Class of 2023 Top 5 Breakdown
The new Class of 2023 rankings are available here! Here’s a detailed breakdown of the current top 5. Class of 2023 has been characterized as a high ceiling class thanks to a group of prospects that impacted the high school…
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Continue ReadingThe new Class of 2023 rankings are available here! Here’s a detailed breakdown of the current top 5.
Class of 2023 has been characterized as a high ceiling class thanks to a group of prospects that impacted the high school level from their freshman year or at an early point showed unique physical gifts and upside. This group of five are enjoying outstanding junior seasons and have established themselves as players with Division One futures. They have been ranked as such not just on pure performance against their current peers. There is a focus on projecting out aspects of their game that will translate to college, especially at the highest levels of college.
Brandon Garrison Brandon Garrison 6'8" | C Evans | 2023 State #33 Nation OK , 6’9 Forward, Del City
Leading off the top 5 is Garrison, a surefire Power 5 post player. With his ability to protect the rim, rebound on both ends of the court, he’s arguably the most dominant force in Oklahoma. He absolutely changes the way the opposition plays. Especially when factoring in the fact that he’s quick and defensively aware enough to cover guards when he’s switched onto them.
Offensively, he’s still refining his touch on jumpers and footwork on post ups. But impressively, he’s already a very strong passer out of the post. When teams bring double teams, Garrison knows how to find the the open man. Rather if it’s a cutter to the rim, or an open shooter, the big man will set up his teammates for scores. He also excels as a passer in the high post and as an outlet passer as well.
Jeremiah Johnson Jeremiah Johnson 6'4" | PG Wasatch Academy Prep Class Of 2024 | 2024 GA , 6’4 Guard, Norman North
A year ago, Johnson was the no brainer top sophomore in the state. He was an athletic scorer, that could score off the bounce just as easily as he could pull up off the dribble and drain a three. Add in outstanding passing instincts and he was possibly the top prospect in Oklahoma regardless of class. Unfortunately, an off the court incident has set Johnson back.
It’s still been remarkable to see his progress this season. With each week, there’s more of his old athletic self returning, as evident by his uptick of in game dunks this month. And even without the possibly NBA level athletic ability of last year, the lead guard has still been a super efficient scorer. He’s crafty off the bounce with floaters now, and is one of the best shooters from all levels in the state. As Johnson continues to work his way back into form, there is still McDonald’s All American upside for this Power 5 prospect.
Parker Friedrichsen Parker Friedrichsen 6'4" | SG Bixby | 2023 State #165 Nation OK , 6’3 Guard, Bixby
Putting the ball into basket is highly valued by college coaches. Especially from long distance. That’s what makes the Bixby Spartan standout from his peers. Friedrichsen always has been one of the elite shooters in his class, and has been bombing away with efficiency since first stepping on the court as a freshman. Since then he has added more versatility to his scoring. Now with a floater game, good passing and good ability to avoid contact when driving, he’s one of the most complete offensive players in the state.
A recent viewing was a great sign of his overall improvement. In the first quarter he was primarily a three point shooter. But as the game progressed, he found more ways to impact the game. Scoring off the bounce, even playing good defense as part of the Bixby press when rallying, the junior proved he’s far more than an one trick pony. Shooting will likely always be his number one trait, but the continually evolution of the rest of his game will help him when he makes the jump to the collegiate level in 18 months.
Terry McMorris Terry McMorris 6'5" | SF Douglass | 2023 State OK , 6’6 Wing, Del City
The fun part about watching McMorris this year for the Eagles is how he defines the aspect of “staring in your role”. He does not try to force non strengths right now by doing too much. He simply buys into his role as a high energy defensive specialist and offensive slasher, and he crushes it. In the McGuinness Classic, a tournament filled with future D1 players, the Del City junior was named tournament MVP. He wasn’t named MVP for forcing jumpers or other plays that would be uncharacteristic to him, it was by racking up points off putbacks, drives and off the ball cutting.
McMorris always gets a handful of “easy” points each game. But the way he goes about in creating those easy points are anything but easy. He works his tail off as a defender to create transitions opportunities. Rather it’s moving his feet to hound ball handlers into turnovers, or jumping passing lanes. Which then creates easy scores, where he uses his big time athleticism to assault the rim. As possibly the best pure athlete in this class, McMorris has a future as an athletic hybrid forward type defensive specialist.
Trent Pierce Trent Pierce 6'6" | SF Union | 2023 State #73 Nation OK , 6’8 Forward, Union
In regards to basketball prospects in Oklahoma over the last decade, Pierce is an unicorn. He has post player size but the game of a guard. Because of this unique combination the Union forward possibly has the highest ceiling in the class. The issue is that so far in his high school career, he remains more untapped potential than full production. When he was younger, it was clear Pierce was still developing physically so some of the hesitancy could be understood as natural growing pains. There are games where he puts his full breath of abilities to work, and he’s a dominant force. With his size, athleticism and skillset, he should be a 20 point and 10 rebound threat most nights.
There are still too often times he floats along the perimeter, and does not impact the game as much a player of his stature should. Running around with his hair on fire will likely never be apart of his DNA as a player nor should it be. There is a high skill level there and that potential of that should be prized. But not at the cost of the impact of his raw size and athletic ability. So it’s less about becoming purely more “aggressive” but playing smarter in impacting the game.
Which could mean a better understanding about how embracing one aspect of his game, in this case his size, can open up other aspects. If Pierce were to score off a few post ups, the defense would handle him different, which then could open perimeter opportunities. Not touching the ball enough as a ballhandler in the flow of the offense? Grab a few defensive boards, and then lead the break. To fully maximize his high upside, Pierce must embrace the potential of versatility that his natural gifts bring.