How Kyle Cuffee Jr.’s Move Impacts the Garden State

<p>The New Jersey basketball landscape received big news yesterday as Blair Academy’s <strong>Kyle Cuffee Jr. </strong>signed his letter of intent to Kansas. The explosive 6’2 guard committed to the Jayhawks back in December when he was still a member of the 2022 class. His move up leaves a hole to fill in the back court, but the Buccaneers have plenty of talent remaining in the backcourt.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850671" first="Otega" last="Oweh"]</strong> will get a big boost in production as he looks to shoulder the scoring load. The 6’4 guard routinely finishes above the rim and knows how to draw contact on his way to the rim. Oweh has a good release on his free throws and is capable of knocking down open jumpers from distance. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901980" first="Brady" last="Muller"] </strong>may not be the biggest name in Blair Academy’s backcourt, but he is ready to take a big role on the team in 2021-22. The Bucknell commit works hard on both ends of the floor and is unafraid of diving after loose balls. Muller can also knock down jumpers from deep with his clean shooting form, but can also get to the basket.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901957" first="Jayden" last="Lemond"]</strong> was already slotted to take over the point guard role, but his scoring will also take a bump. The 6’3 guard is a pure point guard prospect who loves getting his teammates involved, but can also finish around the basket. Lemond’s play at the NYC Invitational proved he is ready for a big 2021-22 season as his stock continues to rise.</p> <p>Underclassmen guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013073" first="Carnegie" last="Johnson"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="829428" first="Jayden" last="Williams"]</strong> should also get good looks after playing well in the Blair bubble. The former plays with great instincts on the defensive and has the speed to be a one-man fast break. Williams plays with good court vision and knows how to make his teammates better when he’s on the floor.</p> <p>Cuffee Jr.’s move changes the 2022 recruiting landscape as it opens up a spot in the top 10. Manasquan’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901942" first="Ben" last="Roy"]</strong> moves into the top 10 and has an opportunity to climb even higher. The two-time Shore Conference Player of the Year can score at all three levels and is a leader on the floor.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="990936" first="Quadir" last="Copeland"]</strong> becomes the second best combo guard in the 2022 class and his recruitment should intensify. The 6’5 guard has great court vision and can thread the needle with his passes. Copeland is more than just a facilitator as he can finish above the rim, make tough shots through contact and bury jumpers from distance.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1125586" first="Ziare" last="Wells"]</strong> had a strong showing at the NYC Invitational and is another prospect who should benefit from Cuffee Jr.’s move. The 6’6 lefty is at his best attacking the basket and can finish in a variety of ways around the rim. Wells is capable of running the offense in a pinch as he knows how to push the pace in transition and makes good passes in the half court.</p> <p>New Jersey basketball changed for 2021-22 with Cuffee Jr.’s decision, which should make for an exciting basketball season to come this winter.</p>