Underrated 2020 Guards: Part 1
There are a vast amount of talented guards in the country and in Florida, we see leaders all over the place.
Part 1: Here is a look at five junior guards who have been flying under the radar.
One of the most poised guards in the entire state, Speer stands at 6’0″, if that. But he is tough as nails, elusive and always looking to knock down big shots. He is a vocal leader who thrives off transition offense. He’s also no slouch defensively. Alongside 2019 Southeastern Louisiana commit Byron Smith, the duo will be hard to slow down.
2020 PK Yonge G Jalen Speer beats the buzzer with this 3 fresh off a timeout. The celebration ensues after this game winner. The Blue Wave beat Miami Rebels 63-60 in a thriller. @PKYBasketball @rawerecruits pic.twitter.com/4L0TpbFmjN
— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) June 22, 2018
Joshua Frazier (Superior Collegiate)
Athletic, speedy and dangerous beyond the arc, Frazier is a really good asset for Superior Collegiate. He has an impressive form on his jumper and can get shots off in a hurry. Frazier is best off the ball, but he’s able to slash at his 6’0″ frame as well quite a bit.
Boosting his stock plenty this past season, Earley played an integral part in St. Pete’s success alongside 2018 graduates Tai Strickland (Wisconsin) and Serrel Smith (Maryland). Entering his junior campaign, the 6’2″ guard will be asked to do a whole lot more for the Green Devils. I like his pace and intensity. Sometimes Earley rushes decisions and can stand to slow down his play a bit.
Elrod Taylor (Cardinal Gibbons)
Playing reliable basketball this summer with Team Breakdown certainly benefited Taylor. The 6’1″ guard is a versatile athlete who likes to drive to the hoop often. His heads up play helps everyone around him and he can certainly do his portion of passing. Expect Taylor to take over the backcourt at Cardinal Gibbons.
Jouldan Velez (Master’s Academy)
One of the most personable kids in a locker room, Velez knows height isn’t his friend at 5’7″. But he doesn’t care at all about who plays against. He is a smart passer, good mid-range/3-point shooter and an underrated attacker. Velez transferred over Orlando Christian Prep and will take over the point guard role from 2018 graduate Jose Placer (UMBC).