In order to skip any unnecessary formalities, we are going to assume you've been around long enough to know that the recruiting landscape is currently broken. Unless you are a transfer with college experience, your chances of receiving a scholarship from the appropriate level are extremely low. Only select high-major players are collecting offers, which allows mid-major programs to lurk in the shadows and basically recruit above their level. The times of high school players accumulating twenty-plus offers is basically over. Furthermore, the prospects whose level resides somewhere between low Division I and high Division II (which is easily the largest grouping) are probably suffering the most. Why' Because there are more options for them than anyone else. High school player or mid-major transfer who didn't play or produce' Yeah, they are taking the transfer. Alright fine, what about high school player versus a productive Division II transfer' They are going to take the transfer 99.99% of the time–even if the high school player is more talented and/or appealing in the long-term. This will inevitably keep happening until the NCAA goes back to placing harsher restrictions on transferring. That being said, there are still plenty of guys in North Carolina's Class of 2023 who should have more respect from college coaches. Offers are going out, so let's advocate for some prospects on the high school side:
6'6 Collin Tanner (Wayne Country Day/Team Curry)
Not that any specific prospect listed is more shocking than the others, but Collin Tanner only having three offers (Campbell, Coastal Carolina, and High Point most recently) simply reiterates everything stated above. In a normal year of recruiting, he's the exact type of player who would have the aforementioned twenty-plus offers. Guys, it's not like we are trying to push a 5-foot-3 guard here. Tanner is a legit 6-foot-6 flamethrower with size, athleticism, and polished scoring ability from all levels. He's a capable defender and better rebounder than folks tend to realize. Tanner can comfortably create shots for himself and others, or effectively thrive in a complementary role'which should be a huge part of what makes him so enticing. His looming breakout campaign has been anticipated for quite a while, so hopefully the wait is about to end.
6'4 Jah Short (Farmville Central/Garner Road)
There have been some early ups and downs for this Garner Road group, but Jah Short has continued to shine as their leader. Given his status as their focal point over the last few years, no one should really be surprised. Short is a long, athletic guard prospect with an excellent penetration sense and the ability to apply constant downhill pressure. He's a great finisher and pull-up shooter from midrange, but can also create for others or play without the ball. Short displays solid feel, quality toughness, and instinctive defensive prowess. He's also terrific in the open floor. After changing staffs, his lone offer to East Carolina has likely vanished. Even still Short is a Division I player, and someone who is deserving of more attention.
6'8 Jaydin Spillman (Calvary Day/NLPB)
The idea of a skilled, fluid 6-foot-8 power forward should pretty much sell itself, which is why the lack of recruitment for Jaydin Spillman is so perplexing. Given his blend of interior ability and perimeter tools, he's somewhat of a polarizing player. Make no mistake, Spillman is a definite matchup problem. However, his ability to be a mismatch lies directly within his willingness to mix up his approach offensively. When Spillman opts to establish himself inside, it directly opens up his entire perimeter game. Once he posts-up, the opportunities to attack off the dribble and hit three-pointers (whether as a trail man or pick-and-pop option) become much more favorable. When he takes advantage of what the defense is giving him, Spillman shows flashes of a special player. He should definitely be more coveted.
6'5 Noah Van Bibber (Concord Academy/Team Curry)
Similar to the first entry listed, the case for recruiting Noah Van Bibber should be obvious. He's an athletic 6-foot-5 knockdown shooter with size and the ability to make an impact without requiring the ball in his hands. Van Bibber can create for himself or others, score the ball at an efficient rate from all three levels, or simply pose a lethal spot-up threat from beyond the arc. He attacks closeouts, makes quality decisions, and defends his position effectively. Additionally, Van Bibber is a capable rebounder and understands how to embrace his role as well as anyone in the state. Expect his recruitment to steadily trend upward over the coming months.
6'8 Sam Martin (Apex/Strong Center)
There are few guys in the entire state who possess Sam Martin's number of tools, specifically as a big man. He understands who he is, and that's quietly such a valuable part of his overall identity. Martin looks to post-up and take advantage of his size whenever possible, but is skilled enough to alter his approach as needed. He displays touch over both shoulders, consistency from midrange or beyond the arc, and passes the ball well out of the post. Martin is a solid all-around athlete with the ability to finish above the rim, effectively hedge screens, and runs the floor well in transition. His value as a low-maintenance player is clear, and he has the adaptability to be an asset for a variety of different programs.