Keeping Up With The Transfers, Florida Edition
Florida is a huge state. So keeping up with the top basketball prospects at all the high schools is already a feat in itself.
Now, players are moving around like it is NBA free agency. It is getting out of hand. Regardless, I’m here to report and break down the latest news in the high school hoops world.
Here are some notable transfers that went down the last two days and late last week.
Emmitt Williams joins the Oak Ridge movement
Our No. 2 ranked 2018 prospect officially moved to Oak Ridge on Tuesday. Emmitt Wiliams was at powerhouse IMG the past two seasons before playing at Lehigh as a freshman. The 6’7″ power forward he plays with an endless motor will now be the featured post player for the Pioneers. A high-Division I talent, Williams joins fellow 2018 guards Antwann Jones and Damon Harge Jr. at Oak Ridge.
Jones played with Williams and head coach Steven Reece all summer with E1T1 United. Harge was originally at Orlando Christian Prep, moved to North Carolina last season, but is now back in Orlando.
Also joining Oak Ridge is 2018 guard Tyrieke Blakeney. The younger brother of Chicago Bulls rookie guard Antonio Blakeney, Tyrieke has been the top scorer at Agape Christian the past few seasons. The Pioneers won 22 games last season, so expect them to be even better with a loaded group in Class 9A this year.
Niven Glover leaves for Villages Charter
In an expected move, 2019 guard Niven Glover is leaving Oak Ridge for Villages Charter. Glover, a super athletic can play both guard and forward. The 6’3″ junior proved his upside by beating 2018 forward Zion Williamson in a dunk contest earlier this summer. Glover gives The Buffalo another solid option alongside 2019 guards Tre Mann and Terry Ivory. Mann ranks No. 8 in our junior rankings while Glover is 12th.
Scotty Pippen Jr. heads to California
Last Wednesday, 2019 guard Scotty Pippen Jr. told us that he and his family are moving to California. The son of NBA Hall of Fame forward Scottie Pippen will play at Sierra Canyon. Previously at Pine Crest, Pippen Jr. will draw looks after a nice summer with Nike South Beach.
Christian De Leon moves over to Hillsborough
Also going down last Wednesday was the transfer of 2019 speedy guard Christian De Leon from Alonso to Hillsborough. It is a huge loss for Alonso, who relied on De Leon to run the offense. He now heads to a young Terriers group that will have its hands full. De Leon ran with Skills Center Elite this summer and his connection with coach Chris Ward are clear.
Photo credit: Cassy Athena