Prospect Spotlight: Jose Amat III, Class of 2022
Very rarely do you see an eighth grader step in and play meaningful varsity minutes from the jump.
Even more rare is witnessing an eighth grader step in and circumvent the various eighth grader and freshman mistakes.
Lacking traces of trepidation and fending off any notable jitters, Westwood Christian’s Jose Amat III has authored a quick hit impact.
With his ability to knock down shots and distribute the ball, the experiment to take the training wheels off the advanced leveled little guard has worked in Westwood Christian’s favor.
With consistent 3-point shooting and nerveless poise, Andy II has transitioned with a minimal number of growing pains.
He still needs to tweak his shooting form at this level, as he’s got a bit of a pin up shot from his chest. Once he gains upper body strength and develops a quicker release, he has the skill-set to eventually become a 1,000-point and 500-assist player when all is said and done.
While rarified talents like Downey Christian guard Julian Newman have developed and produced as undersized middle schoolers, the Miami area tends to take more caution.
While there are no league restrictions or limitations on what age level is eligible to play varsity, few have the type of beyond their years aptitude as early as Amat III.
It was not a guarantee that the diminutive and heady guard was going to even make the team when he was in the seventh grade. His father could have easily decided to put him on J.V. and let him earn his chops before throwing him against guys with a significant height and physical advantage.
Yet by performing in practice and displaying grit and a reliable catch-and-stick game, the quality minutes were earned the old fashioned way. And so, as a callow seventh grader, Amat III became the youngest player in 50 years to play varsity minutes.
The differences in speed, physicality, and more complicated defensive schemes are key transitions when adjusting to the higher demands of the varsity experience.
Underclassmen and J.V. players and callow rookies must devote a focus to weight room work. They must subscribe to making fitness a livelihood in order for it to work.
As a coach’s son (as well as his own coach’s son) the South Florida Disciples product brings the know-how and natural feel for the niceties of the game. He’s been the young kid traipsing the sidelines as his father coached in some wild and memorable battles. Consider the pugnacious little guard a basketball old soul.