Players that JUCO programs should get on early.
Players take the JUCO route for various reasons, some due to academics , others for exposure and even some due to injury. Here are a few players that programs at the JUCO level should be keeping a close eye on this season.
Broughton HS DJ Thomas: Officially I couldn’t tell you his exact height but its somewhere in the range of being below 5’8, with that being said, he is a player that a college program will be fortunate to have. Speed, toughness, defense, athleticism, leadership and scoring ability are all some of the things that make him special and will help him to be successful on the next level.
Clinton HS Forward Xavier Howard:He was one of the more consistent players for Clinton last year and has a nice blend of size and skill. You can post him up on the block or allow him to stretch the floor and make plays from the high post area of the court, solid overall player.
New Life Christian Forward/Center Jalen Love: Love is another player that recently made the move over to New Life Christian and will be one that can benefit greatly from this year. Last season at Hoke County, he didn’t have his most productive season but he does have next level height at 6’7 and has moments where he shows some flashes of what he can be.
Purnell Swett Guard Kyler Page: When he is locked in, he can score the ball at a very nice level and is a player that can be seen as a legit D2 prospect. However the key for him is to be locked in on a consistent basis, too many times last season he didn’t have the same type of showings on a nightly basis which makes things questionable for him. Some time at the JC level in a program that may be away from home will probably be the best fit for him after he graduates.
Scotland County Wing Isaiah Bostick: His situation will be dictated more by his health than anything else this season, he started the spring off on a very high note and came down with an injury during June team camps. That injury sidelined him for the remainder of the summer so it will be interesting to see how he steps on the floor this fall. If he is fully healthy then there is no doubt in our minds that he can he a D2/D1 guy, if he’s not fully healthy then a JC or Prep year would be in his best interest.