Transfers Set to Take the New Jersey Basketball Scene by Storm
The high school basketball season is fully kicking into gear as the state’s top teams are starting to take shape. This week is pivotal for many New Jersey teams as it is when transfers are eligible to play. While it…
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Continue ReadingThe high school basketball season is fully kicking into gear as the state’s top teams are starting to take shape. This week is pivotal for many New Jersey teams as it is when transfers are eligible to play. While it may be hard for transfers to make an instant impact, there are some ready to have an instant impact. Here are the top instant impact transfers who will become eligible at the end of the week.
Adama Sanogo & Bretner Mutombo, 6’9 PF 2021/ 6’11 C 2021 Patrick School
The Celtics are one of the most talented teams in New Jersey, but they are in desperate need of help. Jonathan Kuminga has been dealing with an ankle injury, which has allowed for Zarique Nutter to emerge as the team’s top scorer. Juniors Samson Johnson and Chris Jiao have been solid for the Patrick School down low, but they will make way for a pair of talented big men.
Sanogo played with Kuminga at Our Savior New American in New York and has a soft touch inside to go with a tough frame. Mutomobo comes from Lincoln Academy in Georgia and should be one of the top shot-blockers in the state with his length and athleticism. The Celtics have been solid on the interior all season and just got stronger with Sanogo and Mutombo.
DiAri Duncan, 6’8 PF Bergen Catholic 2021
Jacob Barry will also have a major impact on the Crusaders, but the New York Native will have a more immediate impact. The 6’8 power forward transferred in from Metro Learning Center and provides Bergen Catholic with a physical presence inside. His ability to battle down low should provide Notre Dame commit Matt Zona with more space to operate on offense. Duncan is a tough, rugged power forward that makes Bergen Catholic one of the top teams in New Jersey.
Tristan Jeffries, 6’5 SF St. Thomas Aquinas 2021
The Trojans are one of the favorites in Non-Public A South and they are about to get better with Jeffries’ addition. The 6’5 small forward played at Gill St. Bernard’s last season and is one of the best slashers in New Jersey. His ability to get to the basket should free up Quadry Adams, Jaquan Harris and Kyree Henry for open shots on the perimeter. Jeffries will be a mismatch nightmare for teams in Non-Public A as he provides St. Thomas Aquinas with yet another athletic wing.
Jeremiah Bembry, 6’6 PG Hudson Catholic 2022
The Hawks have been up and down so far this season, but they are set to get a big addition in Bembry. The 6’6 sophomore was at Marist last season and should make an immediate impact because of his height. Hudson Catholic’s two best players on the interior are 6’4 senior Phil Brown and 6’5 junior Malik Austin. Bembry is a gifted passer, which should mesh perfectly with Zion Cruz, Justin Glover and Isaiah Griffin. The Hawks are one of the top teams in North Jersey and they just got better with Bembry’s addition.
Kyle Rhoden, 6’9 PF/C Ranney 2021
The Panthers have had an up-and-down season so far as they are currently 4-5 in 2019-20. Ranney has no seniors on its roster and has looked to sophomore Elijah Perkins for leadership this season. He will be getting help on both sides of the ball as Central Regional transfer Rhoden is set to make his debut. The 6’9 junior is an elite rebounder and rim-protector as he averaged over 12 boards and four blocks a game as a sophomore. His size and length will make it hard for teams to score against Ranney,which could lead to a deep run in the Shore Conference Tournament.