Mr. Basketball Prospects: Florida
Vernon Carey, University School
At 6-foot-10 and prosperous in the back to the basket game as well as University School’s souped-up transition attack, even the most casual of fans see the unrivaled threat Vernon Carey poses for defenses.
Proficient around the rim and capable of scoring effectively at all three levels, Carey has the essential attributes of a McDonald’s All American. He’s already regarded as the top prospect in the Class of 2019.
With former teammate and 7-foot-1 high major target Balsa Koprivica transferring to Windermere Prep to assume the alpha dog role, Carey will shoulder even more of an offensive load in 2017-18.
In his evolution as a five-star big, Carey has become way more aggressive on both the offensive and defensive glass. Duke and Michigan appear to be jockeying for the position of front-runner in Carey’s recruitment.
Kentucky and UNC are also in heavy pursuit of Carey, with Miami looking to keep him local and Mike White and Florida looking to keep him in-state.
Carey put up 26 points and nine boards in helping University fend off a promising Gulliver Prep team, 89-74, in the Miami Hoophall Classic at American Airlines arena. Don’t be surprised to see Carey operating offense as a point forward or kick-starting the pick-and-roll game. Versatility is king for the MVP of the U-16 FIBA Americas championships.
While he can adapt to multiple roles on the court, Carey is at his best when bulldozing his way to the rim and eating up space upfront.
The absence of the 7-foot-1 Koprivica gives him more space to operate within. Given his array of post moves and how quickly he turns lob passes into authoritative dunks and easy buckets, Carey Jr. should again author efficiency while setting the bar high for South Florida hoops.
R.J. Barrett, Montverde Academy
Barrett is simply the best high school basketball prospect since Ben Simmons emerged from the same Montverde Academy program under Kevin Boyle. Barrett’s 38-point scoring binge, the factor which propelled Canada to a 99-87 victory over USA in the FIBA U-19 Basketball World Cup this summer, cemeneted his status as the world’s best player.
Crafty, explosive, and proficient in scoring the ball from all areas, Barrett also has NBA 3-point range. The Duke-commit will headline arguably the best triumvirate in the country. That’s right, Barrett has significant help from Florida-bound Andrew Nembhard, a traditional point guard who makes winning plays and sees the floor exceptionally well. Top-60 recruit Michael Devoe, a 6-foot-4 175-pound Georgia Tech-signee, adds another leg of offense.
Nassir Little, Orlando Christian Prep
After shooting 60 percent from the floor and 50+ percent from beyond the arc, 6-foot-7 210-pound forward Nassir Little is no longer under valued. In fact, as one of the nation’s most hotly pursued and quickest rising recruits, Nassir Little capitalized on many of the big stages Adidas had to offer him this summer. He out dueled a number of higher ranked recruits, an aspect which catapulted Little to both five star status and a massive rise in ranking.
A highly-skilled wing player who many liken to Kawhi Leonard, Little’s all-around game gives him the look of a recruit fully capable of a one-and-done. Having transformed his body while under the tutelage of Randy Hadley of RH Fit Pro, Little enters the 2017-18 campaign as one of the strongest two-way threats in the country. When you consider his electrifying leaping ability and shot blocking aptitude, the UNC commit will surely headline various high-profile and televised events this winter.
While Little has been linked to the FBI scandal that set off a maelstrom of controversy, there is no indication of his personal involvement in the crimes. Because of this, anticipate Little to play out his senior year and enter the storied Tar Heels program with full eligibility.
Darius Days, IMG Academy
At 6-foot-8 and 218 pounds, Days is a powerful finisher with an all three levels scoring acumen. He registered his presence nationally with a 35-point, 11-rebound performance against a Hillcrest Prep team featuring DeAndre Ayton.
Buoyed by high-powered athleticism and bullish attacking ability, the LSU commit led The Rock School (Gainesville) in field goal percentage and three-point field goal percentage last season. He’s been able to shed the habit of gambling defensively.
In addition, using his versatility in guarding multiple positions and thriving on the offensive glass has cemented Days’s status as an all-around threat. With a quicker shot release and an adeptness at putting the ball on the deck and creating for his own, Days has all the essential ingredients to keep IMG’s national reputation intact this season. That means a sterling performance in the Dick’s Sporting Goods tournament, the prestigious stage on which IMG underachieved last March.
Elijah Weaver, Rockledge
A Top-50 prospect in the Class of 2018, 6-foot-5, 195-pound left-handed point guard generates a buzz around Rockledge in his unpredictable return. Weaver is a transcendent talent who can take over a game with his scoring and make his teammates beneficiaries of his presence. Known for his smooth and crafty scoring ability, Weaver shot above 50 percent in uber-competitive SIAA play last year. It began with a wowing 37-point performance at the Holiday Hoopsgiving in Atlanta and picked up steam during the SIAA post-season, as he led the underdog Oldsmar to a 2017 state championship.
The best attribute of Weaver’s game does not show up on the scorebook: poise. Under heightened pressure, Weaver takes it upon himself to kick in the laser assist or get a crucial bucket. This is easily the most exciting element of his game. Statistics are emblematic of the fact that Weaver plays his best when the stakes are raised.
Balsa Koprivica, Windermere Prep
The high-major target brings size and an advanced IQ and skill-set. These attributes ultimately should help cushion the loss of WP’s veritable swiss army knife in David Nickelberry (now at Memphis).
Koprivica can put the ball on the floor and score in a variety of ways. His deft passing ability and and hard-to-guard 3-point shooting have earned plenty of plaudits for the big Serbian and prized Class of 2019 prospect. His refined back to the basket game will ultimately determine how far he can lead the traditionally reputable Windermere Prep program this season.
A high school version of Paul Gasol with a splash of Kristaps Porzingis in his game, a talent of Koprivica’s magnitude comes around once in a generation. With the opportunity to leave the shadow of the aforementioned Carey at University School and become the focal point, this season will be a major barometer for Koprivica’s leadership and clutch factor.
Scottie Barnes, University School
A critical piece in the transfer upheaval at Fort Lauderdale’s University School, the 6-foot-7, 195-pound forward should help the program back to the Class 5A regional finals and a berth in the state title game.
Barnes, a Class of 2020 prospect who played alongside Carey on the USA Men’s Basketball U-16 team, creates a radiant 1-2 punch with the 6-foot-10 forward.
With offers from UCF, Oregon, Miami, Florida, and a barrage of others on the table, Barnes is a long and explosive prospect with headiness beyond his years. He’s adept in picking apart the defense and reading where his best opportunity to score will come from.
Barnes’ fluid handle, fleet of foot, passing, were all factors catapulting him to a Top-20 nod as a freshman. If his growth continues and he develops not only a quicker release but a dependable knockdown game, there are no limitations on his outrageous potential.