Rapidly Improved Bigs: Miami
Joshua Cecol, Belen
The 6-foot-7 Class of 2020 prospect has the length and defensive acumen to really backbone the team as an adequate rim protector. While his mid-range game and ability to knock back the 15-18 footer with consistency is arguably his trademark weapon, Cecol has become more of a polished low-post scorer.
He’s increased with his athleticism and ability to knife into the rim and finish. He’s got the experience factor working in his favor, having rarely played age appropriate over the years. If he can impose his will as an offensively versatile threat, he’s got the chance to really blossom as a playmaker this season.
Miguel Santos, Miami Christian
The 6-foot-9 forward has become very perimeter oriented, proving he can stick the outside shot and create mismatch headaches across the court. He’s also improved at tightening up his handle and dictating the offensive flow as a game manager, allowing him to fully embrace the point forward and pick and pop four responsibilities.
The Class of 2021 forward possesses a wealth of potential with his length and ability to dunk the ball with ease. He still needs to pack on muscle and get more physical as a scorer and rebounder. He is flanked by high end talent, playing for one of the state’s most reputable programs known for its player development. Chances are he will undergo a rapid transformation and live up to the flashes of versatile talent he’s shown this off-season.
Landon Martinez, Mater Lakes Academy
The 6-foot-8 Class of 2019 transfer from L.A. brings the type of toughness and active presence on the boards to augment the frontline instantly. Martinez averaged a whopping 16 boards per game throughout the summer league, providing a behemoth-like presence while simultaneously providing much-needed rim protection.
The interior was a major area of concern for the program and incorporating Martinez as a space-eater who can really hit the glass fills the void immediately. While he’s still developing as an offensive player and learning the intricacies of the back to the rim game, Martinez will bolster a veteran lineup underscored by prolific scoring guard Cyrus Largie.
Jaden Lindsey, McArthur
The 6-foot-9 Class of 2019 forward has improved dramatically as a powerful four-man. He’s shown a knack for dunking the ball with either hand and has really blossomed as a finisher, refining critical aspects of his game while playing for Showtime Ballers in the off-season. He’s got good hands and has embraced his role as a one dribble, attack the rim threat.
He’s developed a dependable feathery hook about five feet from the basket. On-court awareness and being cognizant of his size advantage over smaller defenders has helped prepare him for the increased offensive role he will take on this season. While he still needs to improve in the skill compartments, he’s got the tool and the power up ability to become a durable double double threat this season. He’s improved with his ability to finish around the rim with either hand.
Alex Rodriguez, Palmetto
Though he’s extremely undersized as a 6-foot-5 four-man, the boundless energy and prodigious vertical leaping ability Rodriguez plays with eliminates any disadvantage. Rodriguez has a motor and a stealth quality to his game, as he’s capable of getting behind the defense and converting lob passes into easy buckets. Expect the Class of 2019 prospect to score the ball more than ever this season, as he will be an intriguing supplemental scorer to the focal points.
His ability to rebound on the ball on both ends of the floor and really outwork other interior bigs is critical. If he can develop a guard’s skill set, as he worked away at doing this off-season, he will leave a special mark in the program’s annals.