Return of Duhart Has Recharged Atlantic
In the past month, Atlantic has won a game on a go-ahead free throw and lost a game on a putback attempt that lipped out of the rim.
They’ve experienced both the glory and the agony of games decided in the waning seconds.
Yet with the return of smooth and developed 6-foot-8 forward RJ Duhart to the lineup, the Delray Beach program is a more balanced offense with a fluid inside-outside game.
Duhart, who recently received an offer from Florida Gulf Coast University, has developed a reliable deep jumper that he’s now extending beyond the confines of the arc.
Florida Gulf Coast, which rose to national fame and fanfare for their memorable “Dunk City” NCAA tournament team of 2013, has tapped into the local market.
FGCU has already signed clutch 6-foot-4 Westminster Academy guard Zach Scott. They are currently recruiting Scott’s teammate, sharpshooting Class of 2019 guard Chase Johnston.
The Class of 2019 Duhart has displayed the potential to be a consistent 20+ PPG scorer.
These lofty expectations will surely be heaped in his shoulders during the 2018-19 campaign, when he will inherit some ownership of this team.
The decision to suspend Duhart for six weeks following a pair of technical fouls during the Kreul Classic back in December drew the ire of Atlantic’s coaching staff and athletic director. Even opposing coaches felt the punishment was excessive.
The silver lining to it all was Duhart’s absence allowed for 6-foot-1 Class of 2019 off guard Kadeem Wilks to step up his scoring and 6-foot Class of 2018 guard Rodwens Albert to lead as both a facilitator and a scorer.
Justin Brown, a 6-foot-2 Class of 2018 guard, has also shown an adeptness as a kick out shooter and finisher in the transition game.
“I’ve got weapons, which is nice to have,” said Atlantic head coach Brad Fraig.
“We’ve got about 3-4 guys who at any time likely can hit game-winners.”
If Albert continues to develop as a two way threat, the seasoned coach envisions his point guard as one of the state’s elite.
“Offensively, he’s as good as anybody in the county,” coach Fraig opined.
“When it comes to defense, he’s got to step up and play defense. He’s a major player, he’s part of the Fab Five. But he’s got to learn, he’s got to play both sides of the ball. And when he plays both sides of the ball and when he understands how to approach defense with the same importance he does offense, he’s going to do some special things.”