Transfers that’ll affect the TOC landscape
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Transfers are a big part of high school basketball. It is quite common to see some of the elite teams in the state being led by one or more of them. Roselle Catholic and the Patrick School reloaded their rosters…
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Continue ReadingTransfers are a big part of high school basketball. It is quite common to see some of the elite teams in the state being led by one or more of them. Roselle Catholic and the Patrick School reloaded their rosters with transfer, while other schools brought in a couple players to help the team out. To even out the list as much as possible, the two Union County powers will only have player on this list. Here are the transfers who will have the biggest effect on the 2019-20 season.
Jonathan Kuminga, 6’8 SF Patrick 2021
The nation’s top-rated junior was an easy choice as he is one of the favorites to win NJ.com’s Player of the Year. The Congolese native is a versatile scorer who should easily eclipse over 20 points a game against a nationally ranked schedule. Kuminga is an absolute competitor on both ends of the floor and will do just about anything to win. The Celtics have a lot of talented pieces in Kuminga, Adama Sanogo, Noah Farrakhan and Bretner Mutombo, but they all played outside of New Jersey last season. Kuminga’s ability to impact the game on both ends will be the key for the Patrick School’s success this season.
C.J. Wilcher, 6’5 SG Roselle Catholic 2020
The Xavier commit got the slight edge over Florida commit Niels Lane because of his ability to shoot the ball. Wilcher is one of the best shooters in the country with a good stroke, quick release and deep range. The Lions were a juggernaut in New Jersey last season, but they struggled to shoot the ball against Ranney in the Non-Public B final. Binghamton commit Richie Greaves is a marksman from deep, but he cannot be Roselle Catholic’s only three-point shooter. Wilcher gives head coach Dave Boff an elite shooter capable of getting hot in a hurry.
DiAri Duncan, 6’8 PF Bergen Catholic 2021
The Crusaders need another big down low to complement Notre Dame commit Matt Zona and Duncan looks to be the guy. The Bronx native is a rugged forward who does not mind to mix it up down low. He runs the floor well, which should create assist opportunities for Raejon Figures and Will Richardson. Duncan is also a solid interior defender and can be the rim-protector Bergen Catholic needs this season. The Crusaders have hopes of making it back to the Tournament of Champions, which requires Duncan having a solid season down low.
Jayden Pierre, 6’0 PG Elizabeth 2022
The Minutmen lost point guards Brenden Kelly and Al-Fatir Connor, so they are in desperate need of backcourt help. Pierre should solve that problem as he is one of the most electric players in New Jersey. The sophomore point guard is lightning quick and is almost impossible to keep out of the lane at times. Pierre has worked well with seniors D.J. Watkins and Jordan Price, which is a good sign for Elizabeth. The Minutemen fell two points short of winning the North 2 Group 4 final last season, but Pierre could take them over the edge this season.
Jaquan Harris, 6’4 PG St. Thomas Aquinas 2022
Recent Gill St. Bernard’s transfer Tristan Jeffries was also an option, but Harris is a no-brainer. The sophomore point guard excels in the halfcourt as he plays under control and rarely makes mistakes. He has good court vision and can shoot the ball from behind the arc. Harris is also adept at playing off the ball, making him the perfect complement to Wake Forest commit Quadry Adams. The Trojans were eliminated in the Non-Public A South quarterfinals, but Harris gives them a chance to make the final in 2019-20.
Other Names to Know:
Freddie Young Jr., 6’3 PG Trenton Catholic 2021
Josh Hopson, 6’8 PF St. Peter’s Prep 2021
Malik Austin, 6’6 SF Hudson Catholic 2021
Janaie Coates, 6’8 PF University 2021