Sleepers: South Florida
In this article:
Roman Gray, Miami Beach
The 6-foot-4 point forward has a versatile overall package, with his ability to create like a lead guard and also back down smaller defenders into the post. Gray has developed a serviceable post game this past season, playing a lot bigger than he appears.
The floppy haired Class of 2019 prospect also has the unique ability to elude defenders on the drive.
His IQ is translatable to how well he’s able to read defenses and get through and around defenders on his routine forays to the rim. He’s got a good set shot, one which he’s extended beyond the 3-point arc. If he can continue to develop his left hand, he’s got the skill-set to be a very special player as a seasoned senior.
Martin Mercedes Jr., Palmetto
The Class of 2020 prospect plays what a coach never wants to have to worry about and that’s a motor and a high level of confidence. This bravado and fiery attitude enables the energy to spread like wildfire when he’s on the court. He’s shifty and does an above average job of scoring off the dribble and weaving around defenders en route to the rim.
Myquel Noel, American
The Class of 2019 big is a true interior banger, a guy who can finish through contact and protect the rim as a quality two-way threat. He’s become more aware at the size advantage and upper hand he has on smaller defenders, an aspect which green lights him in taking guys to the rim and scoring.
Defensive rebounding is an area where he really thrives, an aspect he’s proven throughout the last two years. Expect him to be flushed into a more prominent role this season, as one of the veteran members of this team with legit battle-tested experience. Noel had several wowing performances this past season, including a 20-point and 10-board effort during a loss to Fort Lauderdale.
Angel Smith, Undecided
Since bouncing back from a nagging injury, Smith has returned with the explosiveness and electrifying bounce that makes him such a unique threat. Formerly at Northeast HS, Smith has re-classified as a Class of 2019 product. Improving on a day-to-day basis, he’s improved as a multi-dimensional guard who can fire it from the perimeter with consistency.
He’s improved with his 3-point range and has the athleticism that gives him a discernible advantage over others at this level. Old Dominion, Tennessee Tech, Kansas State, UT-San Antonio, and several others are recruiting the underrated 6-foot-5, 180-pound Smith.
Lee Flenor, South Miami
A recent offer from Stetson solidifies the Class of 2019 Flenor’s status as Division-I material. He plays with an unbridled toughness and a motor. As an every possession guy, the interior banger has everything a coach looks for in a guy who brings the lunch pail and hardhat to work every day.
Flenor has high athleticism and high-rising finishing ability, an aspect of his game that goes unsung and under appreciated. He has created a notable connection and inside-outside tandem with his teammate, first team all-state guard Turo Dean.
Flenor has an Emmitt Williams-esque quality to his game. While he may be undersized in the post, his electrifying bounce and man-child build allows him to prosper.
Aaron Garcia, Champagnat
Long and rangy, Garcia has lived up to the potential enveloping his name and skill-set this summer. He’s evolved into a very aggressive defender, capable of blocking and manipulating and altering the trajectory of shots. He’s additionally added to his arsenal of offensive moves, backing down defenders and throwing head fakes on his way to a bucket.
His versatility is still coming along, though his set shot and pull-up game really come along. Envision the Class of 2020 prospect to play a supplementary scoring role as a junior while emerging into the program’s best defender.
Anthony Atkinson, Westminster Acad.
The 6-foot-8 Class of 2019 prospect displayed a much improved face up game at Palm Beach State camp.
He’s more comfortable than ever at putting the ball on the deck and knocking down that short to mid-range jumper.
If he can continue to play a big role on the glass and yank key boards, Atkinson has the potential to be a vital piece on this season’s team. He’s flanked by several high-scoring Division-I targets, which will shift his gaze to rebounding and rim protection.