2023 Rankings Update: Stock Risers
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The class of 2023 had a ton of new faces pop onto our radar this AAU and fall-ball season. With these new faces, there have been some who have stood out more than others and deservingly so have moved up…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2023 had a ton of new faces pop onto our radar this AAU and fall-ball season. With these new faces, there have been some who have stood out more than others and deservingly so have moved up our rankings. Here are our top picks for the best stock risers in the class of 2023.
Aidan Peck Aidan Peck 6'7" | SG Rock Canyon | 2023 CO – Rock Canyon
Aidan Peck Aidan Peck 6'7" | SG Rock Canyon | 2023 CO blew up onto the scene early in the AAU season, as he had everyone turning their heads and asking “who is that?” Aidan has the size of a big but can play on the wing. He is a lengthy wing who is a match-up problem, when putting smaller players on him he has a great high post/mid-range game where he can shoot over smaller defenders with a nice set of fadeaways. One of the most impressive parts of Aidan’s game is how smooth he is with the ball in his hands, despite being 6’6 he handles like a guard and is a very smart decision-maker. Aidan is a player who when he is playing assertively can takeover games, he has a good jump shot and he uses that smoothness in the paint to snake around defenders to find the best look.
Keean Lloyd Keean Lloyd 6'4" | CG Cherokee Trail | 2023 CO – Cherokee Trail
Keean Lloyd Keean Lloyd 6'4" | CG Cherokee Trail | 2023 CO is a player who has impressed with his versatility. Keean is a player who can play multiple positions on the floor and can do almost anything a coach could ask out of a guard/wing. He can play on and off of the ball, with the ball in his hands he uses his good height to get a good vision of the court and find open teammates, and off of the ball, he has a knack for finding open spots on the floor. Keean has a good spot-up shot from three-point range, which makes defenders press upon him, and when they do he takes advantage with sneaky cuts. One of the best parts of Keean’s game is his floater which he often goes to, this keeps defenders on their feet as they don’t whether he driving to the rim or pulling up for a floater.
Nick Randall Nick Randall 6'7" | PF Fossil Ridge | 2023 State CO – Fossil Ridge
Nick Randall Nick Randall 6'7" | PF Fossil Ridge | 2023 State CO is another player who made his name known over this AAU season. Nick is a player who can do everything you want out of a modern-day power forward. He is very good on his feet for a power forward and is a guy who is a great streaker on fastbreaks. On the end of fastbreaks, he is a good finisher and has been seen finishing over the top of defenders with exciting dunks. Nick also has a solid jumper which he uses to spread the floor for his team. On the defensive end, he has great timing when blocking shots and has quick enough footwork to switch onto wings. Nick is a high upside player to keep an eye on with a talented Fossil Ridge squad.
Geo Velarde Geo Velarde 6'1" | SG Brighton | 2023 State CO – Faith Christian
Geo Velarde Geo Velarde 6'1" | SG Brighton | 2023 State CO is one of the few true combo-guards we have gotten the chance to see. Geo is great off of the ball, he has great instincts when filling lanes and often finds himself in the right spot. With the ball in his hands, he is a very good passer. Overall he is a high IQ player who seems to make the right play more often than not. When moving off of the ball, Geo is good at drifting on the outside and has a very good 3-point shot. Geo also is a straight competitor who takes defensive matchups personally and loves going head to head with opposing teams’ best players.