Miami’s Most Underrated: Backcourt
In this article:
Trevor Ward, McArthur
The 6-foot Class of 2020 point guard is ultra-experienced and cerebral. These factors will propel him to a leadership role, as he quarterbacks McArthur in 2018-19. He’s become more skilled in manufacturing points with a vast array of tools.
Mirroring Ward’s ascension has been his development of bounce and fearlessness in attacking the rim, penetrating the teeth of the defense, and finishing above the behemoth rim protectors down low. He’s as comfortable as ever at putting the ball on the deck and getting right through traffic to the rim.
Spotting up and knocking down 3-pointers is also one of the finer points of Ward’s trade. He’s gone from facilitator to facilitator and scorer.
Dominic Shaw, McArthur
The Class of 2020 combination guard has a natural skill set in how well he can score off the dribble. He’s extremely aggressive at carving out space during his forays to the rim–and finishing. His quickness and body control are two major factors in his finishing. At the same time, he’s been able to mix in rapidly improved 3-point shooting.
Shaw has developed a unique pull up 3-point game and diversified his scoring. He’s additionally increased his range on his 3-point game.
Dominic Rivera, Mater Lakes Academy
While the spindly 5-foot-10, 165-pound guard may not pass the eye test, he possesses blur-quick speed and defensive tenacity beyond his years.
The Class of 2020 prospect averaged 12PPG as a sophomore last season, taking many by surprise with how well he can dart up the floor and get from rim to rim. He will play a pivotal role in an experienced and deep backcourt at Mater Lakes this season.
Caeser Linarez, Mater Lakes Academy
If there is one word which best mirrors the Class of 2019 guard’s style, it’s so obvious it nearly finds its way off the page: consistency.
Linarez may not have dazzling numbers. He will never be asked to shoulder the scoring load like his highly-decorated teammate Cyrus Largie, he of 2500+ career points heading into his senior season. Yet if there is one word to describe Linarez’ game, it’s so jarringly obvious it nearly falls off the page: consistent.
Linarez rarely turns it over. He’s very consistent in both his delivery and timely scoring. He averaged 14 points and five assists for Mater Lakes this summer, which head coach Juan Urbina hopes is a portent of things to come for the senior.
Michael Bradley Jr., Mater Academy
Age is just a number for the diminutive but fearless Class of 2023 guard, who has shown throughout this summer his 3-point shooting and advanced catch and stick game. Bradley is only 5-foot-7, but he’s shown poise beyond his years in spotting up and hitting timely shots.
The son of the former NFL player and current Barry men’s basketball assistant coach, North Miami Beach High alum Mike Bradley Sr., this neophyte has a very promising career in front of him. His desire to be a gamer and play on the highest stages have helped him develop a work ethic this summer. He first opened eyes at Palm Beach State camp in Lake Worth, producing during quality minutes and garnering respect with his scoring.
Walter Daniels III, Coral Gables High
After emerging into an explosive scorer, one capable of going off for 30+ any given night, Daniels III will gauge his grit against higher level competition this season. He’s got length, know-how, high level shooting and slashing ability. He’s also proven to have swiss army like qualities to him, given the way he can distribute and rebound and defend multiple positions.
Malik Reneau, Mater Academy
At 6-foot-6 and 180 pounds, Reneau already has the build of an upperclassmen. He’s got length, an evolving skill set, and has shown an ability to step out and hit 3-pointers. If he can continue to get stronger and become more aggressive as a well rounded scorer, the Class of 2022 prospect will author a special career at Mater.
He still needs to work on his strength and footwork. With Mater’s high order commitment to player development, expect meaningful varsity minutes and contributions from Reneau in 2018-19. He will be a key figure in a youth movement that garnered quality minutes and experience during an around the clock summer schedule.