2025 rankings round table (2023 winter edition)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The junior class rankings have expanded to 100 members, ripe for the picking. 25 prospects were given the green light as their continued production made it a hard list to cut. We're answering four burning questions in the rankings round table to highlight our newest update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who has the highest ceiling?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Florida's 2025 class is loaded with high-level talent in its top quadrant. Alex Lloyd is becoming one of the most efficient scorers in the state and uses his increased athleticism to become a two-way player. Lloyd capable of shutting down passing lanes and making crucial defensive stops. [player_tooltip player_id='1301787' first='Jalen' last='Reece'] has the shooting and footwork to challenge any guard in the country. [player_tooltip player_id='2145508' first='Darius' last='Acuff']'s journey from dangerous scorer to offensive hub has been a revelation leading to IMG's biggest wins this season. Outside of the top 20, there are guys like [player_tooltip player_id='2145510' first='TJ' last='Drain'], [player_tooltip player_id='1418700' first='Ladainian' last='Brooks'], [player_tooltip player_id='1620357' first='Joseph' last='Gayle'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2306288' first='Kalvin' last='Venegeto'] who have insane physical tools and athleticism that could make major leaps if everything clicks for them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which prospect from your area is ranked too low?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>By the end of the season, [player_tooltip player_id='2306293' first='Almani' last='Aw'] could have a significant leap. He's a long, 6'11 big with the athleticism to affect the paint on both ends of the floor. A season of playing against SIAA competition will give him the film and production he needs to be considered a national prospect. He's already racked up several D1 offers. Our team just needs to see him in person with SFA Academy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who has the potential to outplay their ranking this summer?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westminster's 6'3 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2306284' first='Ethan' last='Bertrand'] fits the bill. He's a recent transfer from Belgium still adjusting to the speed of the American game. He has played high-level teams at the City of Palms and dueled against 7A powerhouse Oak Ridge. He rarely turns the ball over, has a high feel for the game, and has a positional size to catch your attention. As he finds his confidence and understands his role on his new team, he'll be able to show his full game more often.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Anyone you think will play their way onto this list?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2147104' first='Heri' last='Sefu Bukinga'] is a no-brainer for the next update. His name was lost during the off-season, but his production at DME has put him back on our radar. He's a 6'11 big who runs the floor, finishes around the rim, and has the physical tools to produce in high-level games. With all the size and talent in DME's front court, it's the perfect training ground for a talented big man.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->