Transfers That Should Change the NJSIAA Landscape

<p>Transfers have been a key part of high school basketball in the Garden State as they have provided teams with an immediate boost. First Team All-State selection <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="766099" first="CJ" last="Wilcher"] </strong>is a prime example of that as he helped lead the Lions to their third straight Non-Public B North title. The transfer market this offseason was full of big names as players took advantage of the ability to play immediately under the new NJSIAA guidelines due to the pandemic. Here are the top transfers that could shake up the state tournament.</p> <p><strong>Zion Cruz, 6’3 PG Patrick School 2022</strong></p> <p>Cruz was initially set to leave New Jersey for Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, but decided to transfer closer to home. The Hudson Catholic transfer can blow by his defender in the halfcourt and excels at finishing above the rim. Cruz is more than just a slasher as he can knock down perimeter jumpers and shoots the ball with confidence. He is an underrated passer and uses his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end. Cruz should start immediately for a talented Celtics team, looking to take home a sectional title.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850511" first="Amar’e" last="Marshall"], 6’2 SG Roselle Catholic 2021</strong></p> <p>The Lions lost four guards to graduation, but the addition of Marshall should help cushion the blow. The Montclair Immaculate transfer has a great handle and is at his best attacking the basket. Marshall is a crafty finisher around the basket and is unafraid of contact. He is a good passer and is capable of getting hot from distance as he buried six triples in a game twice. Roselle Catholic returns <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850752" first="Simeon" last="Wilcher"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="787669" first="Corey" last="Floyd Jr"]., </strong>but Marshall’s ability to play on and off the ball is key for the Lions to win their fourth straight sectional title.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901974" first="Donovan" last="Long"], 6’6 SF Rutgers Prep 2022</strong></p> <p>The Argonauts have to replace Sacred Heart signee <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850340" first="Nico" last="Galette"] </strong>down low, which they should get in Long. The Marist transfer never takes a play off on both ends of the floor and is a force to keep off the glass. Long is unafraid of contact and knows how to finish around the basket. He has a good release on his free throws and uses his length to block shots around the rim. Long is a tough forward prospect who should help <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850499" first="Trey" last="Patterson"] </strong>get cleaner looks in 2020-21.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900323" first="Donavin" last="Crawford"], 6’3 SG Nottingham 2021</strong></p> <p>The Northstars were expected to have a strong 2020-21 season after they won 22 games in 2019-20, but they got a big boost with the addition of Crawford. The Trenton Catholic transfer is a knockdown shooter who does not need a lot of space to get his shot off. Crawford is more than just a shooter as he can put the ball on the floor and finish around the basket. He is a good rebounder and uses his athleticism to make plays on defense. Crawford joins <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933645" first="Brandon" last="Raba"] </strong>in a talented Nottingham backcourt that should make a deep run in the Group 3 playoffs.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850754" first="Spencer" last="Joyner"], 6’4 PG Arts 2023</strong></p> <p>Arts may have struggled in 2019-20, but the Jaguars got a big boost in Joyner. The University transfer has a smooth handle and is capable of finishing around the basket. Joyner uses his size to see over defenders and does not make many mistakes with the ball in his hands. He is a good rebounder for a guard and is a solid on-ball defender. Arts has the ability to make noise in the Group 1 playoffs with Joyner running the show.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900327" first="Elijah" last="Barlow"], 6’1 CG St. Joe’s Metuchen 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013006" first="Hassan" last="Jackson"], 6’4 SG St. Peter’s Prep 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902736" first="Isaac" last="Hester"], 6’0 PG Ranney 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901958" first="Saivon" last="Pressley"], 6’0 PG Colonia 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900336" first="Mike" last="Jackson"], 6’2 SG Hudson Catholic 2021</strong></p>