Top Newcomers: SIAA (Part II)
Murad Berrien, Superior Collegiate
The 5-foot-10 Class of 2020 guard is a defensive pest and a ball hawk, known to neutralize high scoring options. With his stellar on-ball instincts, Berrien will play a vital role as a guy who supplies boundless energy. The tough, left handed guard has exemplary vision and can pull off surgical passes. He’s got deceptive hops and should help pioneer the perimeter game with his outside shooting.
Khalil Shaheed, Superior Collegiate
The Class of 2020 guard is a deft passer who can really read defenses and make plays. He’s got a yo-yo like handle and can lure the defense in before either getting to the rim, creating his shot, or delivering a fireball assist. He possesses a smooth set shot and is particularly proficient at knifing his way to the basket and finishing. With offers from Stetson, FAU, and Bethune Cookman on the table, he’s still a bit underrated on the Division-I market. This year will likely open him up to more and more offers, especially as John Bianchi’s program garners some national visibility.
He’s developed a feel for the mid-range game and can score very effectively off the dribble and between a defender and the rim.
Robert Hardy, Superior Collegiate
The wildly athletic Class of 2019 prospect is one of the most prolific players above the rim in the conference and the state. He’s able to finish anything around the rim and has explosive open court finishing aptitude. The ease at which the wiry Hardy scores the ball and gets to the rim is mind boggling. A surefire Division-I player, Hardy should move his way up the rankings while inheriting some on-court ownership of this team. That’s how much the coaching staff thinks of him and his Top-100 caliber ability.
He’s got a smooth handle and thrives in his shot creation and one on one game.
Khyree Taylor, The Nation Prep
The smooth left handed Class of 2020 guard is constantly in attack move. He’s a drive-first guard who can score in bunches and really get into the driving lanes. His off the dribble scoring and ability to sidestep defenders off the bounce are his bedrock attributes. With his shiftiness and motor, Taylor has the chance to be a very special piece for this young core. His pull-up game has become the most special attribute he has to offer.
Zimife Nwokeji, The Rock
The 6-foot-7 Florida State-bound forward has the type of dazzling athleticism and aerial game that is highly prioritized at the high major level. His thunderous finishing ability is translatable to the highest level of basketball. He will form a radiant inside-outside punch alongside crafty, hard-slashing point guard Bryan Greenlee as they are tasked with defending a 2018 SIAA state championship.
The soaring four star recruit has the chance to be a day to day double double threat. He’s got length and defensive versatility and he’s a menacing shot blocker who will steer drivers clear of the paint. He’s a heavy favorite to earn SIAA Player of the Year, in what has the potential to shape into one of the conference’s most competitive season in recent memory.
Noble Crawford, West Oaks Academy
The 6-foot-5 Class of 2019 prospect is a crafty scorer who gets to the rim at will. He brings toughness, multi-positional defensive tenacity, and the type of soaring athleticism which aligns with coach Kenny Gillian’s souped up baseline to baseline.
All of West Oaks, all of the guards and wings have been defenders before they were scorers. That mentality has been ingrained in Crawford, who will provide instant contributions as a newcomer with plenty of varsity experience.
Linton Brown, West Oaks Academy
Brown was a dependable open court finisher and key interior cog at Wellington, where he helped propel the Wolves to a berth in the state championship game. The wing is athletic, mobile, and has thunderous open court finishing ability. A high efficiency scorer, Brown has the attributes to be a key supplementary piece. He’s a wing who can play the four and guard multiple positions.