Prospect Spotlight: Kario Oquendo (2020)
Titusville High has a diamond in the rough when it comes to Kario Oquendo.
After speaking with him at the Raptors Elite ID4 Invitational, he mentioned how he’s aiming to affect the game from all angles. He wants to become a player that makes everyone around him better. That takes sharing the ball—and he did much of that at this event.
The rising sophomore isn’t a selfish player. Every time he has the rock, his head is up looking for cutters and mismatches. But when he’s asked to score, he can get his own shot off-the-dribble or through spotting up. When he’s driving through the lane, he’s not afraid to bang through defenders in an attempt to draw the foul.
His leaping ability is solid, Kario can throw it down with authority. But switching back to defense, is hands stay in the passing gaps, looking for the opportunity to steal and push the fastbreak.
With his squad losing four seniors last year, Kario’s vying to fill a void.
“I’m trying to be a good leader this year, advise the younger kids on what to do and all that,” Kario said.
His squad reached the Regional Semifinals last year, but fell to eventual state champion Leesburg by 11. To go further in 2018, Kario believes everyone has to play harder and smarter than ever before. For him, the choices made in the offseason will make or break that belief. Kario’s been working on his jumpshot and developing a stronger upper body.
With everyone on the same page, Kario believes this year could be the one where the Terriers truly take over.