The high school season has ended and with its end comes our final ESPN 100 player rankings for the class of 2023. The class didn't generate a lot of hype, lacking NBA star power at the top. But it possesses traits other classes have been lacking. After tracking, evaluating and studying this group, its greatest asset is its ability to compete.
This class improved and certainly impressed, especially down the stretch. There were multiple examples of stars playing at the McDonald's All-American Game, Geico Nationals and the Hoop Summit, as all the games were extremely competitive and exciting. College basketball is in for a real treat and will benefit as this serious-minded class should elevate the players' respective teams. Based on current potential and productivity, there isn't a No. 1 draft pick among this bunch.
However, there are some who will emerge as lottery picks and even the No. 1 pick by understanding their commitment and habits will determine their next-level success.
This is a high school rankings board, not a college recruiting service or mock draft. It combines the elements of future college impact and NBA draft projection. The four main criteria are performance, production potential and draft projection.
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Top 5 | Risers | Shot-makers | Everyday players
No. 1 and rounding out the top five
No. 1 Isaiah Collier, USC
It has not been easy for Collier. Prior to a knee injury last year, Collier was at the top of his game. In the Nike EYBL, he was tops in assists (6.5 per game) and top five in scoring (19 points per game). Then he suffered a minor knee injury in June that kept him out of action until August. He came back strong, earning MVP at the Steph Curry camp and Under Armour Elite 24. Shortly after the elite summer events in August, Collier's 21-year-old cousin, Khalil Hardison, died in a swimming accident. Though grieving, Collier found motivation by vowing to "live like Khalil."
Collier, who signed with USC, went on to have an outstanding senior high school season, leading Wheeler High in Marietta, Georgia, to the 7A state championship. He also captured the prestigious Naismith player of the year, Gatorade player of the year in Georgia and the McDonald's Morgan Wootten award.
The combination of his positional size (6-foot-4, 205-pound point guard), burst of straight-line speed and elite playmaking ability were on display through his career and certainly all season. He manipulates ball screens with advanced passing vision and feel for the game. His biggest question coming into the season was his 3-point shooting. He answered those questions on many nights but still needs consistency. He will be trusted to run the offense from day one by coach Andy Enfield at USC. Collier's impact on the Trojans in the Pac-12 and the postseason will be significant. Many NBA scouts consider Collier the best prospect in his class. He brings pro size to the point guard position, next-level instincts and the gift of dishing assists while growing enough as scoring threat.
No. 2 Ron Holland, Texas
Holland, a power forward, moves up two spots in the final ranking. He became an elite defender and energy finisher with a noticeable improvement in his jump shot. At the McDonald's All-American Game, he made open jumpers, rebounded and blocked shots with alertness. Holland is one of the most decorated winners in the class. His Duncanville, Texas, team finished No. 3 in the nation, and he has been a valuable contributor for USA Basketball. When his time is over at Texas, he will be one of the more ready NBA prospects. He checks a lot of boxes to survive in the NBA: defense, overall athletic ability, demeanor and effective scoring skills. With continued growth, he is prime candidate to be a first-round draft pick.
No. 3 Justin Edwards, Kentucky
Edwards, the former No. 1 prospect, exudes a winning mindset while displaying the talent to make plays or buckets. Kentucky has a winner on the way as the 6-7 small forward led Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia) to No. 13 in the final national team rankings. His 3-point shot mechanics show a compact stroke. He's a dependable shot-maker from a stationary shot or from run, catch and shoot action. Edwards' versatility is deep and his innate ability to give his team what is needed to win is impressive. His game is similar to that of the Knicks' RJ Barrett, a hard left-handed driver who is a constant finisher. On the defensive side, Edwards projects as a multiposition defender with length and switch ability. His archetype has caught the eye of many in the NBA.
No. 4 D.J. Wagner, Kentucky
Wagner started his career strong and finished strong. His Camden, New Jersey, high school team finished No. 11 nationally. His leadership and ultra-focused approach in the second half of the McDonald's game led the East team to a win, with Wagner scoring 19 points. Fans witnessed a dynamic downhill driver, a fierce competitor and a trusted guard with a résumé of winning. It's important to note Wagner held the No. 1 spot for several weeks and finished inside the top five. Wagner has some similarities to former Wildcat Tyrese Maxey. With his talent and traits, expect to see Wagner in the NBA for a long time.
No. 5 Matas Buzelis, G League
Not many, if any, in the class of 2023 have more offensive ability than Buzelis. A 6-9 forward, he is a pure triple threat who will shoot, pass or drive with effectiveness. He is most impactful in open space. He will rebound and run and manage on the fast break and owns a natural jumper and passing acumen to make split-second decisions. He finished second in scoring at 15 points per game with outstanding consistency (49% FG, 42% 3PT, 81% FT) for nationally ranked No. 8 Sunrise Christian (Hinsdale, Illinois) in the ultra-competitive National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC). Buzelis is headed to the G League.
New prospects and risers
No. 17 Trentyn Flowers, Louisville
Flowers reclassified up and will be a freshman at Louisville in the fall. The small forward/shooting guard was No. 23 in the class of 2024. As a perimeter player at 6-8, he brings a wealth of potential and immediate talent to the Cardinals. His fluid movements and pace to beat defenders off the dribble along with a smooth shooting stroke is evident. As a passer he understands how to facilitate and his on-ball defense shows his ability to sit in his stance, slide his feet quickly and switch if needed. He hits a few particularly important markers for the NBA to monitor, such as positional size, versatility, age (he just turned 18) and skill.
No. 29 Dink Pate, G League
Pate was a four-star prospect in the class of 2024, reclassified up to the class of 2023 and will enter the G League. Pate is currently just 17 and plans on being with the G League for two years, as he won't be eligible to enter the NBA draft until 2025. With tremendous upside, the shooting guard moves up to No. 29 overall in our final player rankings.
No. 52 Blue Cain, undecided
Cain, who made the leap from No. 77, progressed with the departure of Bryson Tucker. When Cain's role changed, the shooting guard was ready to step up as the team's leading scorer and crunch-time performer. What makes him special is his desire to win, play a team game and be coachable. His efficiency of his total scoring was 180 (55% FG, 46% 3PT, 77% FT). To have those numbers in the NIBC is amazing, especially because he was the focal point of opponents' scouting reports. Cain is looking at Florida, Georgia, Virginia and Penn State.
No. 57 Carey Booth, undecided
Booth, who previously was No. 74, is 6-10 and turns 18 this summer. Booth is a name you'll hear on draft night after the center's college career is over. He is the son Calvin Booth, the former Penn State and NBA player who currently is GM of the Denver Nuggets. Carey Booth stands out as a quick drop-off finisher who runs the floor with long strides and speed. His greatest asset is his 3-point shot -- he shot 42% at Brewster Academy (New Hampshire). He moves up the rankings because of his potential. "Carey has a high ceiling and continues to improve. He runs the floor with long strides and speed. He has a strong vertical bounce that puts his head above the rim," Brewster coach Jason Smith said.
No. 60 Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
A fresh face in the rankings, Murray-Boyles was productive and influential in game action. Playing in the NIBC, he went against ranked players and teams and impressed. He finished third in scoring with 15 points per game, his overall field goal percentage was 69.5%, and, at 6-8, he shot 46% from behind the arc. In the post, he did not rush and is an astute passer from the blocks or facing up on the perimeter. As his conditioning progresses, expect Murray-Boyles to have an impact at South Carolina.
No. 80 Jayden Ross, UConn
Ross worked his way on the board because he was a big part of No. 5 Long Island Lutheran's success. Ross is a classic late bloomer and has grown a foot since his freshman year. He made his presence felt in the NIBC. As the year went on, he continued to improve. As a big wing (6-7), he displayed timely shooting and notable finishes. He has a long frame with a developing skill set and has some defensive flashes on the perimeter.
Best shot-makers in 2023
Shooting has become the most valued skill in the game. The class of 2023 has serious long-range shooters. Some players are capable shooters, others are legitimate threats behind the arc, but only a limited number are shot-makers. Shooting is a skill of confidence and constant repetition. A great shooter earns the green light and trust from his coach and teammates.
Here are the top six shot-makers in the ESPN 100.
No. 9 MacKenzie Mgbako, Undecided
Size, strength and shooting stand out for Mgbako, a 6-8 power forward. He made several long-distance shots in the closed practices at McDonald's and finished as the Hoop Summit's leading scorer with 22 points, including two 3s. He owns a compact shot with repeatable and consistent motion. His sweet spots are the elbows or a turnaround from the midpost area. His range is out to the NBA line. North Carolina, Louisville, Kansas, Auburn, Saint John's, Seton Hall and Rutgers are involved in the recruiting competition for the recent decommit from Duke.
No. 10 Jared McCain, Duke
McCain will give Duke a complete guard with excellent shot-making ability. His shot preparation does all the work before his release, as his shot mechanics and shot quality work in harmony. He shined as a senior and won the 3-point shooting contest at McDonald's.
No. 16 Aden Holloway, Auburn
Holloway, a 6-0 guard, has been a sharpshooter throughout his career. He is comfortable and confident shooting behind ball screens and from off-ball movement. He demonstrates a quick rhythm dribble to create space and launch from long range. He will be an exciting player at Auburn.
No. 19 Bronny James, undecided
Bronny James shows off the range by knocking down five 3-pointers in the McDonald's All-American Game.
James, a 6-3 guard, has shown a jumper since his first year in high school. He polished up his 3-point shot as a rising senior. According to synergy.com, he shot 38% on his stationary shots as well as catch-and-shoot jumpers. He added additional range and accuracy by way of body balance, shot elevation through stronger leg power and core strength, fundamental footwork and follow-through. In the McDonald's All-American Game, he nailed it from distance, going 5-for-8 from behind the 3-point line. USC and Oregon are high on his list.
No. 23 Caleb Foster, Duke
Foster had a great summer as a rising senior, The 6-4 combo guard shot over 44% at the Peach Jam. Down the stretch his senior year, he had some monster games behind the arc. The shooting talent is in place, and he has the confidence needed to be an immediate threat at Duke. Playing alongside Tyrese Proctor, Jared McCain and possibly Jeremy Roach on the perimeter, as well as Kyle Filipowski, will allow Foster space to shoot.
No. 97 Finley Bizjack, Butler
On the fast break, Bizjack will pull up from deep, and other times he is toeing the line by reading screens for catch-and-shoot 3-pointers. The 6-3 shooting guard is an aggressive deep sharpshooter who can also get into the midrange for pull-up jumpers. He will open driving lines and the low post as defenders cannot leave him open. He will bury jumpers in Hinkle Fieldhouse next season.
Top everyday players in 2023
There is so much talk about athletes playing with motor or more energy. To maximize potential giving maximum effort on a consistent basis is not only requited, it's essential. I once worked Vince Carter's elite basketball camp. He told the campers, "There are two types of players. Everyday players and feel-like-it players. Which one are you?"
When it comes to being a successful player, one must possess specific on-court traits, and at the top is the habit of playing with all-out intensity. It immediately stands out in evaluating talent and is a big separating factor in players' trajectories.
No. 2 Ron Holland, Texas
Since he entered high school, Holland had a reputation of playing with outstanding two-way energy. He leads the class in high-motor output. He constantly gave effort on the defensive end and did so for the entire season. He's one of the elites at being an everyday player. NBA scouts love his motor.
No. 11 Omaha Biliew, Iowa State
Physically imposing (6-8, 220 pounds) with strength and power on each possession, Biliew built his game on outworking his opponents with hustle, rebounding and defense. The forward has added a midrange and 3-point shot. He's gifted and does damage in the paint. He's a future NBA first-round pick.
No. 18 Sean Stewart, Duke
Stewart is an alert defender and active rebounder who makes sure he is giving maximum effort on both ends. The 6-8, 225-pound forward's energy level can get high and stay high, which can be a difference-maker.
No. 26 Jeremy Fears, Michigan State
Fears, a 6-foot point guard, loves to play hard man-to-man defense and push the ball with speed on offense. He can set the tone of a game with his tenacious on-ball defense. He reminds some of former Michigan State star Mateen Cleaves because he will do whatever it takes to win.
Fall is in a class of few when it comes to nonstop high-spirited play. Everything he does is with sweat and determination. At 6-11, he is a great shot-changer on the defensive end. College basketball has a long season, especially for freshmen. When the dog days of winter set in, many freshmen hit a mental wall of fatigue. Expect Fall to earn minutes right away.
No. 40 DeShawn Harris-Smith, Maryland
The 6-5 forward knows only one way to play, and that is to go all out. Harris-Smith invites contact and thrives at finishing through fouls. He is in constant attack mode and goes until the final horn. He will instantly make the practices at Maryland more intense.