2021 Astronaut guard Jace Carter talks recruitment, AAU and more

<p>2021 Astronaut guard <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jace-carter/">Jace Carter</a> continues to be an offensive asset.</p> <p>A year ago for a 20-6 War Eagles group, the 6'5", 205-pounder not only grew in height and muscle, but he continued to be steady. He averaged 17.3 PPG and 7.6 RPG as a sophomore. As a freshman, he was equally impressive, averaging 17.7 PPG and 6.2 RPG.</p> <p>He had eight 20 point outings and 12 games with at least 10 or more points. Ranked No. 55 in the Prep Hoops Florida 2021 rankings, Carter says he gained 30 lbs. and four inches in height from his freshman to his sophomore campaign. He says that helped him play more physical and create around the rim more frequently.</p> <blockquote> <p>"Although the season didn’t end how we wanted, it still allowed us as a team to gain confidence and experience. I’m really looking forward to my junior year and leading our team and the underclassmen coming in," Carter told Prep Hoops. "I'm going to make sure some of the underclassmen don’t make some of the same mistakes I made and just keep everybody on the team ready for the season."</p> </blockquote> <p>This summer, he suited up for E1T1 United. He played through some ripped tendons in his ankle for the entire AAU season but says he couldn't pass up the opportunity to play in front of college coaches on hand.</p> <p>No offers have come yet for the junior, but he's drawn interest from the likes of Appalachian State, USF, FGCU, UNF, FAU, Temple, New Orleans, College of Charleston, Western Carolina and Iowa State. </p> <p>Carter says Applachian State, USF, FGCU, and FAU have reached out to him the most.</p> <blockquote> <p>"They say they really like how mature I am and how I can create shots for me and for my teammates," he said. "They also really like my ability to shoot the ball, my frame and how explosive I am attacking the rim."</p> </blockquote> <p>In terms of his top strengths, Carter pointed to his ability to finish around the rim, catch and shoot and start the break.</p> <blockquote> <p>"Coach [Kyle] Gilreath and I are working on getting stronger and faster off the dribble," he said. "I feel like I need to develop more live ball moves to create space quicker and to get my defender off balance."</p> </blockquote> <p>This is a pivotal junior season for Carter. He is growing in height and confidence and his prowess on the floor is quite obvious. He played as a good counterpart to 2020 guard Kario Oquendo, a surefire Division prospect who is now at Titusville. Expect Carter to be asked to do more, create often and have 20 point performances more often than not.</p>