Class of 2023 Prospects With Top 3 Potential
In the Rankings Reveal: Nebraska Class of 2023 we looked at the top 4 prospects in the Sophomore class and their case for being number 1. Much like the top 4, the gap between prospects 5-8 is very small and each prospect…
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Continue ReadingIn the Rankings Reveal: Nebraska Class of 2023 we looked at the top 4 prospects in the Sophomore class and their case for being number 1. Much like the top 4, the gap between prospects 5-8 is very small and each prospect has a case why they should be ranked higher. Here is a brief look at 4 sophomore prospects with potential to be ranked top 3 in the class.
Rylan Smith Rylan Smith 6'1" | PG Lincoln Southwest | 2023 State NE
Smith is an aggressive scorer that can create shots for himself and play any positions on the perimeter. He has some ball handling and play making ability, but because of his size and athleticism, he spends most of his time playing off the ball at a wing position. He had a solid freshman season for Lincoln Southwest and averaged 6.3 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game. The way he played this summer, he looks like he will have a much larger impact with the Silverhawks this season. Smith gets downhill in transition and can beat defenders with quick moves in the half court to score at the rim. If Smith continues to improve his shot from the perimeter and use his athleticism to be impactful defensively, he has potential to be a top 3 prospect in this class.
Maal Jal Maal Jal 6'4" | SF Papio South | 2023 State NE
Jal is a long and versatile forward from Millard South that is set to have a breakout season in year two. He only appeared in 9 games as a Freshman and averaged 1.0 points per game. This season, he may start for the Patriots and give them some more size next to Jack Cooper Jack Cooper 6'6" | PF Millard South | 2021 State NE . During the summer season, Jal created mismatches with his combination of size, skill, and athleticism. He can beat slower footed players off the dribble and bury smaller players under the basket. He surprises defenders with sharp pump fakes and a quick first step. Jal can stretch the floor as a shooter, rebound, and play either forward position. If he continue to grow physically and as a player, he could be a top 3 player in the class of 2023.
John Mitchell III John Mitchell III 5'11" | SG Creighton | 2023 State NE
Mitchell lead all freshman and was 5th overall in the state in scoring during the 2019-2020 season. He averaged 24.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. His stat line compared to others on this list is very impressive. However, his competition is not at the same level as players that compete in Class A. This summer for Lincoln Supreme against higher level competition, Mitchell was still a very affective player. He can get to the basket, create contact, and score with either hand. He doesn’t have the prettiest jump shot on this list, but it went in a lot this summer and he made two threes per game while shooting 32% as a freshman. Mitchell may find himself in the top 3 if he can put up similar stats and make Creighton more competitive in class C2.
Porter Bazil Porter Bazil 6'3" | SF Lincoln Northeast | 2023 State NE
Bazil is a lengthy wing that can make an impact on the defensive end and shoot a high percentage from three. He doesn’t need much space to get his shot off due to his size and quick release, but he does a good job working off screens and repositioning to get open looks. He also uses his length on the defensive end to tip passes, rebound, and block and contest shots. As a freshman, Bazil only played in 7 games from Lincoln Northeast and averaged 1.0 rebounds and just under 1 point per game. With the impact Bazil showed he can make on both ends of the floor this summer, he could be in conversations to start for the Rockets at one of the forward positions. Rumor is that Bazil has grown a couple inches over the summer and is even taller than he is currently listed at 6’4. If Porter is still growing and able to retain his agility and shooting ability, he could be a top 3 prospect in the class of 2023
To check out the entire top 40 list, click linked below!