On3 Experts talk Skyy Clark, summer blow-ups, and defensive stoppers

There is a lot going on at the On3 headquarters with breaking news and rankings updates. National Analysts Jamie Shaw and Gerry Hamilton take a look at the recent de-commitment of Skyy Clark. Which players in the 2023 class stood out with their defensive chops? Who in 2023 is primed for a summer blow-up?

Let’s dive right in.

1. Skyy Clark recently de-committed from Kentucky. Where do you see him ending up next season?

Shaw: First off let’s tip our hats to On3’s Joe Tipton for breaking this story and being all over the news. Something about this situations feels like a pro route will be the move. Memphis, UNC, and UCLA were in the final group the first time around, and Memphis may still be in the mix – UNC and UCLA have already signed four-star point guards. There have also been reports of schools like Gonzaga and Illinois getting involved. Skyy Clark announced his initial commitment via Overtime, so there is a relationship there. On3 also understands the G-League was one of the first calls after Tipton made Clark’s announcement public. I have a tough time believing that Clark would turn it down if a hard number comes down from the Ignite program. 

Hamilton: With Joel Justus being at Arizona State, the Sun Devils could receive some chatter as Justus was a lead recruiter for Clark while at Kentucky. Bobby Hurley zeroed in and signed point guard Austin Nunez already, so not sure Tempe makes as much sense. With Gonzaga unlikely to get Anthony Black, On3 continues to believe this is trending to Arkansas vs. G-league possibilities; the Zags will have to go a different direction, barring a significant change in Black’s recruitment. Clark will have new options and fits pop up in the coming weeks with the coaching carousel about to get red hot. 

2. Which 2023 prospect do you expect to see his offer list grow when coaches can watch him during April’s live period?

Shaw: Mostly because he just game into the country, but 6-foot-10 Ugonna Kingsley of Putnam (CT) Science should turn many heads this summer. Naturally, an elite defensive presence, timing, length, and pop have him protecting the rim and sliding his feet on switches. The offensive game is still coming along, but the tools are there with the touch, and he has shown the ability to catch it at the high post, rip through, and straight-line drive to the rim. He competes, and he affects the game on the defensive end. Kingsley is set to play with the NY Jayhawks on the Adidas 3SSB circuit this summer.

Hamilton: This one is way off the grid from a national recruiting perspective. I’m going with 6-foot-5 guard Alex Cotton out of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Cotton averaged 17.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and over two steals per game as a junior for Hebron High. The ability to shoot the ball on the perimeter will be a difference-maker in Cotton’s recruitment at 6-foot-5. He connected on 111 three-pointers this season at 40%. He was targeted by Hebron High opponents drawing the best defender and junk defenses on occasion and still knocked down 40% from three. That dog will hunt in his recruitment as more schools see him. And Cotton displays athleticism in various ways, along with defensive effort and feel for the game. Cotton makes many winning plays, and the correct play a high percentage of the time. Troy is his lone offer currently with serious interest from Oral Roberts, Tulsa, Creighton, Oklahoma State, Clemson, and others. Cotton will be on the radar of high-majors this spring.  https://www.hudl.com/profile/11966795/Alex-Cotton

3. On3 will be updating our 2023 rankings next week; which player in the class has impressed you the most on the defensive end?

Shaw: Taylor Bol Bowen has unique defensive instincts. The length and athleticism are natural, as are his timing is both as a weakside shot blocker and in the passing lanes. The 6-foot-8 forward at Wolfeboro (NH) Brewster Academy can be a game-changer on the defensive end with his ability to shut down the opposing team’s best player or switch down onto a forward or a big. 

Hamilton: I’ve always appreciated how Isaiah Collier competes as a player. That’s doesn’t necessarily mean he’s perfect in a technical sense on the defensive end, but it’s about being a competitive and willing defender on the ball. Because Collier isn’t a high-end perimeter threat, his ability to run a team and play at a high level will be key on the defensive end at the high-major level. Well, Collier has the mindset to get up into an opponent guarding the ball and serve as a disruptive force. He also has the quickness to utilize his competitiveness correctly with enough height/length.