Future stars in the 2023 class
Star freshmen intrigue fans and coaches across the country. They have yet to play a high school basketball game, but have shown lots of potential in the summer AAU season and fall ball. The class of 2023 may currently only…
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Continue ReadingStar freshmen intrigue fans and coaches across the country. They have yet to play a high school basketball game, but have shown lots of potential in the summer AAU season and fall ball. The class of 2023 may currently only have 19 players, but it’s filled with top-end talent. Here are the future freshman stars in the class of 2023
Mackenzie Mgbako, SF Gill St. Bernard’s
It’s no surprise to see the top player in the the class on this list. Mgbako is a super talented wing player that can do a bit of everything. He can shoot the ball from deep, attack the basket off the bounce and handle the ball on the perimeter.
Defensively, Mgbako uses his length and athleticism to alter shots at the rim. The 6’6 forward currently holds one Division I offer,but that number will increase by the end of the season. Mgbako will provide an immediate impact for a talented Gill St. Bernard’s team and should average around double figures in his freshman season.
Simeon Wilcher, SG Roselle Catholic
Wilcher is the only freshman with high major offers, so he is an easy inclusion on this list. The brother of Xavier commit CJ, Wilcher is a smooth scorer that should be a valuable bench contributor for Roselle Catholic. He’s not a marksman like his older brother, but the younger Wilcher can punish teams from behind the arc.
The 6’3 shooting guard is a big-time athlete and uses his athleticism to finish around the rim. Wilcher has a tremendous handle and good feel for the game, despite only being a freshman. He won’t have a big role considering the talent on Roselle Catholic’s roster, but Wilcher has all the makings of a future star.
Dajuan Wagner Jr, CG Camden
Wagner Jr. has not played a single varsity game, but he already has a big legacy to live up to. His father, Dajuan Sr., is the state’s all-time leading scorer at 3,462 points and is considered to be the greatest high school basketball player in the history of New Jersey basketball. His grandfather, Milt Wagner, also scored over 2,000 points for Camden High School.
The third-generation Wagner inherited his dad’s scoring ability as he attacks the basket at will. He has a tremendous handle and a solid perimeter shooter. Both his father and grand-father were named McDonald’s All-Americans and Wagner Jr. has all the makings of joining them in the 2023 McDonald’s All-American game.
Akil Watson, SF Don Bosco Prep
The 6’7 Watson is the tallest player on this list, but he is not just a big man. The New York native can handle the ball from the outside and has a good looking jump shot. Watson also has a solid post game and moves his feet well on the defensive end.
He joins a Don Bosco Prep team that lost Victor Konopka on the interior from last season.Watson has a great perimeter skill set but is also capable of playing in the post. He may play a little out of position in his debut season, but Watson will still open eyes in New Jersey this season.
Spencer Joyner, PG University
The only other player in the class holding a Division I offer, Joyner is a smooth operator on the perimeter. He can stretch the defense with his shooting and can beat his defender off the bounce. Joyner is not just a scorer as he is capable of running an offense with his adept passing and good court vision.
University is a team filled with juniors and seniors, but Joyner should still provide an immediate impact as a freshman. He is the team’s top point guard and could lead University to a deep run in the state tournament. Joyner has a big responsibility being a freshman point guard, but he is primed to lead his team deep in states in his first varsity season.
Other Players to Watch:
Isaac Hester, PG Gill St. Bernard’s
Zach Davis, SF Ranney School
Dasear Hawkins, SF Trenton Catholic
Cian Medley, PG Camden