2004-2023 CBS Interactive. 6-6 / Kentucky needs their star point guard back asap. 2 power forward. 3 in the 247Sports player rankings for the 2023 class in May. 230, SG / "Booker the marquee player in this class at 6-10, with a 7-4 wingspan, coach Tom Izzo said in a press release on Signing Day. Mgbako is the 23rd top-10 prospect to sign with the Blue Devils since 2000. Among those making the biggest climbs are a pair of newly minted five-star prospects in Purdue bound forward Kanon Catchings and North Carolina bound wing Drake Powell who rose a combined 137 spots in the updated rankings. Get daily insights and the latest scoop on all-things Kentucky. 2 overall player in the Class of 2023 by 247Sports, Edwards is UK's third top-30 commitment of the class and second-five star pledge along with guard Robert Dillingham. Kentucky might be considered a basketball school, but the Wildcats $45 million upgrade to its football training facility in 2016 totaled 100,000 square feet and He can really shoot the ball, and he reminds us a lot of a younger Jaren Jackson Jr. Hes a player that can do a lot of versatile things. 2-ranked combo guard is the first five-star to commit to UConn since Jalen Adams in 2015. This time, its DJ Wagner. 2 center, signed with Michigan State on Nov. 9 and joins a Spartans recruiting class that features fellow five-star Jeremy Fears and four-stars Coen Carr and Gehrig Normand. A 6-foot-8 wing with the ability to play inside or out, he's got plus athleticism, deep range on his jumper and some real swagger to the way he plays the game. 2 recruit Justin Edwards commits to Kentucky, Predictions for key top 25 games on Saturday, Top 25 And 1: ACC trio vies for regular-season title, Detroit-Mercy's Davis doesn't catch Maravich, Three ejected after punch in OVC Tournament game, Kansas wins 17th Big 12 title under Bill Self, Alabama overcomes huge deficit, rallies to top Auburn. He was named a McDonalds All-American nominee and earned Damien Class and Mira Costa All-Tournament Team honors. Texas hauled in its second-straight top-10 prospect in power forward Ron Holland, while Colorado secured its first-ever five-star recruit -- small forward Cody Williams. 6-3 / CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: collegebasketball | pageType: stories | Bradshaw, Wagners teammate at Camden High School, is the headliner of Kentuckys elite 2023 recruiting class and is the second-best center to sign with the Wildcats, behind DeMarcus Cousins (2009). ", (Photo: Courtesy of Dan Fritz/@DFritzphotos), (Photo: Amanda Inscore, USA TODAY Sports), His combination of positional size, strength, instincts, and overall feel for the game is unmatched," Finklestein wrote of Collier. 247Sports Kentucky reeled in a big fish in the 2022 recruiting cycle on Monday, scoring a verbal commitment from four-star 7-footer Ugonna Kingsley Onyenso to Mgbako is the 23rd top-10 prospect to sign with the Blue Devils since 2000. Here is a recent evaluation of Edwards from Travis Branham of 247Sports: "Edwards is the most well-rounded player in the class when he's firing on all cylinders. Travis Perry and Reed Sheppard begin postseason, and other top UK basketball recruiting links, A top center prospect in 2024 class provides recruiting update, including Kentucky interest. The y-axis in this graph represents the percentage weight of the score that gets applied to an overall team ranking. "His combination of positional size, strength, instincts, and overall feel for the game is unmatched," Finklestein wrote of Collier. The Wildcats will look to bounce back and even the season series against Arkansas. 0.9889. Highlights: UK basketball signee Dillingham shows off passing ability at Overtime Elite. By submitting your email you agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge Paramounts Privacy Policy. 225, PF / "He can also make the types of shots that translate to the next level - pick-and-pop threes, slipping out of ball screens to make shots on the move, or creating space with a series of side-step or step-back shots. He has previously specialized in As Kentucky basketball's 2023 recruiting class continues to take shape, follow along here with updates on the Wildcats' commitments. 6-3 / What to know: Future Kentucky mens basketball players in game in Frankfort Friday night, Class of 2024 Kentucky basketball recruit Tahaad Pettiford makes college commitment, In-state Kentucky recruit Travis Perry being courted by college basketballs best team. He has a high ceiling and has only begun to scratch the surface of the kind of player he can be.. Drake Powell (Photo: Jim Hawkins/Inside Carolina) Recruitment: Committed to North Carolina. 220, PF / "He can also make the types of shots that translate to the next level - pick-and-pop threes, slipping out of ball screens to make shots on the move, or creating space with a series of side-step or step-back shots. USC already had commitments from four-star combo guard Silas Demary Jr. and Collier's Wheeler teammate Arrinten Page, a four-star forward. the floor general at Erie (Pa.) Keystone isn't a pure jump shooter just yet, but he isn't afraid to take a big shot either and makes more than enough from deep to keep defenders honest. Updated Rankings! 8 2 1. "Hes a jumbo wing with terrific positional size at 6-foot-8, long arms, and a lot of fluidity as he covers the court," Finklestein wrote of Williams. Kentucky continued its recruiting dominance in the class of 2023, signing the nations top combo guard, small forward and center. Who are the eight other players that climbed more than 15 spots in this update and why did they go up? CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. "Booker the marquee player in this class at 6-10, with a 7-4 wingspan, coach, (Photo: Courtesy of Under Armour, 247Sports), He makes high-level plays with the ball in the open floor, gets downhill in transition as well as coming off ball-screens, and knows how to change his pace in the pick-and-roll," 247Sports director of scouting Adam Finklestein wrote of Castle. 15 seed Saint Peter's, this should quell it. Kentucky continued its recruiting dominance in the class of 2023, signing the nations top combo guard, small forward and center. Why he moved: Out on the West Coast, nobody in the class of 2024 made a bigger impression for a move up the rankings than Marcus Adams Jr. did. Why he moved: A 6-foot-8 forward who has skill, length, fluid athleticism and feel for the game, Brownsburg (Ind.) 6-2 / It may just be the start of things. He displayed body language suggesting that the topic of Dariq Whitehead, who arrived in Durham at No. 6-keys: media/spln/collegebasketball/reg/free/stories, at 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. When we saw him this winter, we were impressed by his ability to initiate offense out of the high post, smart passing, scoring while facing the rim and that he was able to do all of that without neglecting his duty to handle some of the dirty work around the rim. DRAKE POWELL, SF. 1 Georgia 225.76. USC landed the crowned jewel of the 2023 class in five-star point guard Isaiah Collier, while Kentucky reeled in the most top-10 commitments with three. Wagner is a proven and versatile scorer, with numerous weapons at his disposal, Finklestein wrote of Wagner. Edwards, the No. Guys with his size who can stretch floors that are also mobile and have a lot of physical upside, well they tend to see their stock soar. While his defense is currently ahead of his offense, he has a soft natural touch to develop and is also both a lob threat and a rim-runner who changes ends particularly well for a player his size. Now the product of Oakdale (Conn.) St. Thomas More is getting a much deserved bump thanks to showing that everything that we saw in the summer was legit and that he's also improved his all-around game. Aarons motor continues to improve, he has great size and mobility. 0.9971. But, the 6-foot-9 forward at Fort Worth (Texas) Haltom is mobile, has length and he can really shoot the ball from deep. WebThe 247Sports rankings are determined by our recruiting analysts after countless hours of personal observations, film evaluation and input from our network of scouts. 6-6 / UK doesnt make the cut. It was a horrific ending to the season, especially on the heels of a 9-16 record in 2020-21, but Edwards' commitment shows how strong the Big Blue Nation brand remains in recruiting. The most impactful trait we can have on the defensive end is the ability to block shots, and Aaron is elite at that, Calipari said of Bradshaw. Kentucky Basketball recruits in 247 Sports recruiting rankings for 2023 - A Sea Of Blue College Basketball Recruiting Men's College Basketball Kentucky Wildcats Previous ranking: 56. All Rights Reserved. WebFB Recruiting Northeast OT Jack Hines has second trip lined up to Kentucky VIP Josh Edwards FB Recruiting Updated scouting report on Top247 4-star cornerback Aaron Scott ", Hes a jumbo wing with terrific positional size at 6-foot-8, long arms, and a lot of fluidity as he covers the court," Finklestein wrote of Williams. 1 overall prospect GG Jackson to the Class of 2022, Edwards has emerged as one of the top candidates to claim the top spot in the 2023 class. 247Sports was the first major recruiting service to include Sharpe in its national rankings for 2022 last fall, and he steadily climbed that list as his breakout junior Leading the way for the He is the highest-ranked guard to commit to the Huskies since 2000. He has a terrific left hand that allows him to slash and score inside the paint equally well with both hands. I really like how active he is defensively and his desire to rebound every ball. 1 prospect in the class of 2023 basketball rankings per @247Sports. 6-5 / He was one of the most dominant shot-blockers in all of prep school basketball last year, after arriving at Putnam Science Academy for the second semester. https://t.co/2zuhLMrcjz pic.twitter.com/YO3cIGrTNJ. Why he moved: He may be a bit on the slight side at the moment, but don't let the fact that Dellquan Warren still needs to add strength fool you, he's nobody's pushover. He also has all of the tools that a versatile big in todays game needs. 3 class in 2022 and reeled in two five-stars in 2023, Holland and combo guard AJ Johnson. Below is a graphical representation of how our formula works. How has it worked? 260, C / As a 7-footer, he can change the game on both ends of the court. Its surreal. Aaron Bradshaw begins to envision future with Kentucky mens basketball. 210, PG / That isnt something you can teach, and I know Justin is going to demand the same of his teammates.. Odds & lines subject to change. 6-11 / Buzelis is the only top-100 player to turn professional straight out of high school this cycle after the 2021 and 2022 classes yielded seven total. 200, C / Onyenso, the No. Why he moved: Make no mistake, Kuol Atak needs to get much stronger. Ben Roberts is the University of Kentucky mens basketball beat writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader. Wagner is the third-highest-ranked guard to commit to the Wildcats since 2000, trailing only John Wall (2009) and Shaedon Sharpe (2021). Deion Sanders isnt the only one enjoying newfound recruiting success in Boulder. 189, SF / Aarons motor continues to improve, he has great size and mobility. That isnt something you can teach, and I know Justin is going to demand the same of his teammates.. 250, PG / 2026; 2025; 2024; 2023; 2022; 2021; 2020; 2019; 2018; 2017; 2016; 2015; 2014; 2013; 2012; 247Sports Composite. Many are speculating that James will decide to play at one of the four major schools in Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, or Kansas. 859-429-2848. Recruitment: Has taken recent unofficial visits to Louisville and Ketnucky who have both offered along with Kansas State, Memphis, Mississippi State, Saint Louis and Seton Hall. "His shot-making from behind the arc is his best asset," Finklestein wrote of Mgbako. Five-star basketball recruit trims list of schools on his birthday. 7 prospect, power forward Mackenzie Mgbako. He's a solid vertical athlete who is also capable of utilizing his touch around the rim to make tough finishes with both hands.". "Hes very lean, and not yet able to play through contact on a consistent basis, but there is a ton of natural talent to develop. The Wildcats bring back the reigning national player of the year in Oscar Tshiebwe, a big man who dominated on the glass and in the paint last season, but behind him a clear dearth of depth was a major concern. Castle is the crown jewel of the Huskies impressive 2023 recruiting class, which ranks No. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The 247 Sports updated rankings prove just that, as Kentucky has three of the top-five players in the class of 2023 signed for next season. 213, PF / Among his chief competitors for that honor is another Kentucky target in guard DJ Wagner. 6-keys: media/spln/collegebasketball/reg/free/stories, at section: | slug: kentucky-basketball-recruiting-justin-edwards-nations-no-2-prospect-commits-to-wildcats-on-cbs-sports-hq | sport: collegebasketball | route: article_single.us | 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. "Booker the marquee player in this class at 6-10, with a 7-4 wingspan, coach, (Photo: Courtesy of Under Armour, 247Sports), He makes high-level plays with the ball in the open floor, gets downhill in transition as well as coming off ball-screens, and knows how to change his pace in the pick-and-roll," 247Sports director of scouting Adam Finklestein wrote of Castle. Dukes 2023 class features five five-stars and is headlined by Mgbako, the nations No. The commitment likely solidifies another top-10 class for John Calipari his 14th straight since taking over in 2009 but would be the first of his tenure to rank outside the top five of the national rankings. 3 overall, and contending to earn that top spot overall as the season draws near. More Stories About With Collier's commitment, USC's 2023 class jumped to No. He displayed body language suggesting that the topic of Dariq Whitehead, who arrived in Durham at No. Brown averaged 16 points per game and knocked down 62 3-pointers. Recruitment: Being targeted by Alabama, Connecticut, LSU, Duke, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Syracuse and others. 6-9 / The ability he showed attacking the rim, making plays in the open floor and becoming more confident with his jumper were but an appetizer to what he had planned for the winter. 6-11 / Justin has the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways, Kentucky coach John Calipari said of Edwards. Five-star small forward Matas Buzelis signed with the G Leagues ignite program, becoming the first top-10 recruit to spurn college ball for the pros since Jaden Hardy in 2021. Edwards, the No. Hes got versatility, hes got athleticism, hes got a solid shot and he has a great understanding of the game.". Gambling problem? 250, SF / Ranked as the No. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. He plays in constant attack mode, accelerates right at his defender while mixing in some shake and shiftiness, scores around the rim with both hands, and is a legitimate threat to create his own shot at all three-levels.. Robert Dillingham and Reed Sheppard both saw their rankings drop slightly, as Dillingham came in at No. A long, versatile and skilled forward who can play the three or the four, Owens has turned flashes of potential into more consistent production over the past few months and he still has a lot of room to grow. Kentucky landed a huge commitment Monday, when five-star wing Justin Edwards picked the Wildcats over Tennessee live on CBS Sports HQ. Five-star small forward Matas Buzelis signed with the G Leagues ignite program, becoming the first top-10 recruit to spurn college ball for the pros since Jaden Hardy in 2021. He has all types of passes in his bag he reads ball-screens well, is poised probing the lane with terrific change of pace, very good penetrating to pitch, able to throw darts off the dribble with either hand, or use his size to throw over top of defenders. In retrospect, we should have been much more aggressive. 2 power forward. Top links from the Next Cats blog. With Collier's commitment, USC's 2023 class jumped to No. 6-11 / The trio all played their high school ball on the East Coast. Hes a willing ball-mover and shows a subtle, but solid, feel as a passer. Where Kentucky recruits stand in updated 247 Sports rankings, Kentucky vs. Arkansas viewing info, what to watch for, and predictions. Windstorm knocked it down. The most impactful trait we can have on the defensive end is the ability to block shots, and Aaron is elite at that, Calipari said of Bradshaw. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. (Photo: Courtesy of Sneakers for Santa, 247Sports), (Photo: Courtesy of Dan Fritz/@DFritzphotos, 247Sports). While the term versatile defender gets thrown around easily these days, Holland actually embodies it. Two of those players are none other than Camden High teammates DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw. He is the highest-ranked guard to commit to the Huskies since 2000. Why he moved: One of the most electric wing athletes in the class of 2024, Drake Powellof Pittsboro (N.C.) Northwood started to make his climb up the rankings during the summer of 2022. Kentucky reeled in a big fish in the 2022 recruiting cycle on Monday, scoring a verbal commitment from four-star 7-footer Ugonna Kingsley Onyenso to likely put a bow on its incoming class. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). 7-0 / Amid the reclassification of No. ", Hes a jumbo wing with terrific positional size at 6-foot-8, long arms, and a lot of fluidity as he covers the court," Finklestein wrote of Williams. He has terrific size, can play multiple positions and can score the ball at all three levels. 2:12 pm ET, Alabama vs. Texas A&M odds, how to watch, stream, Duke vs. North Carolina prediction, spread, live stream, Oregon vs. Stanford prediction, spread, live stream, Kentucky vs. Arkansas prediction, spread, live stream, Alabama vs. Texas A&M prediction, spread, live stream, Predictions for key top 25 games on Saturday, Top 25 And 1: ACC trio vies for regular-season title, Detroit-Mercy's Davis doesn't catch Maravich, Three ejected after punch in OVC Tournament game, Kansas wins 17th Big 12 title under Bill Self, Alabama overcomes huge deficit, rallies to top Auburn. Buzelis spurned offers from Kentucky, UNC, Kansas and Duke to choose the G League's Ignite program, becoming the first to do so before finishing his high school career. See the latest outages from Kentucky Utilities, Blue Grass Energy and more, Flash flooding, tornadoes possible Friday in Lexington. 10 in the nation. The nations No. 12 to No. "Hes a jumbo wing with terrific positional size at 6-foot-8, long arms, and a lot of fluidity as he covers the court," Finklestein wrote of Williams. "He is exceptionally imposing with the ball because of his positional size, strength, body control and balance holding off contact and maintaining his line, even when going through the lane with euros.". Onyenso's size, movement and defensive instincts could make him a candidate to step into a role as a true freshman next season. Onyenso, who plays for Putnam (Connecticut) Science Academy chose UK on 247Sports' YouTube page over a final group that included Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Clemson and hometown UConn. 23 Kentucky. Deion Sanders isnt the only one enjoying newfound recruiting success in Boulder. He has all types of passes in his bag he reads ball-screens well, is poised probing the lane with terrific change of pace, very good penetrating to pitch, able to throw darts off the dribble with either hand, or use his size to throw over top of defenders. 2 Notre Dame 166.63. Duke, the lone ACC program to sign a top-10 recruit in 2023, welcomes the nations No. Here are where the top 10 players in the 2023 class are heading next season: Booker, the nation's No. 3 class in 2022 and reeled in two five-stars in 2023, Holland and combo guard AJ Johnson. Future UK basketball player introduced at Rupp Arena again. Collier is the highest-ranked-prospect to commit to USC since 2000 and is the only five-star point guard to sign with the Trojans during that span. Web2022 Top Basketball Recruits in Kentucky (0) 2022 High School. Holland is the second-highest-ranked power forward to commit to the Longhorns since 2000, behind Mo Bamba (2017). Booker is the third-highest-ranked prospect to sign with the Spartans since 2000, trailing Shannon Brown (2003) and Jaren Jackson (2017). The buzz began with some monster performances for Harbor City (Calif.) Narbonne during the fall and then Adams spent the winter lighting up scoreboards all across Southern California. He had good size, a solid frame and liked to play on the interior. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Holland is the second-highest-ranked power forward to commit to the Longhorns since 2000, behind Mo Bamba (2017). Kentucky Dad Podcast with Jesse Riffe from LEX 18 News, Otis Grigsby joins latest episode of Bleav in Kentucky, Kentucky basketball recruiting in the 2023 class, Justin Edwards recruiting DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw to Kentucky, Big Sky Tournament 2023: Bracket, schedule, scores, teams, and more, Patriot League Tournament 2023: Bracket, schedule, scores, teams, and more, Purdue Mens Basketball is the 2022-2023 Outright Big Ten Champion, Sucker punch in OVC tournament leads to 3 ejections, Takeaways from Michigans double overtime loss to Illinois. Kentucky drops following their loss to Vanderbilt. 8 Oregon Go Cats!!! UK basketball is without a 2024 commit. Texas hauled in its second-straight top-10 prospect in power forward Ron Holland, while Colorado secured its first-ever five-star recruit -- small forward Cody Williams. "He is exceptionally imposing with the ball because of his positional size, strength, body control and balance holding off contact and maintaining his line, even when going through the lane with euros.". Hes very athletic, not just vertically, but in the way he covers the floor, thrives in the open court, can move laterally, and his speed, Finklestein wrote of Holland. 4 in the nation. "Buzelis is very creative with the ball, especially in the open floor, albeit a little upright. 4 overall prospect and top center in the Class of 2023 by 247Sports, Bradshaw picked Kentucky over Louisville, Texas, UCLA, USC and an ", Tom Izzo said in a press release on Signing Day. For the three commitments in the class, Justin Edwards was the highest, coming in at No. 39 prospect in the 247Sports rankings, was the highest-ranked uncommitted prospect in the 2022 class, thus giving UK one of the last remaining blue-chippers remaining ahead of the 2022-23 season. Highlights: Vanderbilt at No. 6-10 / 225, SF / "His shot-making from behind the arc is his best asset," Finklestein wrote of Mgbako. "There is no other player in the class who can match his combination of size and playmaking ability, but he tends to hunt highlight plays off the dribble with a high-risk high-reward style that isn't always efficient and can be turnover prone," Finklestein wrote of Buzelis. ESPN NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. revealed Tuesday his updated 2023 NFL Mock Draft, complete with several head-turning projected trades that would shake up the He also has all of the tools that a versatile big in todays game needs. "He makes high-level plays with the ball in the open floor, gets downhill in transition as well as coming off ball-screens, and knows how to change his pace in the pick-and-roll," 247Sports director of scouting Adam Finklestein wrote of Castle. Edwards averaged 18.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game while leading Imhotep to city and state titles as a junior. Aaron Bradshaw and DJ Wagner star in Frankfort, and other top UK basketball recruiting links. "Booker the marquee player in this class at 6-10, with a 7-4 wingspan, coach Tom Izzo said in a press release on Signing Day. He has a terrific left hand that allows him to slash and score inside the paint equally well with both hands. Recruitment: Has taken official visits to Oregon and Washington and holds offers from others including Colorado, Ohio State, UNLV and USC. Overtime Elite pro basketball league was met with skepticism. Buzelis is the only top-100 player to turn professional straight out of high school this cycle after the 2021 and 2022 classes yielded seven total. He plays in constant attack mode, accelerates right at his defender while mixing in some shake and shiftiness, scores around the rim with both hands, and is a legitimate threat to create his own shot at all three-levels.. Before he cut down his list to Kentucky and Tennessee, Edwards also considered Auburn, Kansas, Maryland, Villanova and the G League Ignite. What was it about Catchings and Powell that allowed them to make such big leaps? 195. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. 187, PG / The 247Sports Top 150 has received a full update and while we are still a few weeks away from the winter changing to spring, this new batch of rankings is full of change. Regardless of where he ends up in the final rankings, Edwards is a big get for the Wildcats as they jump UConn and rise from No. The Cats will be looking to land three top-five prospects in the class. During the rankings discussions, there were some on staff who felt he could have been moved much higher so his ascent may just be starting. 6-8 / Kentucky basketball gains recruiting momentum It would be easy to tie the first commitment from a No. "He sees the floor at a very high-level and very literally makes the game easier for his teammates. 6-10 / WebTerrence Clarke Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, NH) 6-7 / 185. Ben Roberts. Michigan, UCLA, Cincinnati and USC are the main contenders in this recruitment. The John Clay Podcast: Kentucky-Auburn basketball preview. He has a pretty jump shot out to the three point line, is a versatile scorer who can play as a big wing or a floor stretching four man and he's gaining more and more confidence each time he hits the floor. At least 4 deaths; power outages climb. 3 LSU 160.69. Wagner is the third-highest-ranked guard to commit to the Wildcats since 2000, trailing only John Wall (2009) and Shaedon Sharpe (2021). CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. USC landed the crowned jewel of the 2023 class in five-star point guard Isaiah Collier, while Kentucky reeled in the most top-10 commitments with three. 6-11 / Hes a willing ball-mover and shows a subtle, but solid, feel as a passer. Given that, along with his size and shooting potential, he has a chance to evolve into the modern-day big wing that is so coveted at the highest level.. HighKanon Catchings is just scratching the surface of how good he can be. On the summer circuit, he plays for Team Final.