Making The Case: Top Prospect in 2023 Class
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With the Prep Hoops new rankings coming out in the next few months, it’s time to take a look at the top players in the class of 2023 and see how each is performing this season. Could there be some…
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Continue ReadingWith the Prep Hoops new rankings coming out in the next few months, it’s time to take a look at the top players in the class of 2023 and see how each is performing this season. Could there be some shakeup at the top? Who is making their case for the top player in the class? Here is a breakdown of some of the potential candidates for the class.
Jalen Hooks Jalen Hooks 6'6" | SF Warren Central | 2023 State #282 Nation IN (Crispus Attucks; SF)
Current Ranking: 1
Hooks came into this season ranked the top prospect in the Indiana class of 2023 after a tight head-to-head race with Drayvn Gibbs-Lawhorn. Since then, Gibbs-Lawhorn has transferred out to Real Salt Lake Academy in Salt Lake City and Hooks has cemented himself even more as the top player in the class.
This season, Hooks is averaging 11.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. As you can tell from his stats, he does just about everything. He is an extremely versatile wing at 6-foot-7 and 200 pounds.
Hooks is a very solid perimeter player who can play both on the ball and off. He isn’t a consistent shooter at this stage in his development, but he does a tremendous job getting in the paint and using his size and length to his advantage when creating for himself or for a teammate. He is already a great defensive player and can guard almost every position on the floor.
I would expect Hooks to keep the top spot in the state once the updated rankings come out.
Ashton Williamson Ashton Williamson 6'2" | PG Gary 21st Century | 2023 State #287 Nation IN (Gary 21st Century; SG)
Current Ranking: 3
Williamson is an elite athlete and does things every game to continue to prove that.
At 6-foot-3, he has good size and a great wingspan that make him a good defender. Often times, he is able to use his quick hands to deflect a pass or get a steal on a loose handle.
In transition, he is terrific. Going downhill, not many people will get in front of him, and if they do, Williamson makes them pay. He glides through the air and tries to dunk everything at the rim. With a good handle and quick first step, he can create space easily. Williamson isn’t going to light anyone up from the perimeter, but he has a very good mid-range game, with a floater that he loves to use.
Recently Williamson transferred from Calumet to Gary 21st Century and hasn’t played since December 5.
Xavier Booker Xavier Booker 6'11" | PF Cathedral | 2023 State #4 Nation IN (Cathedral; PF)
Current Ranking: 4
Booker is an underrated player on a very loaded Cathedral squad. He is a long and skinny forward that has a ton of upside.
His best asset at this stage is his rim protection. Averaging 1.3 blocks per game, his length makes opponents alter their shots every time they attack him. He has good strength that makes him a difficult opponent for most bigs to score on.
Offensively, Booker does a lot well for someone of his size. He has good hands and footwork that allow him to hold his own at times when switched onto smaller guards on the perimeter. He is a terrific floor runner and can even use above average handles and skills. Booker has a bit of an outside shot, but nothing consistent enough for opponents to guard him out from about 15-feet.
He averages 4 points and 4 rebounds, currently.
Jayden Pinkston Jayden Pinkston 6'6" | PF Southport | 2023 State IN (Tindley; F)
Current Ranking: 6
Pinkston is a very talented wing who is a as talented a slasher as there is in the class.
At this stage, his athleticism and frame, at 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds, make him much more of an effective driver than shooter, but he has the ability and confidence to keep the defense honest. Around the basket he is pretty much unstoppable as his athleticism and explosiveness allow him to get his shot up and around defenders.
He has all of the tools to be a very good defender and if he can develop a more consistent deep ball, he will be a highly sought-out wing in the next few years.
This year he is averaging 13.8 points, 6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
JaQualon Roberts JaQualon Roberts 6'8" | PF Bloomington North | 2023 State IN (Bloomington North; F)
Current Ranking: 12
Roberts is a true hybrid forward who can play big as a perimeter player, as well as play like a small-ball 4 at times.
He has good athletic ability to guard a few positions and his length makes him lethal at the top of zone and press defenses, averaging 1.9 steals per game.
On the offensive end of the floor, he has a very improved jump shot that is knocked down at a consistent clip. He isn’t someone to play on the block, rather use his size and versatility to attack in the paint off of the dribble.
It will be interesting to see his development over the summer and see if a more specific position sticks out, but his overall ability to play both forward positions is a nice asset as it stands now.
He is averaging 11.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.