Raw prospects who are making strides towards their potential
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The word of the day is upside. Players in this article may be projects today that could pay dividends in the near future. While since of these prospects have produced their best basketball is well ahead of them. If you’re…
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Continue ReadingThe word of the day is upside. Players in this article may be projects today that could pay dividends in the near future. While since of these prospects have produced their best basketball is well ahead of them. If you’re a coach looking to develop talent here are five prospects for you to keep an eye on.
Ta’Bryant Wooden is raw and athletic 6’4 forward. He has all the tools to be a college prospect but will likely need a post grad or developmental year before he’s ready to contribute at a high level. Luckily he has the physical tools, motor, and athletic gifts you can’t teach. He’s highly competitive and produces on both ends of the floor on effort alone. Wooden plays more like a front court players but flashes of handle in transition and solid shooting mechanics point to wing skills that could make him more versatile.
Jerdarius Jackson is a point guard that I’ve had my eye on for the better parts of two seasons. He’s had the playmaking instincts and IQ for the game since he stepped on the floor out lacked the aggression to dominate a game with them. Now as a sophomore who’s grown several inches, added weight to his frame, and has found his role on the floor he’s taking his game to the next level. He’s a stat sheet stuffer who rarely turns the ball over while showcasing an ability to set up plays for teammates and flashes three level scoring ability. His best games have come against older point guards with college futures. A breakout summer or junior year could be on the way for the slender 6’2 ball handler.
It’s hard to call Kymani Weathers Kymani Weathers 6'8" | C The Villages | 2026 State FL raw when considering how wide his skillset is but his growth over the last year may show he’s just scratching the surface. At 6’8 he’s a versatile defender who can move his feet against mobile bigs, protect the rim as a weak side rim protector, and is developing the strength to hold his own in the post. Offensively Weathers flashes a jumper out beyond the high school three, finishes above and around the basketball, and has the ability to push the ball in transition. The thing that lands him in articles like this are many of these things are flashes today. Just over a month ago he was cleared to play ball after a wrist injury and because of that I’m willing to project he’ll turn those flashes into sustained play as he goes into the summer and fall.
Janiel Polanco has a clear skillet for a combo guard it’s the physical that make him raw. He’s Listed at 6’1 and 140 pounds but can shoot well from deep and finish through contact. Adding size to his frame while compiling a solid resume in the Miami area will certainly help his case for the next level,
Maddox Palmer Maddox Palmer 6'4" | SG Beachside | 2026 State FL is a 6’5 wing that just had to put it all together to reach the promise he came into high school with. The physical tools and skillset are present but the production is lacking. Since the second half of the season he’s started to turn the corner as a scorer and rebounder. Sophomore slumps are common at all levels but as he continues to play his way out of it the handle, finishing, and effort are becoming more prevalent.