It’s All About the J’s: Top Players from Jersey with “J” Names

<p>The Garden State has a long history of churning out elite talent. Kyrie Irving, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kyle Anderson and Scottie Lewis were all top 10 recruits from the past decade. J.R. Smith was another highly talented prospect who spent his high school days in New Jersey as he played for Lakewood and St. Benedict’s. The one-time NBA champion is not the only talented player from the state with a J name as New Jersey is flooded with them. Here are the top "J" name players from the Garden State.</p> <p><b>PG: [player_tooltip player_id="850502" first="Jaylen" last="Blakes"], 6’1 Blair Academy 2021</b></p> <p>New Jersey is filled with talented point guards with "J" names, but Blakes gets the nod for running the Buccaneers’ offense. The 6’1 point guard is tough to contain off the bounce and can finish around the rim. Blakes is a natural scorer, but he is also capable of setting up his teammates. He is also a solid defender and is a good rebounder. Blakes is ready to lead Blair Academy this season as the Buccaneers look to be one of New Jersey’s best. <em>Honorable Mentions: </em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="787655" first="Jayden" last="Pierre"], [player_tooltip player_id="850513" first="Jayden" last="Brown"], [player_tooltip player_id="850754" first="Spencer" last="Joyner"], [player_tooltip player_id="901944" first="Elmarko" last="Jackson"]</strong></p> <p><strong>SG: [player_tooltip player_id="787644" first="Jaquan" last="Harris"], 6’4 St. Thomas Aquinas 2022</strong></p> <p>Harris may be more of a combo guard, but he frequently played off the ball with Third Team All-State Performer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850329" first="Quadry" last="Adams"] </strong>in the backcourt. The 6’4 guard uses his frame to shoot over smaller defenders and has a good looking release. Harris is unafraid of taking the ball to the basket and can finish through contact. He is capable of running the offense and makes plays with the ball in his hands. St. Thomas Aquinas will miss Adams next season, but Harris is ready to lead the charge for the Trojans. <em>Honorable Mentions: </em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850515" first="Justin" last="Glover"], [player_tooltip player_id="900336" first="Mike" last="Jackson"], [player_tooltip player_id="900306" first="Brian" last="Johannsson"]</strong></p> <p><strong>SF: [player_tooltip player_id="850498" first="Jonathan" last="Kuminga"], 6’8 Patrick School 2021</strong></p> <p>Kuminga could move into the class of 2020, but for now he is still a part of the 2021 class. The nation’s top prospect is a big-time athlete who loves finishing above the rim. Kuminga uses his quick first step to get his defender and can finish through contact. He has a good mid-range game and can knock down shots from behind the arc. Kuminga was a second team All-State performer in 2019-20, but has the potential to be the Player of the Year next season. <em>Honorable Mentions: </em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850510" first="Tristan" last="Jeffries"], [player_tooltip player_id="850508" first="Jerome" last="Brewer"], [player_tooltip player_id="850512" first="Josh" last="Rivera"], [player_tooltip player_id="901963" first="Justin" last="Hawkins"]</strong></p> <p><strong>PF: [player_tooltip player_id="850516" first="Samson" last="Johnson"], 6’9 Patrick School 2021</strong></p> <p>Johnson may have not gotten as much recognition as Kuminga, but he had a solid 2019-20 campaign. The lanky 6’9 forward runs the floor as well as any big man in the class, creating easy opportunities for himself. Johnson can stretch the defense with his shooting and is the perfect target for lobs. He is one of the top shot-blockers in the class due to his combination of length, athleticism and timing. Johnson’s stock has risen since the end of the season and it’s only going to go up until the end of his senior season. <em>Honorable Mentions: </em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900296" first="Janaie" last="Coates"], [player_tooltip player_id="931018" first="Javon" last="Adams"]</strong></p> <p><strong>C: [player_tooltip player_id="900291" first="Josh" last="Hopson"], 6’8 St. Peter’s Prep 2021</strong></p> <p>The Marauders have one of the state’s top guard duos in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850664" first="Mark" last="Armstrong"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900328" first="Rayshawn" last="Ford"]</strong>, but they also have a skilled big man in Hopson. He knows how to carve out position down low and has a nice touch around the basket. Hopson sets good screens and scraps for rebounds on both ends of the floor. He is an underrated shot-blocker and plays solid post defense. St. Peter’s Prep should be one of the favorites to win Non-Public A North behind Hopson, Armstrong and Ford. <em>Honorable Mention: </em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900303" first="Chris" last="Jiao"]</strong></p>