Florida’s Most Unheralded: Unsigned Class of 2018 Fours
Rifen Miguel, West Oaks Academy
Though fresh off a multi month sabbatical from the game, the 6-foot-8, 240-pound four looked plenty polished during West Oaks’ 79-70 win over Leesburg. Miguel utilized an arsenal of post moves and overpowered foes inside, en route to a 27-point, 16-rebound effort.
Though he’s still getting acclimatized to game speed and in the process of shedding pounds, the native of Angola is flushed into a prominent role this season. While he showed flashes last year, Miguel is now in the best position to take leadership matters into his own hands.
Miguel submitted a 19 point, four steal performance over Rocky River (N.C.) back on Nov. 17. In a program traditionally fueled by stellar guard play, Miguel brings a wealth of value as an interior scorer and rim protection threat. He averaged 21 PPG and 12 RPG, en route to earning Player of the Week honors from the program.
Bikim Biyombo, Montverde Academy
Though he’s a bit undersized for a four at 6-foot-5, Biyombo brings tremendous upside with his hyper-athletic finishing acumen. While his above the rim game is the most appealing attribute of his trade, an increase in ball skills and off-the-dribble moves would make him a lethal scorer. With a pro-level build and the strength necessary to be a powerful supplement to bigs such as Josh Roberts (St. John’s), Darnell Brodie (Seton Hall), Biyombo must utilize this post-grad year as a veritable “prove it” season. If he can stay healthy, could be a major pickup at the Division-II level or low to mid-major Division-I level. Given his size for his position and academic issues, he should likely land at A competitive Division-II program.
Tino Sebalj, Arlington Country Day
After a 40-point outburst in his first ever post graduate performance, Sebalj has cemented his status as a legitimate pick-and-pop four. With his unique blend of size and deft, long-range shooting ability, Sebalj is a mismatch threat similar to former ACD stud Damir Hadzic (now at Arkansas Little Rock).
Possessing European guard skills and an adeptness at not only finding his shot but gaining a bird’s eye view of the rim, the stretch four is a steal at the Division-II or low-major Division-I level. Salem International (W.V.), with former Marshall guard and tireless recruiter Adam Williams at the helm, have offered a scholarship.