaka Smart. Further, there appears to be more to tap into offensively as his passing feel and handle continue to sharpen.