JUCO Update: Class of 2020
Nathanael Jack, Eastern Florida
Since he erupted for a veritable 3-point shooting clinic at the JA-32, everyone seems to want a piece of the sharpshooting Canadian. A product of Miami’s Calusa Prep, Jack scorched the nets to the tune of 13 treys in a game.
While the 6-foot-5 Class of 2019 Eastern Florida guard is diversifying his offensive portfolio by scoring on the drive more, he’s a shooter who has managed to shed the tag of streaky. He’s been able to sidestep those maddening funks which many 3-point threats fall into.
Florida State, Hawaii, Jacksonville State, and Florida International are in the most active pursuit of Jack. He rattled off Missouri, Creighton, and Texas Tech as programs now expressing high interest. These three appear to be waiting in the wings and should offer immediately.
Jalen Warren, Eastern Florida
A freakish athlete with length, defensive versatility, and a 40″ vertical leap, the rugged guard from Canada relishes big moments. He averaged 16 points and 6.3 assists during the JUCO national tournament as a freshman. Warren closed out the 2017-18 on a tear, averaging 16.5 points during the final four game span. He culminated his freshman season with an eye-widening 19-point performance (on 7-of-9 FG) against traditional national power Vincennes.
Anfernee King, Olney Central
A product of the Conrad School in Orlando, the bolt-quick 5-foot-10 guard sees the court exceptionally well. A kick returner and halfback in high school, he’s got the athleticism and strength to be a very reliable on-ball defender.
His offensive game, most notably his shooting, has improved incrementally this past season. Expect him to be thrust into a more significant role as a sophomore. Being fully engaged, selfless, and utilizing dribble penetration has made King a reliable piece for a rhythmic offense.
The Class of 2019 prospect possesses the potential to play high Division-II or low Division-I basketball, depending on his production rate this season.
David Sloan, John A. Logan
Also a product of The Conrad School (FL) when it entertained a national schedule, Sloan has made consistency a livelihood at the JUCO level. The heady 5-foot-10 point guard averaged 12 points and a nation-best 9.5 assists as a freshman.
A smooth playmaker, Sloan began his career at Taylor County (KY) as a scorer. He once netted 10 3-pointers in a game. As he’s matured, the smooth class of 2019 Sloan has acclimated to the role of point guard.
He’s very similar to former Kentucky point guard Patrick Sparks, in that he doesn’t look intimidating (due to his size) or overly athletic but can really produce on a big stage. Sloan’s performances against a loaded Wesleyan Christian team (28 points) and DeAndre Ayton-led Hillcrest Prep (32 points) in high school are indicative of his ability to be a high-momentum, in-clusters scorer.
Mike Medlin, Hill
The late-blooming 6-foot-8 forward has all the essential qualities of a swiss army knife caliber prospect. He’s big, he’s versatile, and he can create an issue for defenses by hitting that outside shot with consistency.
At S4G Academy in North Carolina, Medlin played a little point forward and even some center for head coach Kyle Solomon. It’s hard to find what Medlin brings in one single role. While he’s been offered by Division-I Bryant College, several high major programs are beginning to tune into the multi-dimensional Class of 2019 prospect. Medlin averaged 14.5 points and 7.8 rebounds as a freshman last season.
Milan Stakic, Undecided
The 7-foot-1 Bosnian big is supposedly JUCO-bound, after making a verbal commitment to play at East Carolina this past spring. A big body and space eater, Stakic has come a long way in a short period of time. He worked at a furious pace to shed 40+ pounds, trimming down to 238 pounds.
While he’s worked at incorporating an offensive skill set in his post up game, he’s got a feathery jumper from 15-20 feet. If Stakic, a product of NTSI Orlando, can keep his physique intact and improve on the glass, he’s got a chance to be a late developing big at the low to mid major level.
Jerome Merritt, College of Central Florida
The former Oldsmar Christian guard has always been sneaky athletic and adept at finding his way to the rim and finishing. The key knock on his game was the lack of a dependable shot from outside, an aspect of his game he has worked to refine. The one-time Bradley signee has become a better ball handler and creator.
This will be a major prove-it season for the Hudson, Fla. native. The bouncy Class of 2019 prospect oozes of mid major potential.
David Didenko, Palm Beach State
The Boca Raton native had an impressive summer, performing up to the expectation level set for him at a variety of events. At 6-foot-9 and with a smooth stroke from beyond the arc, Didenko has the potential to be a real unicorn at the JUCO level.
His unique size and strength, along with his deceptive hops have garnered notice. Didenko recently garnered an offer from North Florida. Playing in a competitive JUCO environment this season will go a long way in solidifying his low to mid major Division-I stock. Similar to the aforementioned Medlin, versatility is a weapon given his size.
Tyson Jolly, Trinity Valley
The Baylor transfer and product of now defunct Elev8 Prep in Delray Beach, Fla. is known for his wowing athleticism. This made the 6-foot-4 guard/wing a high major prospect out of high school, where he missed a year due to a life-threatening health issue.
The Class of 2019 JUCO product has an instinctive style that enables him to turn in dazzling plays and really finish. He’s still working on tweaking his shot, an aspect he worked on thoroughly at Baylor.
Given his defensive tenacity and the competitive juices constantly coursing through his bloodstream, one JUCO year could be instrumental in Jolly tapping the high potential he has displayed since his junior year of high school. Though Jolly put up meager numbers and played sparingly at Baylor, he’s got the opportunity to revitalize his career.