The refreshed rankings for the 2023 class will be revealed this week, starting today with the top 10 countdown. Rivals hoops recruiting director Rob Cassidy comments on each of the members of the newest top 10.
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RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK
Tuesday: Top 10 countdown
Wednesday: Updated Rivals150 for 2023 unveiled
Thursday: Updated 2023 position rankings released
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1. GG Jackson, PF, North Carolina
Cassidy's Take: The top player in the country remains unchanged, as North Carolina commit GG Jackson’s upside and pro potential made him hard to remove from the top line this time around. So while the gap may be closing, the five-star wing’s size and well-rounded skill set makes him a difference-maker on both ends of the floor.
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2. Xavier Booker, PF, undecided
Cassidy's Take: The hottest prospect in the country, Xavier Booker jumped up to the two spot from No. 37 on the back of a spring that saw him become a more fluid and aggressive offensive weapon.
The 6-foot-11 forward recently captured MVP honors at the prestigious Pangos All-American Camp and had pro scouts at the event buzzing about his lottery pick potential. His game fits the modern NBA well, and his production is starting to match his massive upside.
Michigan State and Duke are seen as the leaders for Booker.
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3. Dajuan Wagner, PG, undecided
Cassidy's Take: We’ve written endlessly about Dajuan Wagner’s talent, but his recruitment is now starting to become every bit as intriguing as his skill set. The race to land the son of Dajuan Wagner has become a battle between in-state rivals Louisville and Kentucky.
Wagner Jr.’s father has an unspeakably close bond with UK head coach John Calipari, while Louisville recently hired Wagner Jr.’s grandfather, Milt Wagner, as the program’s director of player development and alumni relations. The script reads like that of a basketball recruiting parody movie.
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4. Justin Edwards, SF, undecided
Cassidy's Take: Justin Edwards’ grassroots team has struggled this spring, but he’s managed to post big numbers and impress despite a supporting cast that hasn’t always pulled its weight. The 6-foot-6 wing is becoming a better shooter, but still thrives as a slasher that can get to the rim and finish through contact. The five-star has also added some muscle in recent months and is becoming a more involved rebounder.
Edwards is seen as a slight Tennessee lean.
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5. Isaiah Collier, PG, undecided
Cassidy's Take: Up from No, 12, Isaiah Collier crashed the top five on the back of a past few months that saw him morph into a truly complete leader. The 190-pound point guard leads the EYBL in assists and has limited turnovers while showcasing court vision and a trust in his own ability to make difficult passes.
He handles the ball incredibly well and has become a better shooter, though he still has some work left to do on that front.
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6. Robert Dillingham, PG, undecided
Cassidy's Take: One of the quickest players in the country and a lethal scorer from the point guard spot, 6-foot-1 Robert Dillingham was once committed to North Carolina State but now is seen as a Kentucky lean. His long arms allow him to play bigger than his relatively small frame, and his stroke from deep is his calling card.
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7. Matas Buzelis, SF, undecided
Cassidy's Take: Matas Buzelis’ combination of elite length and polished skill makes him a rare prospect. He handles the ball well for a player of his length and boasts a solid jumper from deep. He’s considering North Carolina, Kentucky, Wake Forest, Florida State and the NBA G-League.
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8. Mackenzie Mgbako, SF, Duke
Cassidy's Take: Mackenzie Mgbako might have the highest upside of any player in this class and will likely shoot up this list when his production routinely matches his massive potential. The 6-foot-8 forward has an NBA frame and is effective both in the post and while stretching the floor. Defensively, the Duke commit shines as a shot-blocker.
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9. Marquis Cook, SF, Oregon
Cassidy's Take: An Oregon commit, Marquis Cook has been a bit scarce on the grassroots circuit because he is starring as a young LeBron James in a biopic about the NBA Star .That said, nobody has forgotten his talent.
Cook’s elite athleticism jumps off the page, but he’s turned into a feared shot maker as well. He may not be an elite 3-point shooter just yet, but his catch-and-shoot game is formidable to say the least.
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10. Sean Stewart, PF, Duke
Cassidy's Take: Few prospects in the country have a motor to match that of Sean Stewart, who never seems to slow down or wear out. The Duke commit dunks any time he catches the ball near the basket and is a nightmare on the offensive glass, where he routinely creates additional possessions and second-chance points.
