2023 Watch List: Unofficial Top Five
photo: Matthew Cletus Photography The 2023 Watch List has grown from 25 players to 42, all of which are promising and too young to be ranked. We will say, though, that five players in Ohio’s freshmen class standout above the…
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Continue Readingphoto: Matthew Cletus Photography
The 2023 Watch List has grown from 25 players to 42, all of which are promising and too young to be ranked.
We will say, though, that five players in Ohio’s freshmen class standout above the rest so far. They’re the early leaders in the clubhouse to wind up top five once we rank the 2023 class after their 15U season. It is not a definitive five, to be clear.
Today, we will present those to you in alphabetical order:
Marlon Barnes | 6-5 SG | Brush
Barnes, who already possesses a Miami (FL) offer, is just getting back into the swing of things after missing the beginning of the season with an injury. Big, skilled guard who can create a shot and possesses a lot of athleticism. Even more than the others, there’s a lot yet to be seen given his injury.
Gabe Cupps | 6-0 PG | Centerville
Cupps is a gritty competitor, high-IQ playmaker, and elite outside shooter. His jumper must be respected from long-distance, which puts a lot of pressure on the defense. Cupps has the ball on a string, too. Underrated finisher — he shows immense creativity and skill in traffic — and point-of-attack defender.
Rayvon Griffith | 6-5 SF | Taft
Griffith is our unofficial No. 1 player in the class at this stage. He checks all of the boxes athletically/physically with broad shoulders, springy legs, long arms, and a lean frame that will continue growing. He plays extremely hard, which combined with his sheer athleticism is a deadly combo. From June until now, Griffith has displayed notable improvement as a shooter, ball-handler, and thinker of the game.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OHIO’S 2023 WATCH LIST
Lawrent Rice | 6-3 G | Wayne
Rice’s advanced skill-set at such a young age is the most promising aspect. From everything we’ve heard, the Wayne freshman is a gym rat, and it shows given the crafty ways he scores the rock. Can play either guard spot. Very skinny and long kid with a lot of growth potential. Quick-twitch athlete.
Tyler Williams | 6-7 PF | Brush
No other player in the class 6-foot-6 or taller, that we’ve watched, is as mobile and athletic as Williams. His combination of size and athleticism alone are very intriguing. He’s already a very impactful rebounder at the varsity level. Flashes the ability to score inside and shoot an outside jumper. Runs the floor very well. Williams’ role will likely spike next season when Brush graduates Pitt recruit John Hugley, their star center.