Impact Transfers: South Florida
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He’s from/went to where? That is the feeling I sometimes get when I walk into a gym and see a player on a team I haven’t seen before. Granted, I recognize many of these kids, but the everyday person might…
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Continue ReadingHe’s from/went to where?
That is the feeling I sometimes get when I walk into a gym and see a player on a team I haven’t seen before. Granted, I recognize many of these kids, but the everyday person might be wondering where they came from.
There is a lot of prospects that move around in the competitive landscape of South Florida basketball. I also fully expect more movement before we tip-off next fall.
Let’s jump into some names…
Rickey Ballard Rickey Ballard 6'6" | CG Westminster | 2022 State FL – Westminster Academy (Via Sagemont)
I think one of the biggest differences you will see with 2022 Rickey Ballard Rickey Ballard 6'6" | CG Westminster | 2022 State FL at Westminster Academy is in the win column. The Lions went 9-9 last season during a unique circumstance with Covid-19. However, every school had to deal with that, and I believe Westminster Academy is much better than a .500 team. After all, they did beat Pine Crest with the Thompson twins. The 6-foot-6 wing is as relentless of a competitor as any player I have covered. He will fight inside and win those 50/50 battles that can be the difference in close games. I think you can’t underestimate the intangibles he brings onto the court. Moreover, diving for loose balls on the ground and saving possessions from going out of bounds are additional examples. Ballard is already coming at you with natural length and athleticism to win inside and out. He led Sagemont in rebounds and averaged 18 points per game as a junior for the team. His versatility allows him to cut through defenses and finish at the rim. I think you are going to see a lot of buckets from Ballard in transition when defenses are shifting and discombobulated. This will also come from his play along the wing/corners of the floor in the half court. Ballard is just difficult to stay in front of due to his quickness. I would like to see him continue to improve as a shooter. On defense, Ballard will be able to guard multiple positions. He has the wingspan to alter guard perception while having the size to hold his ground against forwards. I believe anything within his airspace will be blocked or altered as he defends the basket. Murray State and Iona have recently reached out to Ballard. Any program would be lucky to land this kid.
Gabriel Kincy Gabriel Kincy 6'7" | CG West Oaks | 2022 State FL – Miramar (via McArthur)
I saw 2022 Gabriel Kincy Gabriel Kincy 6'7" | CG West Oaks | 2022 State FL a couple of times playing for McArthur over in Hollywood. The first thing that jumped out to me is his size and strength. Kincy has the look of an offensive tackle on the court. He is a 6-foot-6 wing/forward with a big upper body. I do not seeing Kincy having a problem in the weight room. However, you will quickly realize that he can extend out to the perimeter and shoot the three. I witnessed Kincy hit multiple 3-pointers in succession with the Mustangs. I also think you have to be aware of his game off the dribble. Kincy’s footwork is pretty good for a big man and he will finesse his way into the paint for a layup on occasion. Naturally, his size will cause a matchup problem in these circumstances for his opponent. I think you will see more of that guard-like athleticism from him next season. He has been offered by Stetson, Texas Southern and North Carolina A&T.
Brenen Lorient Brenen Lorient 6'8" | PF Calvary Christian | 2022 State FL – Calvary Christian Academy (via Forest)
2022 Brenen Lorient Brenen Lorient 6'8" | PF Calvary Christian | 2022 State FL is taking his talents over to powerhouse Calvary Christian Academy (FTL) after playing for Forest High School in Ocala. The 6-foot-8 power forward averaged a team-best 16.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game while shooting 52 percent from the field last season. Moreover, Lorient scored 20 or more points in seven games. He is a highly efficient scorer around the basket with either hand. I am also impressed with his volume of offensive rebounds (69). I think he plays with a high motor and toughness to fight for scrappy boards. Lorient is also an explosive leaper that should make a huge impact in the defensive interior. He blocked 2 or more shots in seven games for the Wildcats. Good luck getting a look off with him and 2022 Taylor Hendricks in the paint. The 3-star recruit has been offered by Florida Gulf Coast, Murray State, Stetson and the University of Illinois – Chicago. He joins a D-1 group at Calvary that is basically the “VIP” table on Ocean Drive.
Kaleb Walters – Miramar
I would say 2022 Kaleb Walters is a shooting guard with a rocket on his back. The 6-foot-6 prospect can fly up and down the court and finish above the rim. There are not many players with his vertical in this area. If the ball is anywhere close to him off a lob, Walters is going to flush it down. He also has terrific ball skills and can finish off the bounce. His length allows him to shoot over opponents in the mid-range and from outside. Walters just has that “extra step” to shoot over defenders. You also have to be aware of his rebounding ability given his spring. He has been offered by Bradley, North Carolina A&T and Texas Southern.
For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instgram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.