'23 Isaiah Miranda sets first visit; talks LSU, UConn, USC, Providence offers

Springfield (MA) Commonwealth junior Isaiah Miranda is one of the most intriguing centers in the 2023 class. At 7-foot-1, he is fluid in a unique way for bigs, and his explosive pop and touch are natural.

“I try to get buckets the best way I can, stay diverse,” Miranda told On3.“I’ve slowed down my game added more options since the summer. I’m utilizing my teammates more, making the game easier. I like to watch a lot of Joel Embiid with how he gets to his shots out of his post moves. I like Giannis too for how he is always running the floor.”

The On3 Consensus No. 35 ranked player in the 2023 class played this summer with the RI Elite program on the 17u Hoop Group circuit. Isaiah Miranda spoke exclusively with On3 about his recruitment and visits.

“I am hearing a lot from Southern Cal, LSU, Kentucky, Providence, and UConn,” Miranda said. “They have all offered me except Kentucky. I have been on unofficial visits to Providence, UConn, Southern Cal, Kentucky, and UCLA. I will be taking my first official visit to USC on February 19.”

Miranda talks recruitment

Southern Cal: “When I visited there, I learned how they use their bigs. They try to utilize all their big skills, whether in the post or the perimeter, and keep their bigs involved in the plays. They form their plays around their big’s skill sets. Also, the USC guards are fundamental and know how to keep their bigs engaged.”

UConn: “When I visited there, I saw they practice and play very hard. Coach (Danny) Hurley doesn’t let up at all on their guys; he takes everything very seriously. The biggest driver for their team is their bigs. The bigs put out the most energy of anyone on the court, and I like that.”

LSU: “I have only heard what they and my people have been telling me about them. They are still new on my recruitment list and offered me during the season, so I have not been able to look into them like I would like yet. I am looking to set up an official visit with them soon.”

Providence: “I am from here, of course, but I learned a lot about the school on the visit. Learning about the basketball side and some of their players and their success. They’re having a good year this year too.”

Miranda talks Kentucky

“I always like their team’s energy level on the floor,” Miranda said. “Calipari is hard on his guys, and they let him coach them. I like how they always keep their bigs engaged play through their bigs a lot. They are saying they need to see more from me, the little details, how engaged I am throughout a game, stuff like that.”

Miranda’s take

“UCLA has not offered yet, but I visited there earlier,” Miranda said. “They are still talking to me. I want to go to a school that not only utilizes their bigs but keeps their bigs engaged throughout the game. That will be the main thing I look for, and how they develop their bigs for the next level.

Most of my family played soccer, so they are all pretty athletic, but I was the first one who played basketball.”

On3’s take

Isaiah Miranda has a lengthy and fluid frame. He is very well coordinated with the fluidity to turn and run and the pop to get his elbow above the rim. Standing as a legit footer, the way he moves is what sticks out the most. He is still raw in his game as he is still growing and figuring out who he is as a player. He has natural touch, can knock down a three off the catch, and makes free throws. Miranda will need to continue adding strength and slowing down the game, but the ceiling is very high here.