Top new prospects from 2023 rankings update
We added over 40 prospects to the 2023 rankings in our latest update and this article will spotlight the best five prospects who made their initial entry in our rankings. George Washington III George Washington III 6'3" | CG Chaminade…
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Continue ReadingWe added over 40 prospects to the 2023 rankings in our latest update and this article will spotlight the best five prospects who made their initial entry in our rankings.
George Washington III George Washington III 6'3" | CG Chaminade Julienne | 2023 State #92 Nation OH , 6’3 CG Chaminade Julienne 2023: This was a transfer from Kentucky as George’s family moved from Louisville to the Dayton area for George’s senior season. George was already committed to Ohio State and was a nationally ranked recruit, so it was clear he would wind up as one of Ohio’s top prospects. Washington actually took the spot that Rayvon Griffith held, before he moved to Arizona for his senior season. Washington is an elite pull-up scorer with the ability to play on or off the ball from the guard position. Washington also has the ability to collapse the defense with his dribble drive game and typically makes the right reads with kickouts to shooters. Washington continuing to expand his playmaking for others and being more efficient against top talent should be the primary goals of his senior season, along with competing for a state title. Washington shouldn’t feel much pressure for his senior season in Ohio, considering he’s already committed to Ohio State and has proven himself on the EYBL circuit for both JL3 and All Ohio.
Collin O’Connor Collin O’Connor 6'2" | SG Centerville | 2023 State OH , 6’2 SG Centerville 2023: O’Connor is making the move from Tecumseh to Centerville for his senior season, allowing him to play tougher competition and gain more exposure. O’Connor is a menace defensively, with excellent feet and a tenacity that gets right up in opposing ball-handler’s pockets. This skill will make him instantly fit in with Brook Cupps culture that’s been built with the Elks. O’Connor also got used to playing under coach Cupps and next to Gabe in the backcourt with Midwest Basketball Club this July. I’d like to see O’Connor be a little more aggressive scoring the basketball as he was going through some adjustment periods when I watched him in June and July. The drastic improvement in competition level is something he needs to continue to adjust to after playing in a small conference and for an independent grassroots team.
Jordan Edwards Jordan Edwards 6'3" | PG Olentangy Orange | 2023 State OH , 6’2 PG Olentangy Orange 2023: Edwards is one of the best passers in the state and rapidly improving each time I watch him play. Seeing Edwards in the winter, I thought he had some interesting athletic tools and showed some good vision but wasn’t sure exactly how he would turn these skills into production. This spring and summer, Edwards has been on a tear, looking like a top performer in a variety of settings. I saw Edwards stand out at Mid Ohio Pumas prospect camps, with his Mid Ohio Pumas Prep Hoops Circuit squad and with his high school team in June. Edwards has developed the confidence to attack off the bounce and score in the paint. This added scoring threat allowed his passing skills to be even more of a weapon as there’s a short list of players with the type of vision he has. Edwards recently picked up an offer from Lake Erie College and will likely attract more Division II and NAIA scholarship interest. His biggest hurdle currently is improving his outside shot, right now he’s not really a threat from 18 feet and out. Developing the ability to shoot off the catch and when defenders go under the screen in the pick and roll is essential. Getting thousands of shots up off the gun and reps off the bounce should be a primary focus this fall.
Isaac Clary Isaac Clary 6'8" | C Gallia Academy | 2023 State OH , 6’8 C Gallia Academy 2023: Clary is a football first prospect, with multiple offers at the FBS level. I wanted to throw Clary in the basketball rankings because of his clear progression as a post player. Clary improved his touch with both hands and has good feel with his back to the basket. If Clary was primarily focusing his basketball game, I’d imagine he’d be highly coveted by PSAC programs due to how he can impact the game in the half-court.
Zach Halligan Zach Halligan 6'4" | SF Walsh Jesuit | 2023 State OH , 6’4 SF Walsh Jesuit 2023: Halligan is a prospect who really caught my eye at Midwest Live in Sandusky during the June live period. Halligan is a great role piece at the next level with his ability to cut off the ball, defend the opposing team’s best player and ability to fit within methodical half-court offenses. Halligan is a good athlete who didn’t back down from a challenge defensively and is improving his ball skills. Halligan should be on every Division III radar in the region with his ability on the court and impressive grades. I wouldn’t be surprised if scholarship programs came calling as well.