University School Sharks: Player Preview

<p>The University School Sharks look to build off the success of the past 24 months. The Sharks have won back-to-back Florida 5A state championships, becoming the fifth Broward county program to repeat. The Sharks also reached the prestigious GEICO Nationals tournament twice, highlighting by a championship game appearance in 2018.</p> <p>Despite the success, the Sharks will roll out a new coach for the 2019-2020 season in Ron Oliver.The former Florida Atlantic assistant was hired back in May, replacing Jim Carr after one season.  Oliver previously coached in the NBA for Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors.</p> <p><strong>University School Sharks:</strong></p> <p>Head Coach: Ron Oliver (1st Season)</p> <p>Last Season: (27-5), won 5A state championship</p> <p>Key Losses: <strong>Vernon Carey Jr</strong>. (DUKE), <strong>Scottie Barnes</strong> (Montverde Academy), <strong>Logan Alters</strong> (CAL), <strong>Zay Flowers</strong> (Boston College)</p> <p>Key Returnees: <strong>Roger McFarlane</strong> <strong>Sr</strong> (SG), <strong>Jett Howard Soph</strong> (SG), <strong>Jace Howard Sr</strong> (SF), <strong>Jaylen Carey Fr</strong> (PF/C), <strong>Taylor Hendricks Soph</strong> (PF)</p> <p><strong>Player breakdown:</strong></p> <p>Roger McFarlane 6-4,195-pounds: McFarlane was a major X-Factor for the Sharks last season, winning 9 games when he scored in double figures. The rising senior averaged nine points and 4 rebounds per game for U-School.  McFarlane currently has offers from Columbia and Tennessee Tech.</p> <p>Coach Oliver on Roger: "Roger already has a college D-1 body, plays physical. We have challenged him with leadership. He has embraced that leading our young guys. Roger's role will be much bigger than last year. I think people are going to see the type of player he really is. He is very good and looking to have a big time senior year."</p> <p>Jett Howard 6-4, 165-pounds: The younger son of current Michigan coach <strong>Juwan Howard</strong>, Jett played 30 games for the Sharks, averaging seven points and two assists per game. Howard poured in a season high 17 points against Sunrise Christian Academy and scored in double figures in eight games. Howard currently has offers from Florida, Vanderbilt and Michigan.</p> <p>Coach Oliver on Jett: "Jett is going to be a big part of our team and should take that next step in our offense. We want to score 80 points a night with him."</p> <p>Jace Howard: 6-7, 200-pounds: The older brother of Jett, Jace's season got off to a tough start when he fractured his tibia in the semi-final game of the Les Schwab tournament in Oregon. Howard missed a chunk of the season, but finished strong to score 17 points and six rebounds in the state championship game against Andrew Jackson. Howard currently has offers from San Diego State, Dayton, and Michigan.</p> <p>Coach Oliver on Jace: "I expect a big year from Jace. He is coming out of the shadows of Vernon and Scottie. I don't think people have seen Jace in that kind of light. He is going to be a better player with a bigger role."</p> <p>Taylor Hendricks 6-8, 195-pounds: Hendricks played limited minutes but still managed five points per game as a freshman. His biggest moment might have come against Westminster Christian, hitting a game-winner in a 49-47 victory. Tremendous upside, Hendricks holds offers from Florida, Florida State, and Miami.</p> <p>Coach Oliver on Taylor: "Taylor might have the biggest adjustment coming off the bench from a smaller role to a bigger role. If anyone is going to have a big adjustment it is going to be him, but right now I think he is capable of making that adjustment. At the same time he still hasn't played against varsity level talent on a consistent basis. We are talking 20-25 minutes per game, he has to understand the condition that goes into that number one, compete on a nightly basis, and be consistent. If he wants to develop into a Vernon Carey type guy, it is just all about consistency and being in the best shape of your life.</p> <p>Jaylen Carey: 6-7,260-pounds: The younger brother of Vernon, Jaylen already has body of a defensive end. In fact, Carey has football offer to Texas A&amp;M despite not playing.</p> <p>Coach Oliver on Jaylen: "When I met Jaylen back in June, he defiantly thinned out and got taller. He is starting to prove he can be a big time presence on the varsity level. He defiantly is going to help us, just not sure where yet. I am starting to him develop in the paint, collect rebounds and block shots. He is coming along pretty good."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>