Rankings round table: G.G. is No. 1; hardest decision; 1st player out; the newcomer
On3 has expanded its 2023 rankings. National Analysts Jamie Shaw and Gerry Hamilton take a look at some of the most pressing questions to come from the update.
1. What went into your decision for GG Jackson to be On3’s unanimous No. 1 player in 2023?
Shaw: G.G. Jackson is blessed with many natural gifts, starting with his 6-foot-9 frame. He has good length and natural athleticism. However, what made him the clear choice for the No. 1 spot was a combination of this consistent elite-level production this season coupled with his continued development throughout the season. Blessed with natural gifts, you see him adding pieces as he goes. There is also a confidence he plays with, a switch he turns on once that ball goes in the air that is appealing.
Hamilton: Jackson fits the mold of the modern-day power forward that excels in college, and ultimately the NBA. The skillset for 6-foot-8, 210- has expanded into that of a high-end prospect. The ability to play on the perimeter off the bounce this season sets him apart for me. It’s one thing to be a threat from three off the catch, but the ability and feel to create space and get clean looks off the dribble from three is a game-changer. He’s physical in the paint, strong with the ball, and scores in traffic. He will also rebound outside his area. If Jackson continues to ascend in the next year like he did this season, he will hold onto that No. 1 spot.
2. Which player, who debuted in this 2023 rankings, are you most confident in?
Shaw: Ugonna Kingsley. It is easy to say the highest-debuting player is the one I am most confident in, but Kingsley has some unique qualities about him. He is an elite defensive presence, possibly one of the best over the last couple of years from the center position. The Putnam (CT) Science Academy junior has a lengthy 6-foot-10 frame with a lot of natural pop. He is raw in his offensive game, but he has some natural abilities. With continued development through the travel ball period, I could see him in the conversation for the top center in the class.
Hamilton: Big man Ugonna Kingsley. The 6-foot-11 center is beginning to develop into what many thought Bay Fall would. Kingsley is an elite rim protector with a combination of tremendous length, quick feet, and reactions and timing. That was known headed into this season, but it’s an improved ability with the ball on the offensive end that has seen him ascend quickly. Should Kingsley continue to get more comfortable with the ball and improve his playing strength, he can become a prospect that climbs into the top 5 of the class overall. Very high ceiling prospect.
3. What was the most challenging decision for you during this 2023 ranking process?
Shaw: The decision for where to draw the five-star cut-line. It is no secret the talent of this class is down, but how far down is it. We discussed cutting it at 15, at eight, but we landed at ten. In the age of players classifying up and down and taking natural development into account, I am eager to see where the cut-line sits during our next update.
Hamilton: Having three point guards at 6-foot-3 or less in the top 10 of the rankings. There is little chance that will hold when it comes to NBA Draft time for the majority in this class, but those players are the strength of the class and will have a major impact on the college game. That’s not meant as a slight to Arizona commitment Kylan Boswell, N.C. State commitment Robert Dillingham or Isaiah Collier, to be clear. All three are terrific players. The 2023 cycle is an especially difficult one from a rankings potential perspective as some of the most highly regarded prospects in the class with ideal size, length, and upside have not looked the part this season.
4. Who was the first player out of the top 100 for you?
Shaw: Pryce Sandfort was the first player out for me. He is very skilled with a high basketball IQ. Never rushed, great pace, and able to handle, pass and shoot under duress. I went back and forth with the 6-foot-6 guard out of Waukee (IA) High, and there is a chance I will end up kicking myself as I watch him during the April live periods.
Hamilton: Not sure the first player out of the top 100, but a junior I like to rise quickly during the liver period is shooting guard Alex Cotton. The Hebron High guard plays both ends, makes the correct play a high percentage of the time, and is becoming a high-end perimeter threat. Cotton hit 111 three-points this season at 40% as the player on his team that drew the best defender and junk defenses. Cotton can shoot it from deep, has the athleticism to make plays on both ends of the floor, and has a high level of intelligence.