Players Who Leveled Up: South Florida (Part 2)
Today I will be analyzing prospects who have boosted their stock over this past season. Many of the following players are receiving more college interest by the day. The momentum for their recruitment should continue to accelerate as we hit…
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Continue ReadingToday I will be analyzing prospects who have boosted their stock over this past season. Many of the following players are receiving more college interest by the day. The momentum for their recruitment should continue to accelerate as we hit the summer circuit. This is the second half of a piece I did last week of the same concept.
Let’s look into my picks…
Jose Amat Jose Amat 5'9" | CG Florida Christian | 2022 State FL – Florida Christian
Amat clearly became a better player after his sophomore season. The 5-foot-9 combo guard increased his scoring average (6.2 to 10.3) and field goal percentage (43% to 54%). Moreover, Amat jumped his 3-point percentage 15 points (34% to 49%). Those are solid gains even if you question the validity of high school statistics. Against Norland, Amat scored 21 points and went 5-of-8 from deep. The scoring output helped Florida Christian to its first win over the Vikings in program history. Amat is heading in the right direction based on his statistical trajectory. I certainly believe he can make a contribution at the next level based on his shooting alone. Leave him open and he will burn you.
Matthew Newland – Archbishop McCarthy
Newland has extremely long arms to be a factor on both ends of the floor. I saw him in the preseason classic and want to say he is in the 6-foot-6 to 6-foot-7 range. Regardless, Newman looked like a quality wing when I witnessed him. His junior averages were 11.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 2.1 steals on 43 percent shooting from the field. Against Champagnat Catholic, Newland had 18 points, six rebounds and eight blocks on 7-of-14 from the field. There is clearly a level of playmaking ability given his wingspan and athleticism. If you give Newland any sort of airspace he will deflect or reject your shot.
Kuran Bryant Kuran Bryant 6'5" | PF Coral Gables | 2022 State FL – Coral Gables
Bryant has developed into a more well-rounded player since his sophomore season. The 6-foot-5 forward increased his averages in both scoring and rebounding. Moreover, his work on the defensive end looks improved. Bryant is a better on-ball defender and rim protector. He can beat you in a variety of ways with his athleticism and is a three-level scorer. Against Gulliver Prep, Bryant scored 31 points and grabbed 21 rebounds. That is a high volume against any opponent. Quite frankly, Bryant did that against many teams this season. I think you will see his status grow over the summer and into next season.
Gabriel Gaspard Gabriel Gaspard 6'0" | SG Dr. Krop | 2022 State FL – Dr. Krop
Gaspard played some of his best basketball against quality competition this season. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 15.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 steals on 48 percent shooting from the field. Against Miami Northwestern (13-5), Gaspard had 20 points, seven rebounds and four steals on 7-of-12 from the field. Moreover, he knocked down 3-of-5 from deep against the Bulls. Gaspard added a quality performance against Mater Lakes Academy with 17 points on 6-of-13 from the field. He has solid athleticism coming out of the backcourt and reliable finishing skills. Gaspard also plays big and will contribute on the glass at a high rate. On defense, he will set the tone and cause turnovers with his fast reflexes. Definitely a player worth watching as he approaches his senior season.
Taj Thomas – Cooper City
Thomas has a lot to build on after a solid junior season. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard averaged 9.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game for the Cowboys. All of those numbers are significantly better than his sophomore season. For example, Thomas scored 2.6 points per game. Against Coconut Creek, Thomas scored 18 points and knocked down 4-of-6 from deep. That performance was part of four-straight double figure outputs. He had six of those games overall compared to zero in his previous season. You can argue he was playing his best basketball as the season came to a close. I will be interested to see how he plays coming out of the gate next season.
For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.