Underrated Stock Risers: Miami
Richard Nunez, North Miami Beach
While Nunez has routinely generated buzz and headlines for his consistent high-20s and 30+ point performances, there are countless ways to define his contributions to this North Miami Beach program.
You can’t define it or simplify it to one single role.
The 6-foot-8 Class of 2018 forward has the versatile skill-set, with his ball handling and shooting acumen, to be a big guard at the ensuing level.
In grab and go fashion, Nunez is capable of engineering the transition game fresh off a defensive rebound.
He possesses the size and length to block, manipulate, influence, and change the trajectory of shots inside the lane.
And while the high motored and jack of all trades type of talent has authored a memorable senior season, he continues to fly under the radar on the recruiting market.
Jasmel Martinez, Miami Palmetto
While Miami Palmetto is engineered by its vaunted backcourt, the Class of 2019 forward has displayed a wealth of upside.
As he continues to develop into more of a polished product, pack on refined back to the bucket moves, and embrace the physical components of the post game, Martinez possesses the tool-set to eventually evolve into a double double threat.
Martinez’ 19-point, eight rebound eruption against South Dade was indicative of his upside.
Mikal Starks, Miami Palmetto
The Class of 2018 point guard has spearheaded this Miami Palmetto team on both sides of the ball, stemming back to his 33-point and six steal performance during the opening week of the 2017-18 campaign.
One category in which Starks goes unsung and under noticed is defense.
Starks is the type of kid who gains momentum through a vital stop. He doesn’t get enough credit for his consistency as an on-ball defender.
One of the area’s leaders in steals, Starks takes a sense of pride and fervor in neutralizing the opponent’s top scorer.
Ian Tajalli, Coral Springs Charter
The 6-foot-5 guard/forward has displayed a deft shooting touch and the potential to be a very high percentage scorer. An intriguing aspect of his game is the elevation on his jumper and his ability to spot up and get his shot off quickly. Tajalli has developed into more of an all around scorer, less reliant on his shooting and going to the rim more than ever. He’s packed muscle onto a once spindly frame, enabling him to be more of an active presence on the glass for CSC.
Nicolas Choi, McArthur High
The 6-foot-7 forward/center has become more aggressive in the trenches and brings a unique scoring skill-set. Has the ability to score in the low post and has become increasingly adept as an interior passer. Choi has been workmanlike and consistently employed a high motor. Both of these factors have triggered his evolution as a double double threat this season.
Eddie Davis, TLAP Academy
The high-scoring 6-foot-6 wing has shown an adeptness at scoring at all three levels and also scoring in bunches. Davis has made a name for himself following back to back 35-point performances against Impact Academy (Sarasota) and DME Academy. Davis is a physical scorer who can knife to the rim and finish with contact. He’s also a high-level shooter with a deadly mid-range game. Davis is your quintessential late bloomer recruit. He’s the type of kid who was virtually unknown until recently. This means a number of programs will soon be inquiring and plunking down scholarship offers . Head coach Louis Graham envisions him as a surefire Division-I player.
Dudley Blackwell, Westminster Academy
If high-major coaches are in the building, it would be hard for them not to be intrigued by Blackwell. At 6-feet-6 and possessing an uber athletic style and above the rim game, Blackwell possesses limitless potential. He’s improved as a scoring threat and all three levels and has the versatility to handle the ball and score in a variety of ways.