Robert Dillingham vs. DJ Wagner; Did their matchup bring clarity to who is No. 1 in 2023?

The short answer here is no. When On3 first reported in May that it was likely 2023 On3 Consensus No. 1 ranked GG Jackson would reclassify to 2022, we started looking for replacements for the No. 1 spot in the class. The obvious starting points were the players currently two and three, DJ Wagner (2) and Robert Dillingham (3).

On Friday night of Peach Jam, the pair squared off head-to-head. We did not realize it at the time, but the matchup ended up being each player’s final AAU game of their careers. While both teams had games left on the schedule, Wagner sat for the remaining games, and Dillingham’s Team Cp3 withdrew from the event.

This game was each team’s sixth of the week, but it was sold out in the stands and standing room only for college coaches and NBA scouts. On3 was there as well, hoping that this matchup would bring some clarity to who is the new No. 1 in 2023.

Head to Head

Dillingham’s Team CP3 won the consolation game 77 to 65. Dillingham finished with 15-points, and Wagner had 13. Dillingham finished 6-of-16 from the field, 0-of-3 from three with 4-assists, 2-rebounds, and two turnovers. Wagner finished 6-of-20 from the field, 1-of-6 from three, with 7-assists, 5-rebounds, and one turnover. (full box score)

Robert Dillingham, a Kentucky commitment, is a shot-maker. He has a crafty handle, excellent balance, and a quick release. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard can lead a team on big runs at a moment’s notice in a game. Dillingham does not lack confidence and is an opportune defender, especially using quick hands in the open floor.

DJ Wagner, who is said to be down to Louisville and Kentucky, is tough, both mentally and physically; that is the easiest way to put it. He is a downhill combo guard who likes to have the ball in his hands. You can see the 6-foot-2 combo guard’s competitive fire on both ends of the floor every time he steps on the court.

So who is No. 1?

Wagner and Dillingham will certainly be in the discussion. However, they did not run away with it like we were hoping. Justin Edwards, Omaha Biliew, Matas Buzelis, Mackenzie Mgbako, and some others used June and July to play their way into the discussion as well.

On3 is set to update our 2023 rankings on the first Monday of August. This should result in an interesting week of discussions.