2023 Rankings: New Additions Pt. 1
The latest update to the 2023 Prep Hoops Nebraska class is now live, and a number of 2023 prospects elevated themselves in their second seasons, earning a spot on this list. We will go over the new additions from the…
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Continue ReadingThe latest update to the 2023 Prep Hoops Nebraska class is now live, and a number of 2023 prospects elevated themselves in their second seasons, earning a spot on this list. We will go over the new additions from the highest ranked players to the lowest, so in part one we will discuss the players who made the biggest leap from their unranked positions.
Andrew Gaines Andrew Gaines PG Lincoln High | 2023 State NE
Current: 15
From unranked to the top fifteen, Gaines really impressed for Lincoln High. He is not a shooter, and I think he needs to hunt more of his offense, but he gets to the rim and draws fouls at a high level. He doesn’t have the high-end burst, so change of pace is his game. He can set his defender up one way, and attack into space in the other direction.
Jacob Martin Jacob Martin 6'0" | PG Millard North | 2023 State NE
Current: 29
Martin’s ranking will certainly improve in the coming updates, as his most significant weaknesses right now most likely stem from youth and inexperience. He can telegraph his passes, or make the play a beat too late. Other times he can drive to the hoop with tunnel vision and without a plan. He is a very powerful player, though, who can cover lot of space and change direction quickly and explosively. There are some great signs of some higher level feel that I saw exhibited in smart off-ball cutting and great defensive rotations.
Alex Draper Alex Draper 6'1" | CG Platteview | 2023 State NE
Current: 30
A terrific spot-up shooter, one of the best in Nebraska this season, regardless of class. On over five attempts per game, Draper knocked down 42% of his threes. He is deadly from the corners, punishing any help his defender offers. His shooting versatility is limited at this point, but he did begin to mix in a shot fake, one-dribble sidestep three to beat a hard closeout.
Paxon Piatkowski Paxon Piatkowski 6'4" | SF Elkhorn North | 2023 State NE
Current: 31
The Elkhorn North sophomore brings length and mobility to the hardwood. His easy perimeter jumpshot allows him to be a great floor spacer. He has shown the ability to guard the perimeter well, getting into a good stance and moving his feet well. In the clip below, he switches onto the quicker guard, and stays locked to him throughout the drive, despite the hesitation from the ball-handler. His comfortability on the perimeter is necessary, because he could have a tough time guarding bigs, even as he puts on more weight. Time will tell on the post defense, but he’s a prospect to watch moving forward regardless.
T’andre Perkins T’andre Perkins 6'5" | SF Omaha North | 2023 State NE
Current: 33
Perkins attacks the offensive glass with ferocity, often earning himself easy points via the putback. Late in the year when Omaha North faced Millard West, Perkins struggled against the more mature, experienced duo of James Conway James Conway 6'3" | PF Millard West | 2021 State NE and Dom Humm Dom Humm 6'0" | PG Millard West | 2021 State NE . He can lose track of his man while on defense, but overall is an impactful player on that end. He shows off his athleticism closing out to the perimeter and securing the block here:
Here’s a taste of his athleticism on the offensive end, attacking a hard closeout with a great drive and finish at the rim.