The top Class of 2023 Georgia high school basketball recruits illustrate once again why the state should be considered one of the nation’s premier in talent production. According to 247Sports’s rankings, five players from Wheeler and Newton combined grace the top 10, establishing clear pipelines for skilled players. Here’s a look at all 10 players ranked highly in 247Sports’s newest standings.
10. SF Marquavious Brown – Newton
The 6’4” small forward has made it clear that staying in-state is a priority at the next level. Brown initially committed to the University of Georgia, but later decommitted and chose Georgia State instead. At Newton, Brown will continue to be the leader he was on the court last season, hopefully with a state title to add to his resume.
9. SF Mari Jordan – Dacula
A Georgia commit, Jordan took control of Dacula’s offense last season, posting almost 20 points per game. He also led the team in rebounds per game, truly living up to his position. Jordan’s Falcons went 14-12 last season, but are likely to find more success in 2022 with him, Anthony Alston and Josh Mathurin returning. If Jordan keeps his production up, he could easily rise to the top seven or six.
8. SG Jelani Hamilton – Cumberland Christian
Hamilton played a key role for the Patriots last season, as the team defeated the likes of Newton, Grovetown and Kell. He has garnered several offers, including invitations from Auburn, Alabama, LSU and Georgia Tech. It’s hard to see Hamilton not dominate next season as Cumberland Christian continues as a freelance team.
7. CG Jakai Newton – Newton
The second of three Newton starters among Georgia’s top 10 2023 basketball recruits, Jakai Newton developed his skillset well through AAU play. He has explosive drives to the basket and finishes that defenses fail to prevent. The Indiana commit has been highly sought after, and his exposure will only grow after what is sure to be an excellent senior campaign on one of Georgia’s most talented teams.
6. C Arrinten Page – Wheeler
Page is unquestionably a menace in the paint. However, the uncommitted 4-star recruit has much more to his game, drawing the attention of many top-rated colleges, including Alabama, Cincinnati and UCLA. His 6’9”, 220-pound frame overpowers defenders and complements the star-studded Wheeler backcourt well.
5. SF Kaden Cooper – The Skill Factory
TSF has a great history of putting players into the NBA, with notable alumni including James Harden, John Wall, Kemba Walker and Paul Millsap. Cooper could be that next star; he’s already on track with his physicality. His play on both sides of the ball stands out, and his perimeter defense forces opponents into poor shots.
4. CG London Johnson – Norcross
It was a fairytale 2021-2022 season for Johnson and the Blue Devils, winners of the 7A state championship. What stands out most about Johnson is his work ethic. He missed a pair of game-winning free throws in the 2021 playoffs against North Gwinnett, but never let his mistakes get the best of him as he sunk the Bulldogs in the 2022 playoffs with his free throws and helped defeat Berkmar the same way in the state championship. More than his skills, Johnson’s ability to learn and adapt may make him an elite baller nationwide.
3. CG Kanaan Carlyle – Milton
Even as a freshman, Carlyle’s impact loomed large. Paired with Bruce Thornton, Carlyle led Milton to 22 wins and a quarterfinals appearance last season. He will take the reins as Milton’s leader next season, guiding the next generation of Eagle basketball stars deep into the playoffs. The 4-star recruit has already committed to Stanford over Baylor, Kansas, Tennessee and others.
2. CG Stephon Castle – Newton
Castle makes the list of top 10 2023 basketball recruits as part of a loaded Newton backcourt that is certain to wreak havoc next season. The Connecticut commit is as dynamic a passer as he is a scorer, and his hustle in transition facilitates easy buckets for his teammates. With an added offseason to build chemistry, Castle and Newton could be a reckoning force in 7A this year.
1. PG Isaiah Collier – Wheeler
Was there any doubt Collier would be ranked No. 1 among the 2023 basketball recruits in Georgia? The 5-star, top-ranked point guard in the nation has drawn early comparisons to John Wall for his excellent strength defensively. Collier can create momentum for his team, leading to unstoppable scoring runs that have often sealed victories. With Page down low, Collier will always have a scoring option, deadly for a Wheeler team looking to rebound after a 25-5 campaign ended in a road quarterfinals loss.
