Team Preview: IMG Jr. National Team
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If you’re looking for promising 2024 prospects, this is the team for you. The group’s been together for almost three years, including an undefeated 33-0 eighth grade season. One prospect holds an offer from Bryant University, another is a top…
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Continue ReadingIf you’re looking for promising 2024 prospects, this is the team for you. The group’s been together for almost three years, including an undefeated 33-0 eighth grade season. One prospect holds an offer from Bryant University, another is a top prospect in Canada, and another is touted as one of the best shooters in the entire program. Let’s break down this team’s talented roster in the first of many team previews.
Jacob Hammond
Hammond’s going to pass the eye test with his muscular 6’7 frame. He’s still knocking off some rust from Canada’s year-long shutdown but has lost none of his athleticism. In drills, you can see his explosiveness and how often his head gets to the rim. In the scrimmage and game situations, I watched him in he’s a physical finisher and solid rebounder. Hammond made Canada’s U16 but did not play. He’ll be a year younger than most of his 2024 counterparts after reclassifying up to play with the Jr. National Team.
Eli Zimmerman
Zimmerman plays both sides of the court and it’s his strength that sets him apart. He gets to the rim off hesitation dribbles and being a good downhill driver. As an on ball defender, he contains ball handlers pressuring them the minute they pass half court. In the two practices, I watched his shooting varied, but during their scrimmage, Zimmerman went lights out, hitting four threes in a row, including two off the dribble to expand their lead. He’s an uplifting teammate that celebrates plays and picks up guys during slumps. The 2024 guard has the patience, vision, and handle to be a next level floor general.
Eric Baldassarre
This 2024 guard is one of the better shooters I’ve seen in Florida’s 2024 class. His coach Jesse Edwards says he is arguably the best shooter in the Academy. Anyway, you want a shot Baldassarre can get to it and make it. I talked to Eric about his evolution as a shooter. He says he owes his shooting to a regiment of 2000 shots a day. A workout he’s been doing over the last three years. He runs off screens really well and always seems to have his feet set. The movement equates to transition scoring where he’s usually one of the first players down the court for easy open baskets.
Fumani Sithole
The 6’4 wing has all the tools to be a solid defensive swiss army knife. He’s long, athletic, and just scratching the surface of what he can do in this game. In drills, he shoots the ball well, especially in the midrange. The shooting doesn’t always translate to game action, but he’s just a year into his IMG career, so expect that to change over the season. When matched up against bigger players, he takes them off the dribble for finishes around the rim.
Oliver Ford
The name of the game for the California kid is versatility. At 6’4 he plays inside and out for IMG. In the scrimmage, I watched him seamlessly play four positions and didn’t miss a beat. He does the dirty work of rebounding and hustling for 50/50 balls. Ford averaged a 14 point 11 rebound double-double playing for IMG’s AAU team, National Spotlight. You can hear his voice throughout the entire game as he calls out defensive rotations. He hits shots from deep and scores around the basket like a full-time post player.
Jorge Cardenas
Before returning to IMG, Cardenas made Mexico’s U16 roster for the FIBA Americas Xalapa, Mexico. He didn’t play for the sixth place team, but I believe he could have given them another double digit scorer in the backcourt based on the week I spent with IMG. His on ball speed allows him to get in the paint in one-on-one situations and out of pick and rolls. He has control over IMG’s offense and sparks their transition attack. The 2024 point guard is a good playmaker whose speed and passing are constant threats.
Myles Kirby
Myles
Kirby
6'1" | CG
Img Academy | 2024
State
FL
Kirby’s on the cusp of a breakout. He’s recently received an offer from Bryant University and landed on a few all event teams throughout the off season. The Georgia transplant is only 6’1 but has the length, athleticism, and speed to guard perimeter players, even when they’re several inches taller than him. The pressure he applies on defense leads to turnovers where IMG’s fast-paced offense thrives. Kirby is still developing his shot, but you can see how effective it can be when he gets his feet under him on pull up jumpers.
Connor Mohr
Connor
Mohr
6'3" | SG
IMG Academy | 2024
FL
Mohr is one of the team’s longest tenured Academy members. He’s a catch and shoot specialist with a strong 6’3 frame and huge hands. College basketball runs in his bloodlines, with an older brother playing in the college ranks.
Raegan Cornish
China’s number 1 ranked prospect in the 2024 class is a creative ball handler. Cornish can easily be a team’s lead guard, but as well as he shoots the ball, it’s easy to see why he spends time off the ball with this team. Last year he connected on a single game-high 8 threes. He’s one of the many scrappy defenders on IMG’s Jr. National team. During the summer Cornish averaged 4 steals a game playing strong competition at Hoop Seen events. His recruiting trail is heating up after a strong summer.
Riley Harrington
Riley
Harrington
6'2" | CG
IMG | 2024
FL
Harrington is another guard that can score in multiple ways. As good as he is as a shooter for his squad, slashing may be his calling card. He’s currently ranked as the 102nd best prospect in a deep Florida 2024 class and has the potential to build on that with IMG’s tough schedule.