All-American Watch: Florida
Vernon Carey, University School
The 6-foot-10 behemoth is one of the country’s most highly lauded recruits because of his versatility.
The muscle-bound lefty can manufacture points from all three levels and essentially has a wing’s skill-set.
He’s buoyed by a level of superior athleticism that few at this level (and few of his bulldozer build) are capable of.
A powerful finisher in the post, Carey has an arsenal of unique tools.
He can score via the stepback and finish through traffic in crafty fashion.
You would be hard-pressed to find a player more tailor-cut for a blue blood program. Duke and UNC are both in heavy pursuit of arguably the country’s most prized Class of 2019 prospect.
The upcoming GEICO Invitational in New York will be a significant stage for Carey, widely regarded as a transcendent talent.
Working in U-School’s favor is Carey’s supporting cast, which includes WVU-signee Trey Doomes, New Mexico-signee Drue Drinnon, and one of the nation’s highly-rated sophomores in West Palm Beach native Scottie Barnes.
Nassir Little, OCP
The Orange Park native was one of the country’s leaders in field goal percentage these past few seasons, hovering just under 60 percent.
And this is from a guy who can step out and shoot it from beyond the arc and knock down deep jumpers with consistency.
As a senior, the UNC-bound 6-foot-7 forward displayed his multi-dimensional talent.
While his strength and knack for finishing above the rim are Little’s most notable traits, Little has panned out as a sound ball handler who really defends the rim as an active shot blocker.
He’s got defensive versatility as well, capable of guarding multiple positions.
Little proved his five star billing, en route to leading OCP to a seventh state championship with a 66-48 win over Fort Myers-Canterbury in 3A.
UNC is getting an adroit finisher with extraterrestrial athleticism. Little is a high percentage threat because of his proficiency above the rim.
Zach Scott, Westminster Academy
The 6-foot-4 combination guard thrives in big moments, on the biggest stage the state has to offer.
A go-to scorer who is constantly hitting big shots under amplified pressure, Scott culminated his illustrious career at Westminster with 2,740 points.
Those numbers catapult him into elite company as he leaves a legacy which few can eclipse.
Scott, who is headed to Florida Gulf Coast University, leaves behind a program that returns a wealth of talent. With the highly anticipated return of 3-point assailant and Division-I prospect Chase Johnston (2019), 6-foot-6 high-major prospect Dudley Blackwell (2020), and a dual threat guard in Sam Griffin (2019), the program will again entertain lofty expectations.
R.J. Barrett, Montverde Academy
Simply put, the 6-foot-7 195-pound Barrett has been the best player in the country on the best team in the country.
The explosive finishing acumen of the Duke-bound guard/forward is emblematic of an NBA-bound guard.
Barrett, who recently earned 2018 Morgan Wootten national Player of the Year, has been instrumental in spearheading Montverde to a 32-0 record.
Kevin Boyle’s team will look to prolong its undefeated season before a national audience at the prestgious GEICO Invitational in New York.
Barrett has all of the tools necessary to break down a defense.
He’s got a dependable knockdown game and is adept at blowing by defenders, getting into the teeth of the defense and scoring.
The projections of Barrett being a one-and-done at Duke and a surefire first pick in the 2019 NBA draft are not too much, too soon by any stretch.
Balsa Koprivica, Montverde Academy
The 7-foot-1, 245-pound forward/center is a rare talent because of his deft touch from the perimeter.
Many players at Koprivica’s size struggle between a defender and the basket at this level.
Given his mobility, outside shooting and also his effectiveness as an interior scorer, Koprivica has the wide ranging skill set to become a very special player.
Expect the Class of 2019 prospect, who has offers from LSU, Arizona, Florida State and a bevy of others, to heat up this summer.
Elijah Weaver, Rockledge High School
The 6-foot-5, 195-pound guard is a bullish finisher who can tear into the driving lanes and finish on anyone.
His knack for knifing to the rim and smooth, left-handed stroke have given defenses fits these past few seasons.
The well-built guard is crafty and multi-dimensional, a creator by trade.
Headed to USC, Weaver has the chance to bring the program to national prominence.
While he may not have the same lofty billing as a Collin Sexton, he’s possesses the engine and game-changing scoring to elevate a program significantly.
Andrew Nembhard, Montverde Academy
Individual totals and accolades are meaningless to the skilled, 6-foot-4 guard.
A Florida-signee, Nembhard is an old school and traditional point guard who makes those around him better.
He relished a real treat in having one of the country’s most perilous scorers in R.J. Barrett flanking him.
Without Nembhard, who reads and picks apart a defense as well as anyone in the country, Montverde never authors an undefeated 32-0 campaign.
An unselfish, dish-first facilitator, Nembhard triggers the high-low attack. He’s as efficient in getting to the rim and finishing in crafty fashion.
Also a reliable knockdown shooter with a knack for corner treys.