At Rivals.com, we don't rank a class for the first time until the beginning of their sophomore year. Because the players are so young and still developing, it's too tough to see enough of them to feel comfortable ranking them until after getting an entire freshman season plus the spring and summer to get an initial evaluation. Even then, it's a conservative ranking.
This year, things could be a bit different. If there isn't any grassroots ball this summer, we'll likely have to hold off on an initial ranking of the 2023 class. In this week's edition of Bossi's Best, national analyst Eric Bossi takes a look at 10 from the class that he has been able to see in person who stand out to him as candidates to be included once we can do an initial ranking of the class of 2023.
2020 Rankings: Rivals150 | Team | Position
2021 Rankings: Rivals150 | Team | Position
2022 Rankings: Top 75
Why he's stood out: Make no mistake, Bewley's twin brother Ryan Bewley is a standout who will be in the mix for national rankings as well. But, at this point I give a slight edge to Matt because of his overall skill. He puts it on the floor, he has an unreal motor and is already productive on both ends of the floor.
Early recruitment: Matt and his brother both hold offers from Alabama, DePaul, Florida, Florida State, Iowa State and USF.
Why he's stood out: As a freshman at Des Moines (Iowa) Dowling, Biliew didn't put up eye-popping numbers. So, being more productive in structure is going to be important going forward. But, I saw enough from him at USA Basketball to understand the type of talent the 6-foot-8 combo forward has. He has the athleticism, size and inside/out game to be a star in 2023.
Early recruitment: Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa and Western Kentucky have offered.
Why he's stood out: Georgia is always loaded with talent and 2023 will be no different. I first caught Carlyle playing with his high school team last summer and was struck by his poise and command of the game. That allowed him to contribute big as a freshman along with his creativity as a scorer and a good looking pull-up jumper.
Early recruitment: Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia Tech, Mississippi and Tulane have offered.
Why he's stood out: It may take another year, even a little longer, to get a true feel for Evans potential. Will he be a big wing? Will he be a faceup four man? Time and what he puts into the game will take care of all of that. But for now, he's a long forward with a good looking shooting stroke and instincts. He needs to get much stronger, but the natural talent to be big time is all there.
Early recruitment: Offers from Auburn, DePaul, George Washington, Georgetown, St. John's, Virginia Tech and Xavier.
Why he's stood out: A big man with immense potential, Fall had an impressive freshman season averaging in the neighborhood of 20 points and 10 rebounds a night. A native of Senegal, Fall came to the States around a year ago and has been tearing it up. He runs the floor, shows some skill on the block and could be scary good once he fills out physically.
Early recruitment: Minnesota was the first to offer. Arizona State, Colorado and others are involved.
Why he's stood out: A Canadian, Fisher is ahead of the game physically and has already proven he can get it done against older players. He's an athletic slasher with some ball skills and the ability to create for others. He'll rebound and do some dirty work too.
Early recruitment: Florida, Memphis, Mississippi, Oregon, Seton Hall, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, West Virginia and Western Kentucky have offered.
Why he's stood out: The son of the NBA's best player, Bronny is operating under a spotlight that is almost impossible to comprehend. He was a role player as a freshman for an absolutely loaded Sierra Canyon team, but had his moments. Put him on a "regular" high school team and he very likely would have put up impressive numbers. It's tough to bet against DNA like his.
Early recruitment: James first scholarship offer came from North Carolina Central.
Why he's stood out: The son and grandson of former McDonald's All-Americans, Wagner is another who has strong bloodlines. Based on those I've seen in the class of 2023, I would put Wagner among the few in the early conversation for No. 1. He's immensely skilled as a shot creator and has feel for the game.
Early recruitment: Surprisingly, Wagner has yet to claim any offers but many feel Kentucky will be the team to beat given his father played for and his grandfather coached with John Calipari.
Why he's stood out: There's an awful lot to like with Wilcher. He's already very productive against very good high school competition. He has good size, he can play the one or the two and there is some pop in his legs. High school is off to a very good start for the potential star guard.
Early recruitment: Auburn, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Iowa, Oregon, St. John's, UCLA, Wake Forest and Xavier (where his older brother C.J. Wilcher signed) have already offered.
Why he's stood out: William is an absolute monster when he's going to the rim. He dunks on opponents like a grown man and plays with an edge to him. His first step is tremendous, he can get hot from deep and he's one of the most popular athletes in all of high school sports and will eclipse two million (!) followers on Instagram within the next week or so.
Early recruitment: Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Kansas, Memphis, Pittsburgh, San Diego State, Tennessee, Texas Tech, USC and others have offered.
