High Impact Transfers: Florida
Dudley Blackwell, Somerset Pines Academy
The 6-foot-7 forward has the potential to really maximize his game this season. Already an elite level passer who can really see the floor, Blackwell is a sky-riser who can infect lineups with dazzling above the rim finishes. He’s become more aggressive in scoring the ball on the bounce and has extended his 3-point range considerably this off-season.
With his length, athleticism, and skill set, the Class of 2020 Blackwell has the chance to routinely gash foes to the tune of a near triple double every other game. That’s where the expectation level is set for the high ceiling Class of 2020 prospect. This opportunity will give him more freedom to impose his will and embrace the alpha dog role. His transition dishing, rim protection, and smooth set shot are all areas of Blackwell’s game which he’s improved considerably this summer.
Jorge Becceril, Coral Gables
The 5-foot-11 point guard embodies the toughness and responsibility that runs hand in hand with pioneering a team. The transfer from Mater Academy knows how to facilitate in the half court set and engineer the breakneck attack in transition. He sets a major, reverberating tone defensively as a well-built guard known to stay in front of the one and the two-spot. He’s got a gritty style in his on-ball tactics help instigate turnovers and create disruption throughout.
Seven Ferguson, Westlake Prep
The 6-foot-4 guard/wing has always been known for his motor. This summer, he opened up a dependable 3-point game and became proficient with his shot. He also adjusted to scoring off the dribble more and setting up his own shot. He’s got the type of athleticism and reliability to become one of the best rebounders in the area this season. The newly re-classified 2020 prospect is equally adept in the transition game and can finish above the rim. His dunking the ball with both hands now and has the essential ingredients to be a feature piece from the get-go this season.
Harlond Beverly, Montverde
Baylor, Michigan State, Ohio State, Xavier and DePaul have offered the 6-foot-4, 170-pound off guard. A crafty slasher who can pick part a defense with his downhill game, Beverly possesses high major athleticism. His pull-up game, transition scoring, and the ability to get from rim to rim and finish have many pegging Beverly as filling the void left by 2018 graduate Micheal Devoe, who is now at Georgia Tech. Beverly is a smooth operator who instills fear in defenders with his shifty, controlled style. He’s got the chance to capitalize an illustrious high school career as a prodigious Michigan schoolboy talent with the immense national stage Montverde has to offer.
Seth Pinkney, Montverde
The Eagles did not offer much in the way of a true big last season. This year, they will fill that void with Pinkney, a hard finishing 6-foot-11, 200-pound Center. He’s got an instinctive style of play. He’s a catch and finish guy who will be on the receiving ends of myriad high lobs around the rim this season. Hyper athletic and mobile, he’ll be able to finish in transition in thunderous fashion. With Pinkney solidifying the frontline, it will give 7-foot-2 Balsa Koprivica the freedom to roam away from the rim and fire in shots from mid-range and beyond the arc.
Armando Bacot, IMG Academy
The arrival of the talented 6-foot-10 Center is a big recruiting coup, both figuratively and literally, for the nationally renowned program. Bacot, who recently gave a verbal pledge to attend North Carolina, expressed a desire to win a prep national championship while simultaneously readying his body for the demands of high major college basketball. These were the main factors persuading him to choose IMG, an established basketball breeding house which has churned out a number of high profile prospects and NBA players over the years.
Bacot’s arrival gives IMG the towering post presence necessary to contend with Oak Hill’s Kofi Cockburn, a massive power player upfront. The Class of 2019 prospect is a true big who has etched his name in the Top-25 nationally, with his potent back to the rim game and high efficiency scoring from point blank range. He’s got a smooth overall game with how well he gets through defenders. He’s also capable of powering up and taking that one dribble before punching an extravagant dunk.
Jeremiah Robinson Earl, IMG Academy
The 6-foot-9 four man is a five star recruit with a wealth of upside. He’s emerged into a pick and pop threat who can really sabotage a defense in a variety of ways. He’s got the aerial game that makes him a significant source around the basket, where he’ll typically be crunching home high lob passes. Robinson Earl is also a problem defensively, where he’s become a menacing shot blocker with unrivaled instincts. His arrival cushions the loss of 7-foot-3 Chol Marial, an NBA prospect who has been derailed by his fair share of injuries these last two seasons.
Robinson is vertically explosive, boasting a well rounded offensive game. Arizona, Kansas, Villanova, Notre Dame, North Carolina and a bevy of others are currently vying for Robinson Earl’s services.