David Sloan, John A. Logan
While he’s got one year of JUCO left, Sloan has shown the traditional point guard and leadership qualities to become a highly coveted recruit. A product of The Conrad School in Orlando, the Louisville native averaged a national-best 9.5 assists this season. Sloan, a lethal scorer in high school who dropped 32 points on DeAndre Ayton’s Hillcrest Prep team and 28 points on national power Wesleyan Christian (N.C.) his senior year, averaged 12 points. He poured in a game-best 25 points (8-for-11 FG) during a wild 96-94 victory over Rend Lake College.
He authored a 23-point outburst during a 91-85 victory over Olney Central. Sloan’s craftiness as a ball handler and creator, coupled with his scoring aptitude at all three levels make the 5-foot-11 guard an appealing prospect on the JUCO transfer market.
Sandro Noel, Georgia Highlands
Originally a late bloomer on the recruiting market, Noel has only gotten better since electing to do a post-graduate year at now defunct Elev8 Prep in Delray Beach, Fla. He’s got the type of high-major athleticism that is prioritized. A fluid scorer and active presence on the glass, Noel has the capability of guarding multiple positions. At 6-foot-7 and 210 pounds, he brings a level of experience and upside.
The Miami native did not start playing organized basketball until mid-way through high school, albeit he showed flashes during his time at McArthur. Noel posted an 18 point and then a 17-point performance during back to back wins over Andrew College to close out the regular season.
He shot it it a scalding 15-for-21 clip in those two performances. While he’s got the size and manpower to be a three or an undersize four-man at the next level, Noel is still very much unknown. Stetson appears to be the most serious about getting the versatile 3-4 in the door.
Nathanael Jack, Eastern Florida State College
The 6-foot-5 sharpshooter and Calusa Prep college has the type of quick-strike 3-point shooting ability to take over a game. He averaged 10.7 points as a freshman, with 12 games of four or more 3-pointers. Jack did not shy away from big stages, either.
Against traditionally potent Chipola, which is known to churn out high major talent, he scored 24 points on the strength of eight 3-point field goals. Though he still has a ways to go in developing into an all around threat, Jack has the intangibles and the knockdown game that’s appealing to Division-I programs.
Andres Feliz, Northwest Florida State College
The former West Oaks star is a bullish guard who can pick apart a defense in a variety of ways. After averaging 20 points, 5.7 boards, and 6.0 assists under Steve DeMaio at Northwest Florida this past season, Feliz has committed to Illinois.
Having played at a high level these past few years, Feliz brings a toughness and a fearlessness that’s translatable to an instant impact. He will provide depth to a backcourt featuring another Florida schoolboy talent in Trent Frazier, who culminated an impressive freshman campaign as a key scorer capable of hitting momentum rolling shots.
Feliz is an attacker first, though he’s shown he can stick it from outside. He’s quick and shifty and brings a level of strength and defensive aggression which so many tend to lack at this level.
Richardson Maitre, Indian Hills
Once the high scoring complement to Feliz at West Oaks, Maitre averaged 8.6 points and 3.5 assists as a freshman. He’s a tough 6-foot-2 guard who can guard up and neutralize high scoring sources. Maitre also possesses a fluid jumper and 3-point shot while developing into more of a playmaker and pure passer during his time at the JUCO level.
Northern Arizona, Stetson, Tennessee Tech, Bradley, and Northern Arizona are all in active pursuit of Maitre. The Canadian guard originally committed to Cleveland State out of high school, where he won back to back SIAA championships under Kenny Gillion.
LJ Figueroa, Odessa
The 6-foot-5 guard, he of the commendable high school career at Oldsmar Christian and later West Oaks, has prolonged his reputation as a prolific scorer at the junior college level.
The one time New Mexico State commit averaged 21.4 points on a robust 55.5 shooting percentage. He managed this field goal percentage despite a wide ranging offensive game which saw him score the ball at all three levels consistently.
Figueroa has length, versatility, and the type of game altering scoring aptitude within him. The Lawrence, Mass. product had a breakout 38-point game against New Mexico Military. He concluded the season with a 31-point performance against Southern Idaho.