1. Duke Blue Devils
Top commit: PF Mackenzie Mgbako (No. 4)Previous ranking: 1
In Jon Scheyer's first recruiting class after being named Mike Krzyzewski's successor, the Blue Devils landed the No. 1 class in the country. And in Scheyer's second recruiting class, Duke is atop the rankings once again. As mentioned earlier, it's not a lock the Blue Devils end up at No. 1 given some of Kentucky's remaining targets, but it's comfortably the best class in the country right now. Four five-star prospects lead the way: Mackenzie Mgbako, Sean Stewart, Caleb Fosterand Jared McCain, while T.J. Power is at No. 40. It's also worth mentioning that there was another five-star commitment, but Australia native Tyrese Proctor opted to reclassify and enroll for the upcoming season. Mgbako can make a case as the best player in the country after a consistently productive summer when demonstrated his motor and ability to pose matchup problems for opponents. Stewart is an elite rebounder, while Foster is one of the best point guards in the class. McCain can really score, while Power had a fantastic grassroots season and can make shots inside and out.
2. Kentucky Wildcats
Top commit: SF Justin Edwards (No. 2)Previous ranking: 2
Since John Calipari became head coach at Kentucky in 2009, the Wildcats have had the No. 1 or No. 2 class in all but three seasons. No. 2 recruit Justin Edwards challenged for the top spot with his competitive nature, versatile defense and a highly productive summer offensively. Edwards scores by finalizing plays inside, along with a hard straight line face-up game and 3-point shot. He possesses the physical tools for an NBA wing. Fellow top-five recruit Aaron Bradshaw is a game-changer at both ends of the floor, finishing around the rim and blocking shots at the other end. Top-10 SG Robert Dillingham is a pure scoring presence, as well as a bona fide shot creator and playmaker. No. 26 Reed Sheppard will blend in right away with his fundamental play, offensive skill and decision-making. If No. 1 overall recruit D.J. Wagner picks Kentucky over Louisville, Calipari's program will overtake Duke for the top spot.
3. Michigan State Spartans
Top commit: C Xavier Booker (No. 3)Previous ranking: 3
Four commitments, four ESPN 100 prospects. The Spartans have an impressive 2023 cycle thus far with a group that gets them back on the right foot after not landing a top-25 class in 2022. Xavier Booker is the big name. By far the biggest stock-riser of the spring and summer, Booker went from unranked to the No. 3 overall prospect in the country off the back of elite performances on the grassroots circuit and an MVP showing at the Pangos All-American Camp. Jeremy Fears is one of the best point guards in the class, bringing aggressiveness and energy at both ends of the floor. Coen Carr and Gehrig Normand are also ranked inside the top 100, but they'll bring different skill sets to the table. Carr is extremely explosive, while Normand is a knockdown shooter.
4. Oregon Ducks
Top commit: PF Kwame Evans (No. 12)Previous ranking: 4
Oregon has a talented trio of ESPN prospects on the books for next season and currently the best early class in the Pac-12. No. 12 Kwame Evansand No. 15 Mookie Cook have terrific position size. At 6-foot-9, Evans, a left-handed forward, demonstrates outstanding ball skills with a shooting touch and great versatility. Cook is an extremely talented 6-7 wing from Portland who decommitted in June but recommitted to Oregon in August. No. 48 Jackson Shelstad, the Ducks' first commit back in November 2021, plays at in-state West Linn High School, which produced former Duck and current Boston Celtic Payton Pritchard. He brings leadership intangibles, outside shooting and facilitation skills. With extreme length and size, look for Dana Altman to exploit the mismatch on the offensive end and utilize their wingspan in his zone press on the defensive end.
5. UConn Huskies
Top commit: PG Stephon Castle (No. 23)Previous ranking: 5
Dan Hurley and his staff did their work early in the 2023 class, securing five commitments before the end of September. The first commitment was the best of the group: top-25 point guard Stephon Castle. Castle possesses great size at 6-6 and is an excellent passer and decision-maker with the ball in his hands. Two other ESPN 100 prospects in the class are Solomon Ball and Jaylin Stewart. Ball was one of the best scorers on the Nike EYBL circuit, while Stewart was highly efficient and productive in the spring and summer and brings plenty of versatility. Four-star wing Jayden Rossis an intriguing long-term prospect, and 7-foot center Youssouf Singare provides a defensive anchor inside.
Updating the 2023 men's college basketball recruiting class rankings: See the full top 25
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