The Preseason Miami-Dade County Five

<p>It is about that time!</p> <p>In what has felt like a giant Monday all year, boys basketball is about to kickoff here in Florida! The scheduled start date for activities appears to be November 2nd according to the <strong>FHSAA</strong> website. If I am mistaken, please feel free to reach-out to me. The earlier the better as far as I’m concerned!</p> <p>So I did this postseason piece back in March. It is only fitting I reciprocate an article on the topic before we tip-off in the next month.</p> <p>Preseason superlatives are <em>lukewarm</em> with me. In my opinion, it is more to stir up conversation and spotlight the upcoming year. Moreover, it creates momentum and buzz. The goal for any prospect should be a championship in <strong>Lakeland</strong> and a postseason nomination. It is not about how you start, but how you finish.</p> <p>However, talking basketball is <em>always</em> a good thing.</p> <p>Let’s get the arguments rolling...</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="818672" first="Arturo" last="Dean"]</strong> - <em>South Miami</em></p> <p>A theme of my criteria are players that are talented and win ball games. [player_tooltip player_id="818672" first="Arturo" last="Dean"] is a perfect example of someone that does both. The 2021 Cobra point guard helped South Miami to a 22-6 overall record and a spot in the Class 6A regional final last season. The only hiccup for the Cobras came against <strong>Mater Academy</strong>, which handed them half of their losses. In one defeat, Dean showed his mettle by scoring 24 points on 10-of-22 from the field. Moreover, the senior superstar averaged 24.6 points, 5.5 assists, 5.1 steals and 4.9 rebounds per game. Of his 25 recorded games, Dean scored 20 or more points in 21 contests. In my opinion, Dean is the best point guard in the Miami area. <strong>Florida Gulf Coast</strong>, <strong>Stetson</strong> and <strong>Mercer</strong> have offered him.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="709232" first="Osmar" last="Garcia Araujo"]</strong> - <em>Riviera Prep</em></p> <p>I witnessed few players with better technique and finesse than 2023 Garcia Araujo last season. This was on full display in a game against current <strong>Richmond Spider</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="827901" first="Andre" last="Weir"] and <strong>Chaminade-Madonna</strong>. In that contest, Garcia Araujo scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Moreover, Garcia Araujo got Weir in foul trouble with pump fakes and quality footwork in the paint. In his first year with the Bulldogs, Garcia Araujo averaged 17.0 points and 13.7 rebounds per game. In addition, he has great vision as a frontcourt passer and knocks down his free-throws. Garcia Araujo is already well developed in just his second season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="818876" first="Jordan" last="Cooke"]</strong> - <em>Miami Country Day</em></p> <p>Can you be underrated on the preseason first team? I get that feeling for 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="818876" first="Jordan" last="Cooke"]. The 5-foot-10 guard averaged 21.5 points and 2.6 rebounds per game for the Spartans last season. Of his 24 contests, Cooke scored 20 or more points in 14 games. Against <strong>Edison</strong>, Cooke exploded for a season-high 40 points on 14-of-16 from the field. Moreover, his pure shooting capabilities make him a difference maker at any level on the floor. Cooke knocked down 69 recorded 3-pointers at a 49% clip. You do not want to leave him open.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="814913" first="Esteban" last="Lluberes"]</strong> - <em>Riviera Prep</em></p> <p>Can you tell Riviera Prep is going to be pretty good yet? The general on the floor for the Bulldogs is 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="814913" first="Esteban" last="Lluberes"]. The 5-foot-7 guard guided Riviera Prep to a 24-7 overall record and a spot in the Class 3A regional final. Lluberes averaged a stellar 18.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 3.8 steals per game. The current junior has the moxy to hit free-throws down the stretch and can be counted on with the game on the line in the final minutes.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="818866" first="Desmond" last="Romer"]</strong> - <em>Coral Gables</em></p> <p>The Cavaliers have a good group returning with Romer spearheading the charge. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged a team-best 17.5 points, 6.3 assists and 4.1 steals last season for Coral Gables. An efficient shooter, Romer knocked down 58% his field goal attempts. Against <strong>Columbus</strong>, Romer scored a season-high 31 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field. The Cavaliers needed all of those points as it was a 2-point victory against the Explorers. On defense, Romer accounted for 95 steals. Against <strong>Southwest</strong>, Romer pestered the Eagles for 12 alone. You are looking at an all-around player that can affect the game in many different ways.</p> <p><strong><em>For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information....please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.</em></strong></p>