2022 Ranking Risers: South Florida (Mid-Season)
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In the basketball world, rankings are always very fluid and up for debate. Prospects are going to progress or regress over a certain amount of time. I try to emphasize to players that this is just a number next to your name. Use it…
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Continue ReadingIn the basketball world, rankings are always very fluid and up for debate. Prospects are going to progress or regress over a certain amount of time. I try to emphasize to players that this is just a number next to your name. Use it as motivation, but don’t get caught up into it too much.
A college recruiter watching you at a showcase is not going to care about your ranking. If they like you, they like you. A program will offer you a scholarship whether you are ranked #1 or #300 if they believe you can contribute as a student-athlete. It only takes one school to take a chance on you.
With that being said, I would like to highlight a group of prospects in the junior class playing above where they currently stand. My opinion comes from games I have witnessed and information I have obtained as we reach the mid-point of the season. This is a follow-up to my article on the 2021 class.
Kolby King Kolby King 6'2" | PG Pembroke Pines | 2022 State FL – Pembroke Pines Charter (PH 76)
I was an advocate for King after I saw him play for Blanche Ely last season. Now with the Jaguars, the 6-foot-2 guard is averaging 12 points per game via available statistics. In addition, he is a great rebounder at his position and plays with a high motor. Against Westminster Academy, King scored 24 points and knocked down a pair of 3-pointers. I think he is only going to get better as he becomes more seasoned on a very good Jaguars team.
Nedas Zukauskas Nedas Zukauskas 6'8" | PF Sagemont | 2022 State FL – Sagemont (PH 224)
Zukauskas is a weapon in the Lions offense. The 6-foot-8 Lithuanian has front line size mixed with stretch ability to the 3-point arc. Against Somerset Prep, Zukauskas had 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. I think any coach would love to have his skill set as he presents a variety of options on both ends of the floor.
Jesus Rivas Jesus Rivas 6'9" | PF Brito | 2022 State FL – Brito (PH 100)
Rivas is a physical presence along the Panthers front line. The 6-foot-9 power forward is averaging 9.5 points and 12.1 rebounds through eleven recorded games. Moreover, Rivas has recorded four or more blocks in eight games. Against a strong Norland team, Rivas scored eight points and grabbed 14 rebounds. His ability to limit teams to one possession is extremely valuable. With games often coming down to a handful of possessions, Rivas can be a difference maker.
Jimel Lane Jimel Lane 6'7" | PF Palmetto | 2022 State FL – Mater Academy (PH 42)
I really think Lane is one of the better players in this area, especially considering where he is currently ranked. The 6-foot-7 power forward can be a disruptive threat anywhere on the floor. Lane was one of the top scorers during the prestigious Kreul Classic tournament back in late December. Against Mater Lakes Academy, he scored 35 points in a big victory over the Bears. His explosiveness and athleticism in transition leaves him a cut above the rest. Moreover, Lane can power his way above the rim with his size down low. He is a tough guard no-matter how you try and defend him.
Andrew Akuchie Andrew Akuchie 6'8" | PF St. Thomas Aquinas | 2022 State FL – St. Thomas Aquinas (PH 91)
Akuchie is a double-double threat every time he walks out onto the floor. Add to that his ability to block shots and you have a valuable power forward on both ends. Akuchie has been getting progressively better each season. Any college program would be happy to have him as he is a high academic kid. Furthermore, that IQ in the classroom translates onto the floor. Akuchie holds a 3.9 GPA at St. Thomas Aquinas. I think his post skills are only going to get better as he gets stronger. Akuchie already has good footwork to finish in the paint. The best is yet to come for him.
For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23