2023 Rankings: Talented Bigs
Over the last three weeks, our team has worked endlessly to release our updated rankings. First, it was the 2021 class which now includes a whopping 505 prospects followed by the 2022 class which has 345 players on the list.…
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Continue ReadingOver the last three weeks, our team has worked endlessly to release our updated rankings.
First, it was the 2021 class which now includes a whopping 505 prospects followed by the 2022 class which has 345 players on the list.
VIEW RANKINGS HERE
2021 Rankings
2022 Rankings
On Tuesday, we released our very first 2023 rankings. Over the last year, it was a simple watch list that grew to 64 total players. The new rankings saw 133 prospects come into the ranking to add up to 197 total players.
VIEW HERE: 2023 Rankings
ICYMI:
2023
2023 Rankings: The Top 10 Debut
2023 Rankings: Crafty Playmakers
2023 Rankings: Rising Prospects
We will look at some of the top bigs in the Class of 2023 with these stories to follow: 3-Point Specialists and Underrated Talents.
Justin Johnson Justin Johnson 6'7" | PF Doral | 2023 #229 Nation FL made the move from Carol City to Doral alongside his older brother 2021 forward Kameron Johnson Kameron Johnson 6'6" | PF Doral | 2021 State FL . Justin, a 6’7″ forward had himself a fine freshman campaign, averaging 12.4 PPG and 5.4 RPG, the second-highest scoring average behind only 2020 guard Devin Carter Devin Carter 6'4" | SG Doral Academy | 2021 #200 Nation NLG . Johnson is a gifted shooter, attacker and a core defender who can outrebound people and block shots often. He had an impressive 20-point, 7-rebound performance against Coral Springs Charter at the Sun Bash Miami and he was aggressive on both ends of the floor all game long.
Sam Walters Sam Walters 6'9" | PF The Villages | 2023 State #96 Nation FL is extremely long and very athletic for a 6’9″ forward. A versatile player who transferred from West Oaks to The Villages, he proved to be a true rebounding threat, defensive specialist and a locked in outside shooter and shifty attacker. As the season went on, Walters’ playing time increased. I think his chances to be a true top piece are through the roof and once he adds some weight and muscle, he’ll be well on his way. Walters holds an offer from USF.
Jayden Hastings Jayden Hastings 6'9" | PF Orlando Christian Prep | 2023 State #120 Nation FL is someone to monitor simply based off potential alone. The 6’9″ freshman is lengthy as can be, fluid around the rim and is developing his game daily. He is fresh off a state championship as an energy player off the bench for Orlando Christian Prep. Hastings averaged 2.7 PPG and 3.7 RPG in limited minutes but once he gets stronger and adds weight and a reliable jumper, he will be hard to contain. He already has offers from USF, Iowa State and St. John’s.
Dylan James Dylan James 6'8" | SF The Rock | 2023 State #48 Nation FL is part of a trio of highly talented freshmen at Winter Haven with guards Tyler Williams Tyler Williams 6'4" | CG Lakeland | 2023 FL and Rolijah Hardy Rolijah Hardy 6'0" | CG Lakeland | 2023 FL paired with him. James, a 6’7″ forward is the younger brother of former Winter Haven standout and current North Florida forward Dorian James. Dylan is certainly far from what Dorian became for this program, but he is already showing patience defensively as a shot blocker (1.8 BPG), rebounder (5.5 RPG) and can mix it up as a long body at the rim (5.3 PPG). James is ready to breakout.
Sami Elkamel Sami Elkamel 6'8" | PF Pembroke Pines Charter | 2023 State FL is a true developing center at Ft. Lauderdale Calvary Christian. He appeared in only nine games, averaging 2.4 PPG and 2.3 RPG. Calvary Christian head coach Cilk McSweeney says the doctors have told Elkamel, he is projected to grow to 7′ and he loves how much Ekamel listens and has shown quick improvements already. McSweeney has coached up some big-time centers in 7′ Towson sophomores Victor Uyaelunmo and 6’7″ Solomon Uyaelunmo and 6’10” Southern Illinois Evansville sophomore Elochukwu Eze who all shined at Calvary in recent years. Elkamel is up next.
Blaise Wallace Blaise Wallace 6'6" | PF Maclay | 2023 State FL has carved out a name for himself in the panhandle at Maclay. The 6’7″ forward ended the year as his squad’s second leading scorer, averaging 10.0 PPG and 8.7 RPG. He had a season-best 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting along with 13 rebounds in a win over North Florida Christian. The three games prior, he totaled 14 blocks with two five block outings. Wallace is a freakish athlete who is just scratching the surface of his full potential.
Joachim Ametepe is already making waves in South Florida at Westwood Christian. The younger brother of 6’5″ FIU sophomore James Ametepe, Joachim had a really nice start to his high school career, averaging 14.1 PPG and 12.5 RPG as a freshman. He had 11 double doubles which included a 22-point, 14-rebound performance in a loss to Miami Country Day. Ametepe is certainly a problem already and will continue to improve his all around game.
ICYMI:
2021
The New Top 10 in the 2021 Class
2021 Rankings: Crafty Playmakers
2021 Rankings: Rising Prospects
2021 Rankings: Talented Bigs
2021 Rankings: 3-Point Specialists
2021 Rankings: Underrated Talents
2022