Prominent Playmakers: Florida’s Most Underrated Guards
Khalyl Simmons, Inspire Prep
A certifiable knockdown man, the 6-foot-1 Class of 2020 prospect possesses an advanced level scoring acumen. During Simmons’ first year in the uber competitive SIAA conference, a league typically loaded with rugged guards, Simmons established himself as a go-to source capable of taking leadership matters into his own hands.
As a sophomore, Simmons turned in several 30+ point performances. With a consistent stroke and an ability to stick shots from way beyond the arc, Simmons has a natural adeptness at creating space and scoring off the dribble. He’s also an adequate slasher with a knack for getting into the driving lanes and finishing in crafty fashion.
Expect Simmons to be flushed into a prominent role next season, as he evolves into one of the faces of the aforementioned SIAA conference. An active presence on defense, Simmons averaged three steals this past season.
Raymond Dieng, Inspire Prep
The jumbo 6-foot-7 guard/forward has rapidly transformed from a role player with a finesse style scoring skill-set to a massive, 230-pound behemoth with a linebacker’s build. The Class of 2018 prospect’s nose for the ball and ability to embrace the physical components of the game and thirst for the ball has enabled his stock to increase. The transfer via Calusa Prep in Miami averaged 14 points and nine boards, turning in 14 double doubles throughout the year.
Jalil Melvin, Inspire Prep
The quick, witty, and traditional point guard has a creator’s mentality ingrained in him. Spurring the transition game and serving as the primary facilitator for a young and promising team, Melvin doled out 10 assists or more seven times this season. He averaged nine points as a supplementary scoring piece. Anticipate Melvin growing and expanding in the quarterback role next year, as Inspire should garner more visibility as an on the rise program.
Chris King, TLAP Academy
While he’s a knockdown shooter and kickout shooter by trade, King has the jack of all trades value to his game. Head coach Louis Graham, a West Palm Beach native who starred at Georgia Southern, refers to King as the team’s “Udonis Haslem” for his multi-layered fabric. You certainly can’t pigeonhole him as strictly a shooting threat.
Mikail Woods, TLAP Academy
The 6-foot-3 175-pound guard is a defensive backbone. He’s got all the intangibles to be a lockdown defensive catalyst at the ensuing level of play. Throughout the season, he constantly held scorers under their averaged and induced 4-for-14 and irregular 5-for-17 performances from usually efficient scorers. Woods has the skill-set to operate an offense, with a tight handle and an ability to see the floor and find guys at the opportune time.
Chase Johnston, Westminster Academy
One of the deadliest shooters in the state, Johnston has the deft catch-and-stroke game capable of breaking open and dictating a game once he develops the hot hand. During Westminster’s 97-61 throttling of Benjamin, Johnston erupted for 38 points (10-for-13 from beyond the arc), nine assists, five rebounds and three steals. A tactical guard who has developed all categories of his game, Johnston has Division-I interest from programs such as Bucknell, Stetson, and Florida Gulf Coast, to name a few. The Class of 2019 guard brings a wealth of experience, having played meaningful varsity minutes since he was in eighth grade.
Logan Alters, University School
The 6-foot-2 guard is one of the lesser acclaimed recruits on a state championship team that features the most highly-courted recruit in the country in Vernon Carey and several other prized recruits. On most other teams in the state, Alters would be a go-to guy. He’s got the high level 3-point shooting ability and sees the floor well for a combo guard. He’s improved as an on-ball defender and hit a number of timely shots during U-School’s state title campaign. With his all around skill set and impact as a knock down shooter, Alters has attracted Ivy League and Patriot League programs.
Kevin Fernandez, NTSI Orlando
A bullish 6-foot-2 guard with plenty of big game experience, the Kissimmee native was a 25 PPG scorer in Massachusetts. During his post grad season, he’s adapted to a consistent rigorous schedule and plied his trade against various high-major prospects. Mentored by legendary Fairfield guard Tyler Nelson, Fernandez has an engine and competitive nature about himself that makes him appealing to coaches at the next level.
While Fernandez can fill up a stat sheet with his scoring, he’s got a vastly improved game between the ears. The result has been internal improvement in his dishing and an ability to guard multiple positions.
Ronaldo Segu, Orlando Christian Prep (pictured)
While he’s flanked by major weapons in UNC-signee Nassir Little and high-major, high flying forward C.J. Walker, Segu is ahead of his time for his playmaking skill-set. The Buffalo commit has an adeptness for reads and can quarterback an offense as good as anyone in the country. He’s got explosive athleticism and scoring at all three levels. With Segu and Prolific Prep forward Jeenathan Williams, Buffalo has a prized recruiting class coming in.