NJAC Breakout Prospects to Watch

The opening week of practices in the Garden State is starting to wrap up as teams are getting reading for the upcoming season. Players are looking to take big steps forward from last year, especially in the NJAC. Here are the NJAC breakout players to watch this season.

Michael Van Raaphorst Michael Van Raaphorst 6'3" | SG Delbarton | 2024 State NJ , 6’3 SG Delbarton 2024

Van Raaphorst had a strong summer for Unity Legends and is looking to carry it over into his junior season. The 6’3 guard attacks the basket hard as he is a solid finisher around the basket and is unafraid of drawing contact. Van Raaphorst moves well without the ball in his hands and can knock down open jumpers on the perimeter. He is a solid rebounder and an underrated defender. Van Raaphorst will get more touches in the half court for Delbarton, which should help his stock this season.

Ethan Almeida Ethan Almeida PG Hackettstown | 2023 State NJ , PG Hackettstown 2023

Almeida had a solid junior campaign for the Tigers and is looking to have an even bigger senior season. He has a quick release on his jumper and sets his feet before he shoots. Almeida is more than just a shooter as he can also get to the rim and finish around the basket. He works hard on the glass and has the potential to play off the ball. Almeida had eight 20-point games last season and should have more in 2022-23.

Karson Culuko Karson Culuko 6'2" | SG Pequannock | 2024 State NJ , 6’2 SG Pequannock 2024

Culuko led the Panthers in scoring last season and should increase his numbers with three of the team’s top five scorers graduating. The 6’2 guard has a good handle, which he uses to get to the basket and finish. Culuko plays under control with the ball in his hands as he rarely forces shots in the half court and rises up with confidence on his jumper. He gets deflections on the defensive end and is an underrated passer. Culuko had four 20-point games last season and should eclipse that mark with his ability to score inside and out.

Logan McBurney Logan McBurney 6'3" | SG Montville | 2025 State NJ , 6’1 SG Montville 2025

McBurney will be one to watch in the NJAC as he should make an impact for Montville this season. The 6’1 guard attacks the basket strong and is a good finisher around the basket. McBurney knows how to get to his spot on the floor and has a nice release on his jumper. He is a strong rebounder for a guard and works hard on the defensive end. McBurney is a hard-working guard prospect who should get touches for Montville on the offensive end.

Michaelangelo Oberti Michaelangelo Oberti 6'10" | C Morris Catholic | 2024 State NJ , 6’9 C Morris Catholic 2024

Oberti had a strong summer AAU season with the Beasts and is looking to carry it over into his junior campaign. The 6’9 post knows how to get position down low and has a good touch around the rim. Oberti is good in the pick-and-pop game as he sets solid screens in the half court and can hit open jumpers on the perimeter. He rips down rebounds at both ends of the floor and uses his length to influence shots around the basket. Oberti’s ability to control the paint is something that will help his game in a big way this season.