Stock On The Rise: Florida
Jaz Farrell, Potter’s House Christian Academy
The smoothness and swagger emanating from the Class of 2019 guard is jarringly obvious. He injects any lineup with confidence and the ability to thrive with the pull-up game. As an ambidextrous finisher, Farrell manages to get into the lane off only a few dribbles and uncork difficult shots. He’s got a rare quality in his ability to pull off hard to guard shots.
While he’s grown with his baseline attacking and above the rim game, the goal is for Farrell to rake in some Division-I scholarships this season. He’s on arguably the best team in the SIAA, which revamped their lineup with star power this off-season, so he may not generate the same buzz as he would elsewhere. Still, the toughness and fearlessness with which he operates are promising, intriguing factors.
Carl Bigord, Schoolhouse Prep
The muscle-bound 6-foot-5 forward can play inside-outside. He’s very adept at going to the block and scoring and also yanking in rebounds over significantly taller post players. His engine and the boundless energy he plays with on both ends are the most appealing factors affiliated with Bigord’s game. He’s got a smooth touch, one which he’s worked furiously at extending beyond the confines of the arc.
While he’s got the body of a blacksmith, he could potentially be pigeonholed as a tweener at the next level. That’s why incorporating a guard’s skill set and adding on to it is critical for the Class of 2020 prospect.
Alvaro Pimintel, Miami Christian
Very rarely do you see a guard with the kind of athletic burst and explosion as this 6-foot-4 Class of 2019 prospect. Miami Christian head coach Juan Cardona has discovered Pimentel’s soaring above the rim game and high wire act, which will provide instant and relentless energy throughout.
His dazzling finishing ability and toughness enable him to turn in some plays only an elite core of rarified athletes can simulate at this level. With his open court finishing and ability to muscle his way through traffic and finish, expect Pimintel to evolved into a high-efficiency threat on the offensive end.
Yamil Diaz, Miami Christian
If you are looking for a hyper-athletic finisher who ascends way, way, way above the rim, Diaz is an enticing option. The 6-foot-5 Class of 2019 wing has some burst to him. He registers a team-best 42-inch vertical, an aspect that will likely leave him on the receiving end of myriad high lob passes this season. His athleticism is in a whole new category.
He’s shown a deft, consistent stroke from beyond the arc. He can heat up there in a hurry. He rebounds the ball extraordinarily well for a guard.
Nick Silva, Miami Christian
Just 16 years old, the 6-foot-6 Class of 2020 prospect from Brazil brings a European style of play. He is another sharpshooter in a cadre of snipers who eliminate any trace of selfishness and buy into the extra pass basketball, which Alvarez preaches with an iron fist.
Silva’s play from the perimeter has been promising. His off the dribble scoring and ability to set up his own shot also solidifies him as a scorer with a diverse package of tools. Expect a significant role and consistent scoring from the unique young prospect.
Gethro Germinal , Jupiter Christian
The bullish 6-foot-1 Class of 2019 guard has a motor and a veteran savvy to him. After averaging 16 PPG as a junior, Gethro is propelled into a prominent role as a two-way threat. He’s got the ability to clamp down on the 1-3 and can play both guard positions and some wing as well. He’s a high percentage downhill scorer who can make athletic plays and knife his way to the rim with ease.
Gedeon Germinal, Jupiter Christian
Similar to his twin, the well-built 6-foot-3 guard will shoulder a ramped up responsibility on both ends. He consistently scored in the mid-teens last season. With 2018 graduation claiming the prolific go-to source in Dion Fernandez, Germinal will inherit even more freedom on the offensive end. He has proven he can score at all three levels and has opened up a dependable long range shot.
Defensively, he’s got the versatility and on-ball tactics required to guard multiple positions. Like his brother, he’s very adept at picking off passes in the half court set and turning swipes into easy transition buckets.