Rebounders To Take Note Of
Makye Boles, Suncoast
The rugged 6-foot-4 forward handled the overwhelming and daunting task of being an interior banger with poise last season. Even more impressive is the fact that the undersized forward was only a freshman, thrust into a meaningful role. Bowles has strength and attention to detail working in his favor. These aspects made him a vital piece to a frontline which had thinned out and sorely needed his presence.
While the Class of 2021 prospect would really reap the rewards of developing a mid-range game and 3-point stroke, he’s plenty capable of scoring between a defender and the basket. He still needs to evolve into more of a post-up scorer, a guy who can take guys to the block and finish. If he can continue to develop at the frantic pace he’s shown, he’s got the potential to be a legitimate double double threat beginning this season. One aspect synonymous with Bowles’ game is his motor. The fact that he’s able to soldier on despite guarding notably taller four and fives down low is indicative of his meddle. While he still needs to develop in the skill compartments of his game, he’s made strides as a veritable “Mr. Hustle” who can provide second chance points and secure boards with the best of them.
He had his work cut out for himself this summer, as he diligently labored at tightening his handle and getting some bounce/explosiveness to his overall package.
Dardin Kapiti, The Rock School
With his deceptive hops and his sneaky explosiveness, Kapiti is very similar to former Elev8 forward Kasper Christiansen (now at Florida International). He’s very stealth in his ability to get free for stick backs and snatch rebounds without anyone anticipating him coming. Kapiti has a swagger to him as well. He rarely gets rattled while getting into the teeth of defenders and scoring.
With his bounce and his length, expect Kapiti to be a major presence on the glass this season.
Keon Kindred, Wellington
Built like a football player, Kindred is a massive-sized kid at 6-foot-5. He’s got the potential to be a real space-eater and key interior cog. Given how well he shuffles his feet defensively and how he’s able to yank in rebounds over bigger players, it’s fair to say he’s got a heavily-anticipated future ahead of him.
While he still needs to grasp the ins and outs of being a back to the bucket scorer, Kindred’s motor and ability to devour boards has never been in question. He may not be ready-made for meaningful varsity minutes just yet, albeit the Class of 2022 prospect’s game has been a major portent of what’s to come in about two years.
Landon Martinez, Mater Lakes Academy
The 6-foot-8 behemoth has the chance to be one of the premiere newcomers in the area. The transfer from Los Angeles showed glimpses this summer, hauling in a whopping 16 RPG during the summer league. MLA head coach Juan Urbina envisions him as a figurehead in Mater’s ability to not only protect the rim but control the defensive glass and give the team the chance to get out in a souped-up, go-go attack.
With manchild sophomore Craig Starks transferring to Miami Beach Senior High, Martinez inherits a significant role from the jump. Part of his evolution will be deferring and providing cleanup and hustle points down low. On the glass is where he needs to register his presence the most.
Kendrick Wilson, Norland
A 6-foot-7 forward with length, bounce, and athleticism, Wilson has all the integral components to ratchet up his presence on the glass. He’s active on both sides of the ball and really plays with a full throttle mentality. With the way he contests shots defensively and tries to deny bigs upfront, it often enables him to get easy defensive boards.
Wilson has the tools to be a consistent double double threat. He’s got similar attributes to wildly bouncy and high-motored guys such as Lee Flenor (South Miami). Expect this year to be a breakout one for the underappreciated, unheralded Class of 2020 prospect.
Anthony Atkinson, Westminster Academy
The 6-foot-8 forward has big, soft hands and can really get from rim to rim. While he’s done a lot to polish up his once-flawed offensive game, Atkinson is best utilized on the boards. He’s developed his body and simultaneously ramped up his motor.
Playing for Ball4Lyfe on the AAU circuit helped ready him for the rigors of his “true big” role this season. It’s no secret, Atkinson is flanked by some prolific scorers in mid major prospects Sam Griffin and Chase Johnston. They really don’t need him to score the ball. With Dudley Blackwell transferring, Atkinson should be shifting his gaze to the middle. The onus is on him to seal off the driving lanes and prevent bigs from scoring the ball between him and the bucket.
Jordan Hernandez, Miami Killian
A natural gym rat with a motor, Hernandez was an absolute menace on the boards for Florida Gulf Coast 17U this summer. He’s athletic, bouncy, and embraces the “No frills” attitude on the court. The end product has been an enforcer type of presence who plays with boundless energy.
The Class of 2019 prospect is equally powerful on the offensive end, as he averaged 16.3 PPG last season. With his ability to score, rebound, and dish, he’s got the appearance of a swiss army knife this season. His work ethic mirrors his production, as Hernandez benches 200 pounds and squats close to 300.