Grind Session’s Underrated and Unsigned
Shamel Jones, Charlotte Basketball Academy
High level athlete and explosive finisher has improved his game by leaps and bounds since immense growth spurt which shot him up to 6-foot-4. Class of 2021 guard recently put together a 24 point, 14 rebound performance which he punctuated with the game winning bucket. Originally from Port Chester, N.Y., Jones possesses a beyond his years savvy.
Samuel Chaput, Scotland Campus Sports
Crafty 6-foot guard is proficient at getting into the lane and scoring around the rim. Displayed an all around skill set and all three levels scoring aptitude during a 21-point performance en route to a wire to wire thrashing of Harcum College JV recently.
A well-built guard, Chaput is active defensively and plays hard within the confines of the system. Pushing his development, of course, is three time national Coach of the Year Chris Chaney. Chaney, who has molded the likes of Hassan Whiteside and Jordan Hill, made history with his 40-0 Laurinburg team that won the 2005 Wayne Otto U.S. Prep National Championship.
Akiel Shakoor, Oldsmar Christian
A certifiable defensive pest above all, Shakoor has adjusted to more of a scorer’s and facilitator’s role under first year head coach Alex Arias at Oldsmar. With the team undergoing a massive roster change following a number of transfers, the veteran guard is flushed into a leadership role. He has a state championship from last year under his belt, and that certainly helps with the experience and leadership factor. Shakoor was the catalyst in Oldsmar’s 51-49 win over Inspire Academy of Orlando, as he poured in a game-best 21 points.
Raymond Dieng, Inspire Academy
A big strong and athletic guard, the 6-foot-5 Dieng can really get out in transition and finish. He needs to clean up a spotty shot selection, albeit the Class of 2020 prospect can be a legitimate scoring threat for a first year program still trying to discover its identity. Dieng scored 18 points and pulled down 10 boards during the loss to Oldsmar in Grind Session’s Amusement Park Classic.
Koreem Ozier, Scotland Campus Sports
High-scoring Class of 2018 guard has improved his shooting and is sound in all components of his game. After averaging 30+ points as a senior at Racine Case (WI), the 6-foot-1 point guard prioritized getting stronger in order to better adjust to the rigors of high level college basketball. He put on a veritable clinic during the National Prep Showcase, scoring 26 points against national power IMG Academy and NBA prospect Anfernee Simons.