2023 Rankings Roundtable: 10 Prospects We're Betting On

April 11, 2023 by MADE Hoops Staff

The 2023 rankings are now in and finalized. With a jam-packed season coming to a close and a large sample size on this group of seniors, we pull back the curtain and unveil who our team is placing their respective long-term bets on.

Eric Hampford: Deshawn Harris-Smith

Why? Production. It’s been the story of DeShawn Harris-Smith’s career since his middle school days of playing with Team Takeover. He’s wired to score by attacking the rim and is one of the toughest two-way guards in the country. So why would that change at the next level? I don’t think it will. I’m betting on what I know, and that’s his competitive spirit and winning mentality.

Travis Graf: Aden Holloway

Why? Holloway measuring in at 6’2” at the Nike Hoop Summit made his stock even more valuable, as he’d been listed a couple inches shorter than that in a couple of places over the past year. The Auburn signee picked the perfect school for his continued development as Bruce Pearl will let him rock out and make a lot of plays with the ball in his hands. Holloway is one of the better shooters in the senior class, and that skill will translate to the next level.

 Max Feldman: Garwey Dual

Why? Still uncommitted late in the process and while it’s hard to gauge the full situation without a context in mind, the developmental path is more than enough to bet on for me. A fast twitch athlete with a +6 wingspan, Dual is a dynamic perimeter defender and is tracking at an extremely high level on that end. To this stage, that end is the calling card. But the catalyst for the bet is the offensive trajectory. Over the course of the season at SoCal Academy, the South Sudanese national made strides on the ball and showed big flashes as a versatile creator with fascinating physical tools. And further, he’s young for the class.  With a consensus ranking around the 50-mark, we have Dual 11th overall in 2023.

 Tony McNiff: Elmarko Jackson

Why? Jackson has shown significant growth in the past year during his time at South Kent (CT). He’s become much more comfortable shooting off the bounce, plus he’s become a stronger decision-maker. He’s been well-known as a prominent, downhill force given his blend of size, speed, and power. Jackson gets downhill at his own will, however he’s developed the ability to make decisions on the fly with the ball in his hands. He can settle for pull-up jumpers, wiggle his way to the rim, or accurately locate teammates on the floor. He’s developed into more of a “traditional point guard” while expanding his offensive repertoire in the process. Jackson is a tough, laterally quick, and instinctive on-ball defender who plays with plenty of energy on the defensive end as well.

Eric: Courtney Anderson

Why?  I think Colorado is getting a steal in the athletic 6’6” wing. The son of a former NFL tight end, not only does he have bloodlines on his side, but he’s one of the younger prospects in his class. He hasn’t received some of the mainstream attention that many in the 2023 class have gotten to this point, but don’t be surprised when he starts popping up onto the radar as he begins to really bloom in Boulder.

Travis: Dennis Evans

Why? There’s a very valid argument to be made that Evans is the best rim protector in the 2023 class. At 7’1” and possessing a 7’7” wingspan, the top-30 big man has unteachable length, and that combined with how young he is, makes him an exciting prospect. Evans’ offensive game has developed, and if he continues to make strides on that side of the ball, he could hear his name called in the NBA Draft within a couple of years. 

Max: Dailyn Swain

Why? Coming off last summer with All Ohio, Swain was one I thought would surge over the course of his senior campaign. Among the very youngest in the class, he’s shown scalability to play in an ancillary role and impact the game in various ways while also shifting on ball and serving as a primary playmaker. Switchable defensively with strong instincts and plus athleticism, while flashing enticing passing feel and impressive tools as a slasher on the offensive end. There’s plenty of raw facets and the shooting will continue to be a swing skill, but it’s an archetype that Sean Miller has had success with at previous stops. Outside the top 80 by consensus, the future Musketeer slots in our top-35 and makes for a bet I’m happy to jump on.

Tony: Stephon Castle

Why? Castle has a unique blend of size, feel, and developing offensive skill. He’s extremely coordinated for his size and he’s also a fluid mover with the ball in his hands. He’s a methodical ball handler who has a strong understanding of how to get to his spots, whether it’s to score or find teammates. Castle is a skilled pull-up scorer inside the arc and he possesses functional touch on his jumper. He demonstrates a strong understanding of pace, specifically when operating in the pick & roll. Look out for the Georgia native to step into an immediate-impact role for the defending national champs at UConn next season.

 Travis: Cameron Carr

Why? Late bloomers are always worth betting on, but especially in this instance. Carr has the physical tools, shooting upside, and physical frame to put on weight that make this one a pretty easy choice long-term, where his upside is greater than it is in the near future. The top-35 prospect also has the DNA factor on his side, as his father, Chris, played in the NBA.

Max: Jaylin Stewart

Why? Fresh off a National Championship, Dan Hurley and company have one of my favorite classes on the way into Storrs. While Castle grabs the most buzz, it’s the cross-country nab in Jaylin Stewart that has my attention. A mismatch machine at 6-6 with functional strength, the Seattle native is capable of providing value offensively on or off the ball and is at his best attacking closeouts. Abrasive at the rim, shown flashes defensively of guarding multiple spots and rebounds at a high level for his position. Again, shooting will be a key here, but long-term Stewart is one of favorite bets to out-perform his consensus ranking.