Changing Places, Changing Roles
Ange Dibwa Kankologo, Schoolhouse Prep
The 6-foot-10 Class of 2020 has the raw potential and upside to leave the same legacy in the 305 area as Westwood Christian’s Emmanuel Dowuona. While his shot-blocking acumen and ability to protect the rim may not be at that level yet, he’s certainly shown flashes.
The major incoming transfer also possesses explosive finishing ability. He’s got big soft hands and can emerge as a one dribble, attack the rim threat at this level. The city has been searching for an astounding big man of this magnitude ever since the talented but troubled Zach Brown’s life went awry.
Kankologo, a transfer via Beckley Prep (W.V.), has the tools to be a formidable threat upfront. He’s got the fleet of foot that’s very rare for his size. While he still needs to accelerate his evolution as a back to the rim player, his body and instinctive style should generate a handful of Division-I offers.
Taelon Martin, Potter’s House Christian
The Class of 2020 prospect has long been a gifted guard with length and defensive acumen beyond his years. It was a topsy-turvy environment at Potter’s House last year, with 11th hour transfers and an unpredictable situation. The program which once boasted 6-foot-11 behemoth Udoka Azubuike (Kansas) will again plant the basketball seed in the football hotbed of Jacksonville with a star-spangled lineup.
A highly-coveted recruit out of Massachusetts, Martin has been garnering offers since he was a freshman in high school. A high-scoring point guard whose eyes are perpetually up, the Massachusetts native is springboard bouncy.
He’s got thunderous above the rim instincts. He’s able to convert turnovers into transition leak-outs at a very high percentage. He will certainly create an intriguing backcourt tandem alongside 6-foot-3 Marsei Caston under head coach and Jacksonville native Steve McLaughlin.
Thomasi Gilgeous Alexander, Potter’s House Christian
The smooth, playmaking guard has the length and versatility to bolster an already stacked backcourt at Potter’s House. Defensively, he can guard from the 1-3 effectively and utilize his length to his advantage.
The younger brother of former Kentucky star and newly-minted Los Angeles Clippers guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, don’t be surprised to see the Class of 2019 prospect guard the four at times. He’s got the multi-positional component working in his favor. Offensively, he’s got deceptive handle and can really pick apart a defense with how well he sees the floor and draws defenders in.
Jose Luis-Benitez, Schoolhouse Prep
The returning Class of 2020 prospect has the chance to be a real calming influence with the ball in his hands this season. He’s got a smoothness and a veteran caliber savvy to him, an aspect that enables him to quarterback the team and playmake during tense moments and crunch time.
Luis Benitez, who has the potential to play low Division-I basketball, is a deliberate guard who knows how to dictate the tempo and get his teammates involved before putting his stamp on the game. While Luis-Benitez is not a transfer like the aforementioned trio, he changes roles as he will assume a leadership position as a junior and shed the label of role player in 2018-19.
Aime Ciza, SCS
The Class of 2021 prospect has great length and versatility as a 6-foot-6 forward. Since he’s played age appropriate until last season, he developed a post skill and has the ability to be a real interior banger when engaged. He’s also a crafty left handed scorer who can get into the lane and finish and pop out and bury 3-pointers.
Playing for Scotland Campus Sports (Pa.) head coach Chris Chaney, who spent time at West Oaks Academy and DME Academy molding high level talent, he’s developed an inside-outside game. He earned an offer from Southern Utah in the spring and should pile up a stockpile of mid-major looks and offers this season.
Carl Bigord, Schoolhouse Prep
The 6-foot-6 forward has a college-ready body and a dazzling above the rim game. He’s got the potential to be an athletically explosive piece capable of scoring it at all three levels. He’s improved as a shot-maker and also as a multi-positional defender, as his game continues to align with that prioritized at the high level Division-I ranks.