IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL
With its sprawling campus, first rate facility, and recent alumni such as Jonathon Isaac, it’s not difficult to gauge the upper hand IMG Academy has over other prep programs.
With a recent 101-92 win over in-state blood rival Montverde Academy, IMG’s post-graduate program bounced back from a double digit loss to Scotland Campus Sports (Pa.) in the National Prep Showcase.
With a chock full of highly-lauded recruits, IMG’s high school team moved to no.9 in the recent USA Today Super 25 Boys Basketball Expert Rankings.
Darius Days, Class of 2018
It’s hard to believe that up until this past summer, the explosive 6-foot-8, 218-pound Days was an under the radar recruit lacking the star power he deserved. Adept at scoring the ball at all three levels and a high percentage shooter from 18-20 feet and beyond the arc, the LSU-commit is one of the country’s best rebounding forwards. He thrives on the offensive glass, where he can either fly in for a monstrous putback dunk or provide second opportunity buckets.
With his vastly improved defensive focus, physicality to bulldoze his way to the rim, and an explosive vertical, Days has the attributes to become a McDonald’s All-American this season.
Chol Marial, Class of 2019
Widely regarded as a lottery pick and potentially a no.1 pick, the 7-foot-3 and 210-pound Marial is a transcendent talent for his ability to finish in the paint and also knock down feathery mid-range shots. A capable shot blocker, Marial has an advanced tool-set with his athleticism and development in all areas of is game.
Agile, long, and proficient around the rim with alley oop finishes and putbacks, Marial could take the Thon Makar route and go directly to the pros following a post-grad season. Must stay healthy, as injuries have halted his development these past few seasons.
Silvio De Sousa, Class of 2018
The five star prospect and Kansas pledge could be an early enrollment addition to Bill Self’s team. At 6-foot-9 and 220 pounds, he’s a sheer enforcer on the blocks and alters, manipulates, and changes the trajectory of countless shots.
A vertically explosive and imposing athlete, De Sousa’s rim to rim quickness adds appeal. With his ability to play instinctively and finish in monstrous fashion, De Sousa is an accurate depiction of a beast amongst boys out there.
His 28 points and 11 boards propelled IMG to a 72-65 victory over plenty-tough St. John’s College (Washington, D.C.) during the prestigious ARS Rescue Scooter Hoopfest in Maryland.
Anfernee Simons, Class of 2018
With considerable rise on his jump shot, Simons is one of the hardest to guard in the country.
The 6-foot-4 Altamonte Springs, Fla. native has come a long way since playing meager minutes at Montverde. After averaging 17 points at the Miami Hoops Festival, the bolt-quick Simons has thrived with stepbacks, off the dribble scoring, and flashy passes.
Since de-committing from Louisville following the tumultuous FBI Scandal that rocked the NCAA and led to the firing of legendary head coach Rick Pitino, Simons name has come up as a serious candidate to make the preps-to-pros rank.
Jahmius Ramsey, Class of 2019
The 6-foot-4 off guard keyed the program’s 96-60 slaying of Bishop McNamara (Md.) with a 33-point eruption. An explosive finisher in the open court, Ramsey has both a mental savvy and a headiness to his game.
He can hit transition 3-pointers and tends to get the better of defenders with his pull-up game and fearlessness in knowing when to call his own number. While he’s best as a set shooter with a powerful touch, Ramsey has grown with his off the dribble game and ability to create for himself on the drive.