Under The Radar: Guards
Jose Luis Benitez, Schoolhouse Prep
The 6-foot-1 guard has a smooth, heady quality about himself. He’s able to translate this to his on-court leadership, as he operates the offensive flow and does a commendable job running the system and finding his teammates at opportune times. While he’s a create first guard, he’s developed a scoring engine and a savvy in his ability to reel off points in a hurry. He still needs to be more consistent with his shot and his productivity as a an all three levels scorer. The Class of 2020 prospect is very much an embodiment of the point guard role and the leadership qualities which mirror the responsibility on a day to day basis.
Jose Amat III, Westwood Christian
Though he’s still not fully done growing, the cerebral and poised Class of 2022 point guard is now 5-foot-6 and has more of a build than ever before. Having played meaningful varsity minutes since he was a seventh grader, he’s far from a neophyte and is very cognizant of the system. He’s depicted as the most knowledgeable and most well rounded all around player in the program. With more size comes more of a killer instinct, as the onus is on Amat III to be a major tone-setter this season.
He’s rapidly evolved into the team’s best 3-point shooter and can really spread the floor our with his ability to stroke it from way, way beyond the confines of the arc.
Austin Galuppo, SCS
Though he’s still recovering from a recent injury, the 6-foot-5 off guard has a true wow factor to his game in his NBA 3-point range and quick release.
The trigger man also possesses sneaky bounce and has the type of explosive athletic ability to cement his status as a Division-I prospect. He currently has interest from programs such as Bryant, Pepperdine, and Princeton. He still needs to get stronger and play a more imposing and physical brand of defense.
As one Division-I assistant coach said, “He will have one game where he hits 10 3-pointers and programs will be all over him.”
Tyler Smith, TLAP Academy
The 6-foot-6 guard/forward has the chance to be a real steal on the mid major market. Though he holds just one current offer from Oral Roberts, playing a national schedule and in the newly established Prep South conference will enable him to garner more visibility. He’s an electrifying open court finisher with a 42-inch vertical.
He’s also got a bullish and bulldozing build, similar to former Syracuse guard Paul Harris. He will likely emerge into the team’s primary defender, consistently marking up on prolific scorers. He rebounds the ball well and has shown consistency in his ability to score it all three levels.
Niko Oliver, Ridgewater
A teammate of former Montverde star and current Georgia Tech freshman Michael Devoe, Oliver is a fierce defender who applies a physical, in-your-chest style. He’s grown from a defensive threat to a guy who can manufacture points with his outside shot and hard-driving style.
He gets considerable elevation on his shot and has been reliable as far as making timely decisions and hitting crucial shots down the stretch of the game. He likes accountability and possesses the natural leadership qualities, attributes which should make him appealing to coaches at the next level. With the build of a football player and bouncy athleticism, Oliver has the chance to be a late bloomer guy who fell off the radar and suddenly re-emerged.
Hayden Peek, Choate Academy
The 6-foot-5 off guard has established a fluid set shot and consistency in his knockdown game. He still needs to adapt to more of a playmaking role and learn how to create his shot off the dribble and on the fly. He’s become a better rim attacker and is now dunking the ball with both hands. Playing in an uber competitive AAU environment, under the fiery Mike Rice has helped skyrocket his production this past summer.
Jordan Hamburger, SLAM Academy
With his ability to get open and fire in from way downtown, Hamburger will lead with his experience and knack for hitting shots under heightened pressure. He’s got an affinity for getting free on the baseline and hitting corner 3-pointers. This season, with more of the scoring load on his shoulders, he’ll be tasked with pioneering a youth-laden offense with his adroit shooting touch. He’s got the shooting that tends to break open runs and spark scoring surges.
Angel Smith, RDA
Smith has the type of bouncy athleticism and explosive finishing style that tends to get prioritized in the Division-I game. He’s opened up a steady and fluid shot, one which he’s extended from deep 3-point range this past season. Though he’s had his fair share of injuries these past few months, he’s got the chance to be one of the top Class of 2019 prospects in the country. He recently committed to Tennessee Tech, where he could be a quick and high impact player.