Level Evaluation: South Florida Prospects (Part 3)

Michael Costeines

July 22, 2021 @ 02:56 PM

I will continue to look at different prospects and where I believe they currently sit in regards to the college level. Social media (YouTube) is another tool I have looked into for research. Obviously, you have to look at highlight tapes with a grain of salt. I still encourage prospects to create a video and include miscellaneous information like GPA or volunteer work. You are building a resume for a college program. Let’s look into this list.... [player_tooltip player_id="955602" first="Anquan" last="Boldin Jr"]. - St. Andrew’s 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="955602" first="Anquan" last="Boldin Jr"]. might be the most intriguing prospect going into the fall. I think you can make a valid argument he is the best pure athlete on the court in a majority of games. Without question, Boldin can dunk on a big or come out of nowhere for a swat with his vertical. All you have to do is go on Twitter to see it. Now, I think Boldin’s basketball skill continues to evolve. He is still polishing his scoring ability on all three levels. I think the everyday tribulations of being a playmaking guard is where he continues to develop. Things like making the right pass or read comes to mind. Over the last few months, I looked at him as a D2 player. However, Boldin’s play this summer on the circuit is trending upward. In addition, he should see an increased role with St. Andrew’s as a senior. Can you say break out? I’m not saying he’s going to Duke, but I wouldn’t write this kid off as a D-1 prospect. Let’s start on the lower tier, for now. [player_tooltip player_id="962596" first="Gavin" last="Aydelotte"] - The Benjamin School 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="962596" first="Gavin" last="Aydelotte"] is a dime a dozen in terms of measurables. He is 6-foot-10 and weighs roughly 210 pounds. I think you can count on one hand the amount of kids like that in this region. The difference? Aydelotte is not a stiff at his height and he can move. He has the athleticism and footwork to make plays in the paint. In contrast, I have watched kids of similar size who look like a stone wall in the post. I am also aware Aydelotte can pop out and hit a perimeter shot. You know he is going to be able to block shots and rim protect at his length. Aydelotte will only put on more mass and become more athletic over time. He looks like a safe bet at the D2 level already. However, I am going to project him to become a D1 kid. I look forward to watching him play this season and beyond. [player_tooltip player_id="814907" first="Kaleb" last="Walters"] - Miramar 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="814907" first="Kaleb" last="Walters"] is a 6-foot-5 kid with hops. I would love to see his vertical jump with those things that shift on the pole at pro combines. His athleticism to get into the lane and play above the rim is natural. Moreover, he can score off the dribble and get to his spot on the floor. I think his overall shooting ability is only getting better. In particular, Walters’ mid-range and perimeter attack. He has been offered by North Carolina A&T, Texas Southern and Bradley. While those are great offers, I think Walters can land more prominent mid-majors. I am actually surprised he only has three offers right now. Why? He has the size, length, and athleticism for a two guard/wing. It could be in part due to his layoff last season. Either way, Walters has high upside. [player_tooltip player_id="1055719" first="Christian" last="Reid"] - Mater Lakes Academy I am going down to the 2024 class and projecting [player_tooltip player_id="1055719" first="Christian" last="Reid"] to be a D2/ low-major D-1 player already. I don’t believe he has any offers yet, but I am putting my faith in what I have seen and heard. Reid is a 6-foot-4 guard that had a huge season for SLAM! as a freshman. He helped the Titans win 12 games and averaged 15.4 points and 8.8 rebounds per game while shooting 58 percent from the floor. His backcourt size and production to this point warrants a prediction. I think his move to Mater Lakes Academy will elevate his game and give him more exposure. [player_tooltip player_id="1163357" first="Amare" last="Sanders"] - Gulliver Prep 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="1163357" first="Amare" last="Sanders"] is going to morph into a D-1 player. The last time I saw him he was in the 6-foot-1 range. However, he should grow to be 6-foot-4 or more. His brother, [player_tooltip player_id="827888" first="Tony" last="Sanders"], is 6-foot-7 and plays at Notre Dame. While having great lineage, Sanders already plays with a high-level of athleticism at his current height. Moreover, he handles the ball well and can get to the rim effectively. I think also playing in a Gulliver Prep system he is familiar with will help. Sanders has been in the program for years and plays under a great coach in Gary DeCesare. For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.