Versatile Prospects: South Florida

Michael Costeines

March 31, 2021 @ 02:53 PM

Versatility at the high school level. The term is widely used in recruiting annals. Quite frankly, you have a lot of prospects that can play multiple positions at this stage of their careers. The fact is most of the basketball pool will be working regular jobs in five to ten years. [player_tooltip player_id="827873" first="Scottie" last="Barnes"] would be Wilt Chamberlain in a town with one street light and a lone drug store. He would look "versatile" against a kid who should be more worried about next morning’s science exam. That is an extreme example, but it holds true down the line. So what prospects can translate that term to the next level? Let’s look into it... [player_tooltip player_id="814914" first="Deshawn" last="Jean-Charles"] - Miramar 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="814914" first="Deshawn" last="Jean-Charles"] is a quick prospect with a high-level wingspan. The 6-foot-6 wing can score from all three levels and rebound like a traditional frontcourt big. Any added strength before he hits the college level will only benefit his work on the boards. Get him on the run in transition and he will finish above the rim. Moreover, Jean-Charles can stop on a dime and pull up in the mid-range. That level of athleticism reverts itself on the defensive end as well. Jean-Charles will guard his opponent away from the basket and make it difficult on them to get in a rhythm. Furthermore, his length allows him to block shots when opponents look to execute near the rim. He is a playmaker that has a ton of value on both ends of the floor. Jean-Charles was named to the Broward County 7A-6A 1st Team. He was recently offered by Texas Southern University and Bradley. [player_tooltip player_id="955771" first="Andrew" last="Akuchie"] - St. Thomas Aquinas 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="955771" first="Andrew" last="Akuchie"] averaged 16.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game this season for the Raiders. The 6-foot-9 wing/small forward looks comfortable around the perimeter of the floor. Akuchie shot 34 percent (12-of-35) from behind the 3-point line this season. Moreover, he had six games with three makes from long range. Accompanied with his outside shooting is his athleticism. Akuchie can drive past his opponent from the perimeter and finish at the rim. You can see a bit of guard skill thanks to his quickness and agility. On defense, Akuchie can block shots at a high rate thanks to his length and wingspan. Against South Plantation, he rejected eight alone. Again, any added strength will make him a better defender and back to the basket prospect on offense. He could definitely sprinkle in elements as a power forward in the future. Schools such as Colorado, Yale and Princeton have shown interest. The ladder two gives me the indication he can adapt and soak in information quickly. In this case, learn and play multiple positions. This is why I think his value will continue to increase. [player_tooltip player_id="814984" first="Rickey" last="Ballard"] - Sagemont Ballard is a persistent force that will run out and score in transition. He will make opponents pay off turnovers with his relentless drive and motor. These same qualities apply in a halfcourt setting. I have seen Ballard jet pass defenders off the dribble on a steady basis from the wing and the baseline. He will also cut to the basket without the ball and explode above the rim. A traditional point guard would love to play with him. Ballard just plays for 32 minutes with 110% effort. This is also why I think he has forward instincts. Ballard will fight on the glass and play above his size. He has the heart of a three/four and the natural ability of a two. Averaged 18 points per game this season. A college program would love him. [player_tooltip player_id="814903" first="Ben" last="Middlebrooks"] - Westminster Academy Middlebrooks would fall into the versatile three/four category. I love his size (6’10) and future frame as a traditional power forward. You can tell he has room for more muscle and will undoubtedly add additional weight in a college system. Regardless, he has a ton of power to finish around the rim at this level. This was shown on a nightly basis with his average of 20 points and 13 rebounds.The 3-star recruit can also stretch the floor and finish around the perimeter. I love his first step from that point, which gives him the option to attack the rim. His adequate mobility helps his college value. Auburn appears to be high on his list. He also holds offers from Florida, Clemson, LSU and others. For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.   He averaged 20 points and 13 rebounds, so the shoe fits for him to be one.