Post-Season Preview: can Governor’s Academy make a run?
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Despite their 10-11 record (5-6 in league), Governor’s academy can beat any opponent on any given day. They play controlled, selfless basketball, and they’re able to hit their fair share of threes, which can keep them in any game. They…
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Continue ReadingDespite their 10-11 record (5-6 in league), Governor’s academy can beat any opponent on any given day. They play controlled, selfless basketball, and they’re able to hit their fair share of threes, which can keep them in any game. They also defend as a team, with toughness and discipline. Here are some of the guys that make this team go.
Underclassmen to Look Out For:
Ferdinando is one of my favorite underclassmen to watch. He’s only a sophomore and is fairly underdeveloped physically, so I could see him becoming a high level division one prospect in a couple years if genetics are in his favor. He’s got a really excellent feel for the game for such a young player, and he can work both on and off the ball. On ball, he handles the rock pretty well, has a solid first step getting to the hoop, and can finish around larger defender. He also has an incredibly quick release and great tight-window passing ability; the ball barely touches his hands before he lets it fly and he’s a phenomenal dump down passer once he gets into the lane. Most impressive, though, is Ferdinando’s off ball ability. He’s terrific at reading and using screens, and he’s got a never ending motor. He can be inserted into any offense, because he cuts hard and is willing to make the extra pass to teammates.
Mukisa Mubiru-nkugwa
Mukisa Mubiru-nkugwa
One of the better underclassmen athletes I’ve seen. Not only does he burst by defenders and leap with the best of them, but he has excellent body control at the hoop. He’s able to take contact in the air and still finish with his strong left hand, and he has really solid footwork in terms of getting into his finishing bag. He’s also a capable three point shooter with a nice looking shot, so I could imagine him improving as he gets older in that aspect. The most transferable skill that “Momo” has, though, is his defense. I saw him go toe to toe with Jayden Ndjigue Jayden Ndjigue 6’4″ | CG Rivers School | 2023 State New E — a senior who’s committed to play for UMASS next season — during a game earlier this season. Momo stood his ground physically and was able to contest shots with his quick twitch athleticism and great instincts. The defensive end is where he places his footprint on the game.
Wertz is a really fundamentally sound player. He’s got great footwork getting into his pull up jumper (which he goes to quite often), and he can use screens and attack closeouts with great feel. He always makes the extra pass, and he rarely fails to make the correct pass/shoot read one he gets into the lane. He’s also a very solid and tough athlete, which allows him to defend against and rebound with players who are a lot bigger than him. He’s just a great player for any team to have, because he can make decisions with or without the ball and is an intelligent and sound basketball player.
X-Factors that could make an impact:
Roel is definitely the best finisher on this Governor’s team (although they have multiple solid players at the rim). He’s truly a one-man fast break; when he gets a head of steam with the ball, he’s incredibly difficult to stay in front of. He also has excellent body control once he gets to the rim (like his teammate Momo). Most impressive, however, are his exquisite lefty finishes, where he fully extends his weak hand outwards after taking contact vertically and finishes with touch and vigor. This ability to finish with both hands separates him as a finisher. He’s also a capable shooter; he has unconventional rotation on the ball but he has a tight shot pocket and can get his shot off after both dribbling and catching. Defensively, he uses his strength and density to guard bigger defenders, which will help him at the next level.
Ian Murray
Ian Murray
Murray will be playing next year at Middlebury College, which is the perfect fit for him. He’s an excellent ball-mover and shooter, which will allow him to fit right into a NESCAC offense that likes to get everyone involved offensively. He also seems like the glue to this Governor’s team. They’re most confident with him handling full-court defensive pressure, because he’s calm and collected with the basketball in his hands. He uses his body well against strong defenders, and he makes quick and effective triple-threat decisions on the catch. He’s also a very solid rebounder and defender — just the kind of guy that every NESCAC program is looking for. I expect him to come in and make an impact right away at the next level.