Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in
high school basketball. America's source for high school sports
continues the tradition to close out the 2022-23 season by naming the
top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and
individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
Flory Bidunga of
Kokomo is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Indiana High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-9 junior center led the Wildkats to a 24-5 record and the Class 4A state title game.
On the season, Bidunga averaged 20.2 points, 13.8 rebounds and 4.5 blocks while shooting 81 percent from the field. He finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds and five blocked shots in Kokomo's state title game loss to unbeaten champion Ben Davis of Indianapolis.
Five-star junior Flory Bidunga fights for post position in a win over Harrison. (Photo: Julie L. Brown)
Bidunga recorded 27 double-doubles and a pair of triple-doubles in 29 games. His most impressive performance came in a 90-72 win against Marion when he tallied 25 points, 15 rebounds and 11 blocked shots.
Regarded as the No. 2 prospect in the Class of 2024 according to 247Sports, Bidunga holds offers from Auburn, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville and Michigan State among others.
J.J. Starling of
La Lumiere (La Porte) was the 2021-22 MaxPreps Indiana Player of the
Year.
Currently a freshman at the University of Notre Dame, Starling averaged 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists last season to guide the Lakers to the No. 5 spot in the National Top 20.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for
inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in
April. Past selections include 2023 NBA All-Stars Bam Adebayo (2016),
Jaylen Brown (2015), DeMar DeRozan (2008), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony
Edwards (2019), De'Aaron Fox (2016), Jrue Holiday (2008), Jaren Jackson
(2017), Kyrie Irving (2010), Julius Randle (2013), Jayson Tatum (2016)
and Zion Williamson (2018).
