Jordan’s Kingdom of the Sun Standouts (Part 1)
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The Kingdom of the Sun featured some of the most exciting players from around the state of Florida and beyond. Here is the first group of guys who caught my eye at this year’s Kingdom: Justin Weatherspoon HEIGHT 6'0" POS…
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Continue ReadingThe Kingdom of the Sun featured some of the most exciting players from around the state of Florida and beyond. Here is the first group of guys who caught my eye at this year’s Kingdom:
Justin Weatherspoon
Justin Weatherspoon
Weatherspoon was the main man on offense in Viera’s loss to Suncoast on Day 2. As the team’s primary ball handler, Weatherspoon was quick to show that he had a deep bag. His hesitation moves and direction changes kept a well-trained Suncoast defense on their toes. And after hitting the defense with a dribble move, Weatherspoon could score in a variety of ways. His jumper was well-developed and he was unafraid to go downhill, even with 6-8 big man Ian Smikle Ian Smikle 6’9″ | C Suncoast | 2024 State FL waiting on the block. Viera played a close one in the game I watched against a very talented Suncoast team, and Weatherspoon was their primary motor. Look for him to make some waves on the Space Coast this year.
Amir Cason
Amir Cason
Cason added the scrappy, tough element that Viera needed to keep it close with a talented Suncoast team. Cason, at 5-8, was the smallest guy on the floor at any moment. But that didn’t stop him from being the most aggressive player on the floor as well. Against larger offensive players and arguably more skilled players like Nate Sasser Nate Sasser 6’6″ | SG Suncoast | 2023 State #207 Nation FL and Stone Bureau Stone Bureau 6’0″ | PG Calvary Christian Academy, Ft. Lauderdale | 2024 State FL , Cason was unafraid to get in their face and force them to make a move. On offense, he was an energetic presence who was able to fly past defenders and force the defense to stay aware. His defensive prowess kept Viera in this game. He’s the prime example of “Mr. Hustle” and will continue to torture offenses all year.
While Suncoast’s Big 3 struggled a bit in the two games I watched, Smikle stood out as the most consistent and effective. Standing at 6-8 with a large frame, Smikle was able to catch the ball against smaller defenders and turn to get easy baskets. He is unafraid to throw his weight around on offense, and has improved his footwork around the basket. On defense, his size and IQ pushed defenders outside the paint and forced Viera to take tougher shots. With his improved footwork, awareness and build, Smikle looks like he could swing it at a competitive Division 1 program. Coaches who haven’t already looked into Smikle should start now.