California tops list of talent-rich states in new On3 150 rankings

On3 updated its 2023 basketball rankings today; 150 players spread across the country, compiled into a single list. As someone who enjoys lists, I figured to look at where these players come from.

To nobody’s surprise, California is at the top of the list as the state with the most top-150 ranked players. The Golden State has 25 players ranked. How many of those players are organic? By our count, 17 of the ranked players in California play for traditional high schools.

There are eight of the 25 ranked players in California who play for prep programs, such as Donda Academy (4), Prolific Prep (2), or So Cal Academy (2).

Speaking of prep schools, they are capable of loading up a state that may be a non-traditional power. A quick look at the list and New Hampshire has six players ranked among the top 150 in the country. Why you ask? Because of Brewster Academy, which boasts all six on its roster.

Prep schools are common among New England states. Connecticut has five players on the list, three of which come from South Kent School. Massachusetts has two players, both from Worcester Academy.

There are 15 states with no players listed in the top 150. States like Alaska, Maine, and North Dakota you expect to see listed. However, in this cycle, neither Alabama nor Nebraska have a ranked player in the 2023 class.

These states not having local talent makes for an interesting data point in recruiting. Alabama, Auburn, Nebraska, and Creighton — the Power Five programs in those states — will need to become creative on the trail with the natural recruiting bases short on talent.

All in all, these numbers will vary with each recruiting cycle. Let’s dive into the specifics.

By the numbers

States with the most players in the top 25

California – 7
New Jersey – 4
Georgia/Florida – 2

States with the most players in the top 100

California – 16
Florida/Georgia – 8
New Jersey – 6
Connecticut – 5

States with the most players in the top 150

California – 25
Florida – 15
Georgia/Texas – 10

States with no players ranked

Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.