NCAA Basketball: Top 10 players to wear jersey No. 23 in 2023-24 season
By Joey Loose
Honorable Mentions
Nelly Junior Joseph (New Mexico)
After three incredibly productive seasons at Iona under Rick Pitino, Joseph just spent his senior season playing under Pitino’s son Richard at New Mexico. While his individual stats weren’t as impressive as with the Gaels, Joseph put up 8.9 points and 8.2 rebounds a game as a major factor for a Lobos team that reached the Big Dance. Not only was he one of the best rebounders in the MWC, he also helped take New Mexico to an MWC Tournament title.
Ben Krikke (Iowa)
Following four productive seasons at Valparaiso, Krikke opted for new surroundings for his fifth and final season of eligibility. He fit in nicely at Iowa, averaging 13.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in his lone season in the Big Ten. Krikke contributed significantly on a Hawkeyes team that won 19 games. None of his numbers might wow, but the former MVC stud proved he could play on a much bigger stage and held his own while at Iowa.
Duke Miles (High Point)
Miles spent his first three collegiate seasons at Troy, though he’d miss significant time in those last two seasons. He arrived for a fresh start at High Point this past offseason and would be a major factor in the Panthers’ great season. Miles put up 17.5 points and 3.6 assists per game, made 36% of his 3-pointers, and was leading scorer for a 27-win squad that won the regular season title in the Big South. Although his team fell short of the Big Dance, Miles was named First Team All-Big South.
Frank Mitchell (Canisius)
After previous experience at Humber College in Toronto, Mitchell crossed the border and landed at Canisius this past season. The Canadian forward fit in nicely with the Golden Griffiths, accumulating 12.1 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, good enough for 4th in the nation in rebounding. Mitchell was named Second Team All-MAAC and led the conference in field goal percentage (56%), it’s just a shame that Canisius finished near the bottom of the league standings.
Lassina Traore (Long Beach State)
Born in Côte d'Ivoire, Traore spent an unproductive season as a bench piece at Saint Louis before transferring to Long Beach State before his sophomore year. This past effort was another step forward as a junior as he’d average 11.9 points and 10.3 rebounds a game for the Beach. Not only was he one of the starters on a Long Beach State team that reached the NCAA Tournament, Traore was Second Team All-Big West and led the conference in rebounding for a second straight season.