Initial 2023 Rankings: The Wings
Omaha Biliew Omaha Biliew 6'8" | SF Link Academy | 2023 #14 Nation FL , Dowling Catholic Ranking: 1 There are some rumblings that the top-ranked player in the 2023 class, and one of the top players nationally in the…
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Omaha Biliew
Omaha
Biliew
6'8" | SF
Link Academy | 2023
#14
Nation
FL
, Dowling Catholic
Ranking: 1
There are some rumblings that the top-ranked player in the 2023 class, and one of the top players nationally in the class, could be headed down to Arizona and Hillcrest Prep. But as of now, those are just that – rumors. In the meantime, Biliew holds onto his top billing in Iowa. He started a majority of the Maroons’ games as a freshman, and while he was up-and-down throughout the year, he showed some real promise on the defensive end of the floor. He’s already 6-8 with eye-popping athleticism and length, he handles the ball well and can get to the bucket. With his blend of size, athleticism, and skill, it’s easy to see why he’s considered the top prospect in the state, and one of, if not the best, in the country in the 2023 class.
Pryce Sandfort
Pryce
Sandfort
6'7" | SF
Waukee Northwest | 2023
State
#123
Nation
IA
, Waukee
Ranking: 2
If Biliew does end up leaving to go to Hillcrest or any other prep school, it’ll be Sandfort who slots into the #1 spot in the 2023 rankings. The younger brother of 2021 standout Payton Sandfort Payton Sandfort 6'7" | SF Waukee | 2021 State #138 Nation IA , Pryce is built similarly, long and lean with a great wingspan. He started all year for the 4A runner-up Warriors, shooting nearly 46% from behind the arc and posting a 56-16 assist-to-turnover mark. A high IQ player who shoots it at a ridiculously high level and has this type of length is a highly valuable commodity.
Elijah Vos
Elijah
Vos
6'4" | SF
Hoover | 2023
State
IA
, Hoover
Ranking: 3
A long wing who can score from all three levels, Vos is a solid athlete with good length and a high basketball IQ. He has the size to defend multiple positions to go with his offensive versatility and is coming off a strong freshman year in which he averaged 11.2 points a game for the Huskies.
Dallas Bear
Dallas
Bear
6'8" | SF
Cedar Falls | 2023
State
#276
Nation
IA
, Cedar Falls
Ranking: 4
Bear played on the sophomore team for Cedar Falls, who has a loaded varsity roster but is a long, lean 6-5 wing with a big wingspan that allows him to create some chaos on the defensive end of the floor. He handles the ball well, passes it, and is a knockdown shooter. He’s rail-thin and will need to continue to add some strength, but he may have the highest ceiling of any player in the 2023 Iowa class not named Omaha Biliew Omaha Biliew 6'8" | SF Link Academy | 2023 #14 Nation FL .
Drew Kingery
Drew
Kingery
6'4" | SF
Indianola | 2023
State
IA
, Indianola
Ranking: 7
A long, lean wing who can fill it up from behind the arc in a hurry, Kingery is a good shooter, ball handler and decision maker. He’ll need to continue adding strength to his frame and improving his all-around offensive game (ability to get to the bucket), but he’s got good size and is an excellent shooter, especially off the catch.
Colby Collison
Colby
Collison
6'4" | SF
Bondurant-Farrar | 2023
State
IA
, Bondurant-Farrar
Ranking: 8
Collison was one of the most productive freshmen in the state, averaging 13.0 points a game and leading the team in rebounding. He’s a strong wing who can score from all three levels, and he shot 38% from behind the arc. He’s got a solid frame to continuing building on.
Traijan Sain
Traijan
Sain
6'5" | SF
Cedar Rapids Washington | 2023
State
IA
, Cedar Rapids Washington
Ranking: 14
A long, athletic wing with a good perimeter stroke, Sain can make an impact on both ends of the floor. He’s got a nice looking shot, especially off the catch, and is a switchable defender. His handles need to tighten up to allow him to create his own shot better, but he’s another young player with great size and a solid stroke, a 3-and-D wing.
Walker Tart
Walker
Tart
6'2" | SG
Senior | 2023
State
IA
, Senior
Ranking: 19
Tart was initially mistakenly placed in our 2022 rankings, which is why there are now 26 players in the 2023 rankings instead of the more traditional 25. Tart rebounds well and finishes at a high clip around the rim. He has a good frame to continue adding strength to, runs the floor and finishes through contact. He’s capable of stepping out and knocking down an occasional 3, but he’s at his best when he’s attacking the bucket. He moves really well off the ball and is a high IQ player who was one of the best players on Senior’s undefeated sophomore team. He should be a key contributor for a very good Rams squad as a sophomore.