Florida Grassroots – Team Preview: SOH Elite

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As grassroots kicks into high gear, we have one more team preview coming your way. Make sure to take notes on [program_tooltip program_id='2076347' first='SOH' last='Elite'] and add them to your schedule to catch on the circuit. Headlined by [player_tooltip player_id='1301718' first='Shon' last='Abaev'] and Justin Johnson, this year also should see a few 2025 and 2026 players assume larger roles and impact games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1660060"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"First up we have [player_tooltip player_id='1660060' first='Jasen' last='Lopez']. The pace setter for the squad. Though 6'0 and 170 lbs, Lopez is a pest defensively and last year averaged 3.2 steals per game. He should be able to affect the game in the same manner this year and lead the break for transition buckets. Lopez also is highly effective on catch and shoot looks from behind the arc hitting at a 46 percent clip last year. If Lopez pushes the tempo, he'll be able to find more open looks for himself driving to the cup and his teammates as he draws in the defense. Lopez also is coming off averaging 17.7 points last year as well. Getting into his shooting motion a bit quicker can help him make defenders playing him solidly and allowing Lopez more ability to catch, triple-threat, and then decide to drive or shoot.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662674731388a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1301710"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Next up, we're looking at [player_tooltip player_id='1301710' first='Anthony' last='Knowles']. Another combo guard sharing backcourt duties with Lopez who sets his teammates up but also spreads the floor with his driving ability and accuracy from inside the arc. Knowles is constantly on the move offensively and keeping his head up to find teammates on the move. He led his team in assists last year and should be able to continue that trajectory on the circuit. Defensively Knowles is that pesky disruptor, slicing into passing lanes and coming up with the steal to lead the break. His defensive activity leads to transition offense and open looks for his teammates.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662674731393c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1620360"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1620360' first='Pavle' last='Djeric'] is the 6'7 wing with a silky stroke from behind the arc. His feet are always set and squared to the basket, and he has a wide base he springs up from on his shot. Djeric's shooting mechanics are compact and repeatable and he should see an increase in his attempts and makes this year with an expanded role. As his game continues to grow and add new ripples, he can be a force on this year's squad.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66267473139ad"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1879504"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A forward out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, [player_tooltip player_id='1879504' first='Patrick' last='Liburd'] is next up on our preview. At 6'6” and 180 pounds, Liburd fills another position on the floor with length and high basketball IQ. Having shot over 45 percent from deep and close to 60 percent from the field overall last year, Liburd is ready to see more game action and continue to impress. He can jump out of the gym on the break but also lull his defender to sleep and explode by them with a quick first step and get into the paint. Behind the arc, his accuracy on catch-and-shoot opportunities also frees him up for dribble-jab moves to create space from his defender where he can rise up and shoot over them in. Liburd will surely have a few highlight worthy dunks this circuit but keep an eye on how he operates without the ball in his hands that show he is constantly thinking the game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6626747313a1f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make sure you get out to games and support your favorite players and local teams this year! Now you know who to be keyed in on so you get a peek at the future of the Florida hoops scene. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->