2019: Fast Risers (Part 1)
The summer is crucial for all of the talent across the United States. In Florida, there are a ton of players looking to not only improve their overall games but also draw more attention from the top college programs.
Here is a look at five fast risers in the class of 2019.
CJ Walker (Orlando Christian Prep)
Playing for E1T1 United this summer will only further CJ Walker’s progression. The 6’7″, 180-pounder suffered an elbow injury this past weekend at the E1T1 Invitational, but he told me after the game that he’ll be fine. The rising junior at Orlando Christian Prep is fresh off a Class 3A state title. He has eight offers including Florida, Louisville, Pittsburgh and Iowa State. Walker is a slasher and is only going to get better as he fills out his upper body.
Justyn King (Plant City)
Over in Plant City, Justyn King boosted his stock in a big way showing off his jumper and overall tenacity. He will be playing with Nike Team Florida this summer which will help him get more looks. He deserves it too. King is a hard worker and a really down to earth kid. He has an offer from North Florida currently but that will only increase before the year ends for the 6’6″ forward.
Luke Anderson (Lakeland)
Leaner and noticeably stronger, Luke Anderson is taking the necessary steps to better his game. He’s training with E1T1 teammate Niven Glover throughout the week. Anderson continues to shine for Lakeland and at 6’8″, he has the size to be a really solid mid-major Division-I player or more. He has offers from North Florida and FIU and interest from Florida, Charleston Southern, FSU, UCF and Murray State. Anderson’s summer is crucial and it could be where he finally lands a high-major offer.
Jaren Phillips (Tampa Prep)
Phillips looks like a man out there on the court. At 6’5″, he’s strong and a true leader. He’ll be running with Nike South Beach once again this summer where college coaches will get to see his improvements. He started to come together for Tampa Prep this past season and is in for a bigger role as a junior. Phillips has offers from Virginia Tech and UTSA. He’ll have way more by the end of the year.
Emmanuel Adedoyin (Oak Ridge)
Sharing a backcourt with Michael Devoe in high school ball certainly has made Emmanuel Adedoyin a smarter player. He showed that off last summer for E1T1. He’s back with them for another year and at 6’3″, he’s a smooth ballhandler who can hit an open jumper more often than not. No offers have come just yet for Adedoyin, but college coaches will take notice this summer session in this kid. He’s a Division-I talent no doubt.