Top 8 c/o 2023 Guards in Southeastern PA
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This area has a rich tradition of producing talented guards and the class of 2023 is filled with them. With four of them already holding D1 offers, it was hard to settle on who would make my top eight. But…
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Continue ReadingThis area has a rich tradition of producing talented guards and the class of 2023 is filled with them. With four of them already holding D1 offers, it was hard to settle on who would make my top eight. But those mentioned below are more than deserving. In alphabetical order, here they are:
Rahmir Barno Rahmir Barno 5'10" | CG Imhotep Charter | 2023 State #223 Nation PA | 5’11 Imhotep + Team Final
After a spectacular summer running the show for Team Final 16u, Rahmir is at once a growing star regionally and underrated nationally. His speed is his best physical tool but what he has going on from the neck up is even better. It’s when he attacks angles, how he pushes the ball, and his communication on both ends that make him special. As he gets stronger and gains confidence in his shot, those nuances will shine even brighter.
Sam Brown Sam Brown 6'3" | CG Lower Merion | 2023 State PA | 6’1 Lower Merion + Philly Pride Gold
The NBA coach’s son already has a reputation as an incredible off-ball who can catch-and-fire after relocating or running around screens. But this summer he’s added more to his off-the-dribble game, manipulating ball-screens. Sam doesn’t win with speed, rather, with precise footwork whenever he has the rock. He showed touch on floaters and was a solid passer before. Now he’s on the developmental arc of a guy who can make decisions on & off ball.
Xzayvier Brown Xzayvier Brown 6'1" | PG Roman Catholic | 2023 State #233 Nation PA | 6’1 Roman + K-Low Elite
I think we have yet to see everything in this kid’s bag. He gets two in the paint, changes pace well, and can score from wherever. And the ways he keeps defenders off-balance with his movement skills are remarkable. But because he’s such a good table-setter for his teammates, he generally doesn’t have to be a volume scorer. What he did at the Battle for the Bell against Philly Pride & Team Final was a preview of what fans will see in his junior year at Roman.
Mark Butler Mark Butler 5'10" | PG William Penn Charter | 2023 State PA | 5’10 Penn Charter + Philly Pride
Mark is a reliable free throw shooter, and he routinely earns opportunities at the charity stripe with how he gets to the middle of the floor. A righty who loves his left, Butler uses hesitations and low pick ups to penetrate the defense. Once he’s there, he can find open shooters, get under and around rim protectors, or knock down 15 footers. And when he has them, he’s more than willing to find his bigs for high percentage buckets.
Adam “Budd” Clark Adam “Budd” Clark 5'9" | PG West Catholic | 2023 State PA | 5’9 West Catholic + BW Elite
As soon as you see Budd on the floor, you know he’s a scrapper. Budd gets into the chest of whoever he’s assigned to guard, forces turnovers, fights for loose balls and rebounds, and is an overall unselfish player. He’s lean yet strong and you see it, combined with his quickness when he attacks the paint. Offensively, his ability to decelerate with jump-stops and hang in the air for finishes are always available to him when the Burrs need a bucket.
Darrien Grady Darrien Grady 5'9" | PG Shipley School | 2023 State PA | 5’10 Shipley + WeR1
After his first season with the Gators and a good showing on the Under Armor circuit, Grady has solidified himself as one of the premiere shooters in the area. The suddenness with which he gets the ball to the top of his release is remarkable. He is reliable coming off screens too. This helps him overcome his stature. Every shot from 15 feet to the college line is fair game for him. And when he attacks the basket, Darrien gets under defenders and draws fouls.
Kenny Jackson Kenny Jackson 6'3" | PG #23 Nation PA | 6’4 Academy of New Church + WeR1
The big combo guard had as good a grassroots season and live period as anyone in the Mid-Atlantic. With his explosiveness and physique, he’s not a guy you want to let get off the ground. Marko also has the jumper to keep defenses honest. His pull-up game and playmaking on top of that vaulted him up recruiting rankings and have a ton of high major programs intrigued. Jackson’s physical tools should serve him well on defense too.
Ruben Rodriguez | 6’1 Reading + Team Final
In the 2021 high school and AAU seasons, Ruben looked like a hooper willing to “run through your face” on his way to the rim. So when he stepped onto the football field this Fall as an explosive offensive weapon, that mentality was accentuated. The Reading star is a tough-as-nails, two-way player, unafraid to do the dirty work. More than a battering ram and tough shot-maker, Ruben has the craft, vision, and shooting ability to play either guard spot.
For more on the class of 2023, follow me on twitter @CGraham_Sports.