South Miami’s Dean Starting To Prosper This Spring
One year after playing for Nike Team Florida, Toru Dean has discovered his niche as a do-it-all point guard for Under Armour’s Team Auto Nation. A quick, high-octane guard who thrives in the open court and triggers the transition game, Dean had multiple double digit assists games at South Miami this past season.
A guy who looks to create first and utilize his all around scoring acumen second, Dean is the accurate depiction of a traditional point guard.
He’s got swarming, chest-to-chest, and instinctive defensive play. This enables the gritty Class of 2019 guard to convert turnovers into transition baskets efficiently.
A shifty 6-foot-2 and 170-pound guard, the First Team All State election has opened up a once shaky jumper. A drive first guard who loves to get into the driving lanes and finish, Dean has morphed into a dependable off the dribble shooter from mid range. During a 79-66 win over TMPW Xplorers back on May 3, Dean scored 15 points and tore down 14 boards to go with six assists.
In turning in a near triple double, Dean scored 21 points, doled out 10 assists, and had nine rebounds during a recent AAU performance in Indiana. This showing opened the eyes of several Division-I programs, including Massachusetts.
Here’s a look at other local area prospects who will use elite level AAU as a springboard to greater opportunities ahead this summer:
Abraham Makumator, Neumann
The 7-foot-1 Center is still learning the intricacies of the post game. If he can develop a sturdy motor this spring and summer, he’ll enable the offers to begin piling up. He’s got the length and shot blocking ability to effectively swat shots inside and alter the trajectory of countless others. He averaged nine boards and three blocks per game during Team Aution’s recent stop in Indiana. He’s got the intimidation factor with his size and build. If he can continue to steadily incorporate a skill-set, he’s a surefire Division-I player.
Sam Griffin, Westminster Academy
The 6-foot-2 guard has been on a high since his stellar shooting performance against a star-encrusted Montverde team back during the winter. Since then, he’s been less deferent and more confident in scoring the basketball at all three levels. Flanked by sharpshooting off guard Chase Johnston in the backcourt, Griffin has averaged 20 PPG for Team Autonation this spring. Air Force has recently offered him a scholarship. No longer the unsung backup to FGCU-bound guard Zach Scott, Griffin will assume a prominent role under Ehren Wallhoff next season.
Jeffry Bujan, South Miami
The crafty guard showed his shooting and improved off the dribble scoring aptitude during a 20-point performance in Florida Gulf Coast’s recent win over the Mississippi Kings. Bujan showed a knack for creating his own shot, scoring amid amplified pressure and close outs, and mixed it up with hard slashes to the rim. He’s increased his awareness and become more tactical in creating space and getting his shot off on the run.
Saint Vincent, Miami Beach Senior High
There were surely be more eyes on the rugged 5-foot-10 point guard this year. The Class of 2019 guard has had an eye-opening spring. He averaged 18.5 points and 5.2 assists for On The Rise on the Adidas Gauntlet. The 5-foot-10 guard is a surgical passer who leads the break and can really score on the run and inside. The lefty’s ability to attract defenders and whizz passes to astonishingly open teammates is one of his best assets.
Wesley Cardet, Northeast High
The 6-foot-5 Class of 2021 point guard has top-tier scoring ability. He knifes to the rim off the dribble naturally, finishing with both hands. He’s added a powerful first step and deft, finesse-like handle which allows him to blow by wrong footed defenders. Florida recently offered the promising young prospect.