New Faces to Watch (Part 1)
Over this summer, I’ve seen a plethora of new prospects. Whether it came in Orlando, Gainesville, DeLand, Cancun, Atlanta or Tampa, there were guys that impressed me that I hadn’t seen before.
Here is a look at the first part of “the new faces to watch. “
Kanye Jones (First Academy/Team Knight)
At First Academy, it looks like there is yet another athlete ready to breakout. 6’3″ 2021 guard Kanye Jones is a confident young shooter who is a leader in transition and a steady passer. Jones is speedy down the floor and in sets and he’s an awfully tough cover right now.
Tre Carroll (Charlotte/Florida Future)
A 6’6″ 2021 forward, Tre Carroll is a long and fluid shooter. Carroll can hit open 3’s with ease and he’s a very sound ball handler. Once he becomes more aggressive at the point of attack, he’ll mature a bit.
Isaiah Josue (Mater/SOH Elite)
A 2020 guard, Isaiah Josue can drain shots from deep routinely. The 6’2″ Mater guard can get it going from 3 or the mid-range very quickly. He’s a confident young shooter who has room to improve as a defender but his outside shot gives him a true advantage.
Jyre McCloud (Central Florida Rising Stars/Leesburg)
A rising junior, Jyre McCloud is going to make an impact this season at Leesburg. The 6’4″ 2020 forward has a nice mid-range touch and the ability to get inside and finish. McCloud was on JV last year as Leesburg won its second straight title. He’ll get his chance this year with the varsity squad. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him make an impact as a pure athlete right away.
Emmanuel Maldonado (Colonial/Showtime Hoops)
Emmanuel Maldonado plays hard every time that I see him hoop. Most impressively, the 6’2″ 2020 Colonial guard played a 17U game in Atlanta right after a 16U one ended as Showtime Hoops needed an extra player. He can stretch the floor with his 3-point ability and is a vision passer. Maldonado could stand to improve on his finishes moving forward.
Photo credit: Phenom Hoops