July Recruiting Updates
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Colleges are busy recruiting Florida as the final live period of the summer comes to a close. We have national 2023s narrowing down their list, stock risers bringing in offers, and one of the best independent teams in the nation…
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Continue ReadingColleges are busy recruiting Florida as the final live period of the summer comes to a close. We have national 2023s narrowing down their list, stock risers bringing in offers, and one of the best independent teams in the nation raking in big name schools. Let’s hit the recruiting trail to see where our movers and shakers take us.
Cherenfant recently dropped his top 7 schools. After a year where his star rose to national heights, it’s no surprise that power 5 schools dominate his list. The 3-star guard has made appearances on all three major shoe circuits this summer, giving us the physical two-way play that’s made him a top commodity. His top 7 schools are: USF, Memphis, LSU, South Carolina, Mississippi State, UCF, and Saint John’s.
The consensus top 150 recruit has narrowed down a long list of offers to 5 schools. James is a stellar two-way forward who shows flashes of making a position change to the perimeter. Playing on a 1Family team that torched top grassroots competition in the southeast, James may stay in the area with 60% of his final options housed in Florida or Georgia. His top 5 are: Georgia Tech, UCF, Georgia, VCU, and Iona.
Gibbs-Lawhorn decommitted from home state power Purdue last week. After scoring 18 points per game in the EYBL, good for top 10 in the premier shoe circuit league, he has a big decision to make. Memphis, recently offered Indiana University, was one of the first schools to put their name in the hat. Several other high major programs, including Kentucky and Ohio State, have shown interest in the lightning quick scorer. He’ll have plenty of chances to convince other programs he’s right for them playing on a stacked Montverde team.
Lincoln has been the face of stock rising prospects in Florida this summer. Though he’ll transfer to Donda Academy for his senior year, he rose to a mid-major prospect as the lead guard for Pro Holmes Academy. He adds Southern Miss and Fordham to his offer list to close out the travel ball season.
Speaking of stock risers, Burks went from whispers about a talented forward from Alabama to screams about a 6’9 scoring machine. This week, he dropped his top 6 featuring Ole Miss, Mizzou, Mississippi State, Texas Tech, Eastern Michigan, and G-League Ignite. The talented combo forward will add a great long-term prospect to their recruiting class.
Paul Djobet
West Oaks does it again! As they retool their roster, they bring an influx of talent with none catching more eyes than the 6’6 swingman. He’s a good athlete that’s a threat to score at the rim or hit a shot from the outside. Keep a close eye on him as the SIAA season begins. NCAT and Manhattan College join the offer list that already has Troy University from a strong showing in June.
Reyes went from back up on a stacked Barron Collier team to one of the hottest under the radar recruits in southwest Florida. The 6’4 combo guard’s size, athleticism, and scoring chops impressed coaches this summer. After the live period, Dean college was the first school to offer him, and Saint Joseph’s College of Maine didn’t wait much longer. I feel these won’t be the last schools to put their hat in the ring, especially if he and his talented Barron Collier team can repeat last year’s success.
The number 1 recruiting in Florida and top 5 nationally made a big decision last week. He chose the Oregon Ducks over Arizona, Kentucky, and many others. He plays where he wants, blessed with the size to play on the block but armed with a jumper beyond the college three. Evans may be the focal point on a Montverde team that will be the early favorite for a GEICOS National Title.
The electric 5’10 guard has emerged as a D1 prospect. Explosive as any guard in the state, Smith uses his ability to create space to score and make plays for others. His time with 1Family, get used to the name, earned him his first offer from Mount St. Mary’s University. It likely won’t be his late as he joins Djobet at West Oaks Academy.
Yeanay’s star has been on an upward path over the last year or so. Many high major programs already offered, and the University of Houston is the latest. The 6’9 forwards tenacity, athleticism and motor would fit perfectly for what they’re looking for in a prospect. He’s a rising junior, so his pledge to any program may be a ways away.
1 Family 2024 prospects were red hot on the recruiting trails over the last week. Six of their players all received D1 offers in July.
Celiscar has shown off a diverse skillset since the high school season, and it’s earned attention. The 6’6 wing can play all three perimeter positions while guarding up to four positions. Chattanooga, Stony Brook, FAU, and Jacksonville State all offered in late July.
One of the best scorers and playmakers in the state, Cason, is emerging as a gem in the southeast. Much like Celiscar, Chattanooga, Stony Brook, and Jacksonville State all vie for his services. VCU offered late in July as he fits the bill for a lead guard that can get busy with the ball in his hands.
Wright is on the verge of becoming a national name. The 6’6 super athlete uses his length and tireless motor to make plays above the rim and force turnovers on defense. July was a good month for the rising junior as seven schools extended offers: Jacksonville State, FAMU, Kennesaw State, Stetson, VCU, Hofstra, and FAU.
Newell tested his talents against the world’s best in his age group during the FIBA U17 play in Spain. That, along with a strong summer, prompted LSU, Seton Hall, and FSU to ask for his services in 2024. The 6’9 stretch four will get more run against the country’s best as he suits up for NIBC powerhouse Montverde.
Brown is solidifying himself as one of the best two-way guards in the state. The long 6’4 guard can contain his man, attack passing lanes, and run the show for you on offense. Buffalo, Hofstra, and FAMU are the latest schools to see his talent level. With Orlando Christian Prep graduating a stellar 2022 class, expect Brown to have a prominent in their state title defense.
After landing Stetson in May, Arkansas Pine Bluff entered the chat in July. A deadly catch and shoot game, tight ball skills, and an athletic build are the headlines for the emerging prospect. Expect more out of Wilcox Jr. as the season approaches.
Arkansas Pine Bluff offered the same day as his teammate Wilcox Jr. A Presbyterian College and Stetson University offer joins the offer from the lions. Mitchell is currently a top 45 prospect in the state, but with three D1 offers under his belt and a standout summer, he can expect a bump in the fall.