NCAA Basketball: 4 biggest takeaways from updated 2023 recruiting rankings

Race for Collier Brings Unique Opportunity

Collier’s new position as the top player in the 2023 class comes with added attention from fans and programs around the country. The Wheeler (GA) point guard already boasts 16 offers on his resume and is likely to pull in more before he shuts it down with a commitment. North Carolina is the only blue blood program to have extended an offer and will surely look to enter the discussion. However, Collier for the moment has seemingly narrowed his focus on the quartet of Michigan, UCLA, USC and Cincinnati.

While Cincinnati appears out of place in this group, head coach Wes Miller has already begun to make significant strides turning the Bearcats back into a contender entering only his 2nd season with the program. Miller has already landed a top-40 prospect in the 2023 class, Rayvon Griffith, to secure further momentum for the program, but also managed to land accomplished collegiate veterans in Landers Nolley and Rob Phinisee to build on the team’s successes last year.

As none of these programs have landed the nation’s #1 recruit under their current head coach, a unique opportunity has presented itself. Andy Enfield (USC) has gotten the closest with recent lottery selection Evan Mobley (ranked 3rd), with Mick Cronin (UCLA) and Juwan Howard (Michigan) trailing with the signings of Amari Bailey (9th) and Caleb Houstan (11th) respectively.

Each coach has been able to maintain strong on-court momentum since taking over via traditional recruiting methods and being able to land Collier could potentially take their program to the next step.