DJ Wagner takes over as the top dog in 2023

Since On3 first dropped its 2023 rankings, GG Jackson had been the No. 1 player in class. On July 23, Jackson made it official that he would be reclassifying to the 2022 class, leaving a chance for another prospect to ascend to that spot.

With its latest release, On3 can now crown a new top dog this cycle: Camden (N.J.) guard DJ Wagner.

The 6-foot-2 Wagner, previously the No. 2 prospect in his class, is one of 12 five-stars in On3’s 2023 rankings update. Let’s discuss why Wagner is tops in this class.

Wagner’s competitive spirit

The first thing you notice about Wagner every time he steps on the floor is his competitiveness. He never ducks any matchup, and he brings it, on both ends, from start to finish.

Sure there may be some warts in his game, namely his 3-point shooting, but his aggressive nature does not stop. He attacks the paint with ambition and defends the point of attack with a purpose.

In a class filled with prospects who have their own shortcomings, Wagner’s competitiveness is a skill he can hang his hat on.

Wagner’s pedigree

Wagner, Jr. is the son of 2002 No. 6 NBA Draft pick Dajuan Wagner and the grandson of 1986 No. 35 NBA Draft pick Milt Wagner.

Both Dajuan and Milt were McDonald’s All-Americans. If Wagner, Jr. is also voted into the game, the Wagners would be the first three-generation family to play in the prestigious game.

The resume

DJ Wagner has been a top-five player throughout his high school career. The guard was named New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year in 2021 and 2022. He led his Camden (NJ) High team to a 31-3 state championship season. They were ranked No. 11 in the final ESPN High School Boys Basketball Top 25.

Wagner averaged 15.4 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals this summer on Nike’s EYBL Circuit. He won a gold medal with the U17 USA Men’s Basketball team, where he averaged 9.0 points and 2.9 assists in 19.8 minutes per game.

Looking ahead

Wagner comes with enough pedigree and prep success that he will end his high school career on NBA Draft radars. There will be questions that he will need to solve over the next year or so with his shooting and athletic measurables.

His ability to touch the paint and defend the point of attack are desirable qualities when projecting toward the next level. It’s safe to say there are no “sure things” in this class, but as it stands today, Wagner has made a strong case to be considered the top player in the country.