Underrated Internationals: Prep
Jonathon Kuminga, Huntington Prep (WV)
The 6-foot-9 Class of 2021 guard/forward is a maniacal athlete with prodigious leaping ability. This much was notable during the summer, when Kaminga cleared a 6-foot-8 teammate on a wowing dunk that quickly circulated all over the internet and social media.
While Kaminga infects Huntington Prep’s lineup with a dazzling and freakish burst of athleticism, he must develop a dependable jumper and ball skills. This would enable him to earn more meaningful minutes at HP, a traditional basketball breeding ground which has churned out talent such as Thomas Bryant and Levi Cook.
Kuminga has an offer on the table from Iona and West Virginia appears to be interested in the native of The Congo. It would be a good future investment for the Mountaineers, albeit Kaminga must devote more time to skill development and his shooting. The high level athleticism is clearly already there.
Thomas Fortier, TCA: Strong, skilled guard from France has developed his game significantly since absorbing the niceties of the American game. While he’s a knockdown shooter by trade, Fortier has rapidly grown as an attack the rim threat. In becoming a 94 feet defender, he’s been more active in getting deflections and battling for 50-50 balls as well. A straight up worker.
Rifen Miguel, West Oaks Academy
After a significant two month layoff from basketball, Miguel’s first order of responsibility is getting back into game shape. The 6-foot-8, 240 pound Class of 2019 prospect is West Oaks’ primary post up threat. A native of Angola, Miguel is bolstered by effective footwork and an ability to exploit smaller defenders in the paint. A sheer mountain man with his bullish size and strength, Miguel showed promise with a monstrous 27-point, 16-rebound performance during a 79-70 win over Leesburg earlier this month.
Bikim Biyombo, Montverde Academy
If he were 6-foot-7 or 6-foot-8, Biyombo’s blend of strength and athleticism would make him a high major prospect. Yet at 6-foot-5, he’s more of a Division-II or low major Division-I level recruit. He has the upside with his above the rim game and monstrous finishing ability, but at 6-foot-5 it is hard to label the France native as one singular position. Must develop a stable handle and improve his shooting in order to establish a true wing or guard’s role.
Ari Boya, SCS
At 7-foot-1, Boya runs the floor and finishes the way few his size are capable of. He’s a menacing shot blocker and has now developed a back to the basket game to supplement his quality finishes around the rim. While he’s committed to Bradley, the Cameroon native is high major good.
Abdou N’Diaye, CGM Academy
Advanced defensively and very adept at blocking shots and manipulating others, the 6-foot-9 Class of 2019 forward/center is very underrated.
He has the skill set and “Mr. Everything” label to his game, as he can put the ball on the floor, dish, and knockdown shots from mid-range to beyond the arc. Cincinnati and UNLV are both high on N’Diaye, who is from Africa.