2019 South Miami G Toru Dean Jr. talks Sun Bash, recruitment and more
Junior guard Toru Dean Jr. flashed his all-around skills at the inaugural Prep Hoops Sun Bash 10 days ago.
His South Miami group was the only team to play in both overtime games over the weekend. First, it lost to Holy Spirit Prep (Ga.) and double overtime and then Cobras came back to beat Lake Wales 69-62 in overtime. Dean Jr. played admirably with 20 and 21 points in the two games.
The 2019 guard says he loved the competition, calling Holy Spirit and Lake Wales, two programs filled with prospects.
Dean Jr. proved that he can score anywhere on the floor, but his best assets are his drive to the rack and his movement in transition on both ends.
As a sophomore, Dean Jr. played at Miami Southridge where his team went 19-3. He decided to transfer to South Miami with coach Bess stepping down.
He had nothing but good things to say about his new coach, Robert Doctor.
“Coach Doc is known for putting his teams in the best tournaments in front of the right people,” Dean Jr. told Prep Hoops Florida. “In the beginning, we started a little slow adjusting to the new philosophy and schemes.”
This year Coach Doc wants me to do a little bit of everything. I already had one triple double but
the biggest thing is Coach Doc screaming at me “shoot the ball!” In my Junior year, we’re making a run at a state championship.”
Confident and smart, Dean Jr. is set to take the SAT and ACT this summer. He played last season for Nike Team Florida, his first with the program and he says he plans to suit up for them again.
“I started playing with Nike Team Florida late last season, but I really enjoyed playing with Coach Sosa,” he said. “The Nike circuit is a whole different animal; they’re bigger, faster and stronger. A challenge that can only get me better for the next level.”
Starting his basketball life in 5th grade, Dean Jr. is now a true athlete at 6’1″, 165 lbs. He pointed to his passing and defensive ability as his biggest strengths. He’s currently working on improving his jumper and strength.
Dean Jr. holds one offer from Northern Arizona. He also has interest from FIU, Eastern Michigan and FGCU.
I fully expect Dean Jr. to get better as the season progresses and hence earn more college looks. This summer will be gigantic for him as he gets to play in front of endless scouts and coaches. He has an alpha mentality, but he finds a way to get everyone around him involved. He is a fun player to watch.
Photo credit: Sheila Haddad