Prep Hoops Top 250: 2023 MOP
The Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo at MSA Fieldhouse in Grand Rapids on Sunday was a top notch showcase event. There was talent at all levels in the building for college coaches to see. Without a doubt, the talent showed out. I will name a class of 2023 Most Outstanding Player and Honorable Mentions from the event. Keep in mind, it’s impossible for me to see every moment, of every athlete, in every game played. This is strictly relegated to what I witnessed and some input from coaches.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Jordan Briggs Jordan Briggs 6'0" | PG Muskegon | 2023 State MI (5011, G, Muskegon)
Briggs can put the ball on the floor and create and score. Everyone knows that. On Sunday it was his ability to be a floor general and to find open teammates that really highlighted his game. Briggs really showed a more diverse game that impressed scouts and coaches.
Carter Diedrich (6-7, F/C, Ida)
This young man has loads of potential in the frontcourt. He will be a difference maker at Ida for the years to come. Diedrich was more than willing to bang in the paint and also played well off the high post.
Jamison Eklund Jamison Eklund 6'5" | PF Pewamo-Westphalia | 2023 State MI (6-5, F, Pewamo-Westphalia)
Eklund has a game that’s mature beyond his years. He has such a natural feel for the game that’s even evident in showcases, where that can be difficult to show. Eklund rebounds and defends at a high level.
Tyler Robertson (5-11, G, Ida)
Robertson turned heads with his playmaking abilities. He played with a flare that was highlighted with a flashy behind the back pass in transition.
Teddy Williams Teddy Williams 6'6" | PF Grand Ledge | 2023 State MI (6-6, F, Grand Ledge)
I knew that Williams had the intangibles like size and athleticism. But he used the showcase to draw attention to other aspects of his game. He was way stronger and more physical in the post than I expected, and that was VERY impressive.
Jack Yanachik Jack Yanachik 6'1" | SF Warren De La Salle | 2023 State MI (6-2, G, Warren De La Salle)
Yanachik will be a difference maker in the coming years for De La Salle. He’s under rated as an athlete and was able to score in multiple different ways. Yanachik simply had a nose for the ball on Sunday.
MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER
Triston Nichols Triston Nichols 6'2" | SF De La Salle | 2023 State MI (6-2, G, Warren De La Salle)
Nichols had one of the most impressive grassroots seasons of any 2023 player in Michigan. He did the same at the Top 250. After seeing Nichols this weekend, college coaches need to make a phone call ASAP. The kid can flat out play. He’s underrated as an athlete and has a very well rounded game. Nichols can score from all 3 levels and was obviously comfortable playing against upperclassmen, since he did so all summer. Nichols and Yanachik (mentioned above) have the makings of a special backcourt in the next couple of years.