On The Cusp: Florida Guards
Jacorey Brooks, Booker T
The freakishly athletic 6-foot-5 forward pulls off dazzling displays of athleticism, showing the type of flashes that give a real wow-factor to his game. With his toughness and ability to get into the lane and finish, Brooks has the potential to play a significant role as a leader and a guy who initiates offense this season. He’s long and agile and can defend multiple positions.
JoJo Nunez, Doral
The Class of 2019 guard brings toughness and two-way tenacity as a knockdown shooter and reliable on-ball defender who can really create havoc for both backcourt positions. A multi-sport athlete who brings tireless competitive juices, Nunez has the type of engine that’s translatable to the next level. He takes to coaching and rebounds it rather well out of the backcourt. With his coachability and understanding of the system, he’s flushed into a prominent role as a leader and a guy who brings veteran savvy nightly.
Carlos Hart, North Miami Senior High
Now at 6-foot-4 and still growing, the Class of 2020 prospect has become an adept playmaker who can really deliver the ball and see the floor. With his bounce and his ability to get into the teeth of the defense and finish, his rapid evolution has entailed a scoring niche as well. He’s become more consistent with his catch-and-stick game and has displayed defensive tenacity as well.
Jaden Campbell, The Rock School
The 6-foot-4 guard came out of nowhere last season, registering his presence as a dynamic finisher with a downhill game and prodigious vertical explosions. The Class of 2019 wing, known for his athleticism and defensive aptitude, is starting to develop a recruiting profile as well. Running parallel with his ascension is his ability to step out and hit the outside shot, which he’s been more comfortable doing as of late.
Amaree Mcgriff, The Rock School
The Class of 2020 prospect brings a unique blend of length, athleticism, and swagger that he applies to his fiery style. He’s the type of kid who plays with a chip on his shoulder and gets all of his teammates charged up with his boundless energy and motor. His open court finishing and above the rim game have both been noteworthy factors.
Kyle Duke, The Rock School
The quick and athletic guard has an effective floor game and really gets after it on defense. This should propel him to quality minutes on a heavily competitive SIAA schedule this season. He’s got promise in his pull-up jumper and his ability to knife his way to the rim and finish. The Class of 2021 prospect has shown flashes.
Diego Rivera, Westwood Christian
The 6-foot-2 guard is a real tone setter with how well he handles and distributes it. He’s improved as far as his aggressiveness in scoring the ball and his perimeter shooting. Defensively, he’s able to really pickpocket guards and apply sturdy pressure all across the court.
Diego Rivera, Miami Christian
With a vastly improved scoring acumen, Rivera has cracked the Division-I circle. He is currently receiving heavy interest from several mid major Division-I programs, including Arkansas State. With a heavy South Florida presence in Miami native and head coach Mike Balado, Arkansas State seems like a very realistic option for the heady and deliberate guard. He’s developed a fluid shot and can knock down transition 3-pointers and really score the ball on the fly. Playing off the ball will give him the freedom to create his own shot and make cerebral plays. He’s got the veteran poise and savvy from being a supplemental piece on state championship teams.