Miami basketball signee Michael Nwoko top 15 biggest 2023 risers
Miami basketball 2023 signee 6’9, 240-pound center Michael Nwoko rose from 129th to 103rd in the updated 247 Sports class rankings. Nwoko was named by Eric Bossi of 247 Sports in his article “Meet the 15 biggest risers in the final basketball rankings for the 2023 class.”
Nwoko will add critical depth to the frontline for the Miami basketball program in 2023-24. Head coach Jim Larranaga stated that Nwoko has a college-ready body to play as a true freshman. Miami is awaiting a decision from post Norchad Omier who entered the NBA Draft with the option of returning to college.
Nwoko is rated as the 14th-best center in the class of 2023. In the Nike Hoops Summit of International versus American players, Nwoko finished with 17 points and eight rebounds. Both were second in the game. Nwoko averaged 12.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG and shot 62.2 percent playing for the under-18 Canadian National Team last summer.
Canada finished third in the FIBA U18 Americas Championship in Tijuana, Mexico last summer. The Canadians finished 3-2. Nwoko had 15 points and 13 rebounds in a semifinal loss to Brazil. In a third-place win over Argentina Nwoko led all scorers with 20 points. The presence of Nwoko provides Miami with versatility.
"MICHAEL NWOKO, C (MIAMI)Recruitment: Committed to Miami Previous ranking: 129 New ranking: 103Why he moved: “Playing for a Napa (Calif.) Prolific Prep team loaded with talent, Michael Nwoko didn’t get as many chances to be the featured guy as some of 2023’s top ranked big men. What he did do, though, was always find a way to be productive and make a positive contribution.He also learned how to play with other talented players and that’s going to help him out when he arrives in Coral Gables. His physicality, strong hands and toughness are also going to help him out and those qualities are a big reason for his rise in the final ranking.”"
The loss of Jordan Miller from the 2022-23 Miami roster opens a spot in the 2023-24 rotation. Nwoko will compete with rising sophomore A.J. Casey and any potential transfers Miami adds for next season. If Omier returns Nwoko adds quality depth. If Omier enters the NBA Draft Nwoko will compete to be a starter.
Next. CBB expert exploers Miami adding high scoring Penn guard. dark
Nwoko has been praised for his physicality. Omier was primarily the lone physical player Miami had in 2022-23. Nwoko has been praised as a high-energy player with a lot of upside. The Miami basketball roster will have a good mix of experience and veterans in 2023-24. Expect Nwoko to be a key part of the Miami rotation.