Closer Look: Five 2025 Prospects Coaches Should Have Eyes On

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the class of 2025 gears up for another season, a few rising prospects are catching the attention of college coaches and scouts. These athletes are working relentlessly both on the court and in the classroom, ensuring they are ready to make a name for themselves at the next level. Here are five prospects you should keep a close watch on:<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2306302' first='Jed' last='Dickens'] | Forward | 6'10 | North Florida Christian | @jed_dickens25</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a towering 6'10 frame, Dickens can be a matchup nightmare. He shot an impressive 50% from beyond the arc last season, which makes him a dual-threat big who can stretch the floor and punish defenses that sag off him. His combination of size and smooth shooting stroke is rare, especially for a player who runs the floor as well as Dickens does. To top it off, he also makes an appearance on the football field on Friday Nights,&nbsp; proving he's an all-around athlete. His mix of athletic prowess and academic discipline has piqued the interest of several schools, including Elon, Navy, Air Force, Troy, and USC Upstate. While he already holds offers from Bevill State, Onondaga, and Central International, expect more schools to come knocking soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2301686' first='Augustine' last='Ayelyine'] | PF | 2025 | University Christian | @big_aug13</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Talk about a kid that can make a real impact at the next level. Not sure how this kid doesn't have more attention with a 6-9 frame, explosive athleticism, and a high upside to keep developing. He's now on my radar but college coaches need to get eyes on Ayelyine before it's too late.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2427089' first='LJ' last='Katz'] Jr | Point Guard | 6'0 | IMG Academy | @LJKatz4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A knockdown three-point shooter, [player_tooltip player_id='2427089' first='LJ' last='Katz'] Jr. has been quietly building his case as a real riser in the 2025 class. At 6'0, Katz is known for his deadly shooting from deep, but he's not content to be one-dimensional. He's been grinding in the gym to expand his offensive repertoire and refine his ball-handling, ensuring he's ready to run the show at the next level.In addition to his shooting, Katz has been focusing on his strength and conditioning to prepare for the physicality of college ball. His work ethic is undeniable, and college coaches looking for a reliable floor general should have their eyes on Katz heading into the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1620359' first='Jeremy' last='Nixon'] | G | 2025 | Kathleen | @JeremyNixon_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nixon is one of the better rising 2025 prospects not just in Polk but the entire state. He jumps out of the gym when watching his film while using his 6'5 frame to dominate smaller guards and flash his smooth knock-down jump shot. Nixon is a potential wing/guard at the next level that will be a true scoring threat as he continues to develop. The offers are rolling in with recents from New College of Florida, Dean College, and Rhodes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1420876' first='Semaj' last='Washington'] | Combo Guard | 6'1 | Central Florida Christian Academy | @_Semaj_02</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1420876' first='Semaj' last='Washington'] is the kind of guard who brings excitement every time he touches the ball. Standing at 6'1, Washington combines quickness and agility, making him a constant threat to slice through defenses. He's a slick ball handler who can blow by defenders, but he's also been sharpening his jumper to keep them honest. Defensively, Washington is a menace. His quick hands and footwork allow him to rack up steals and disrupt the opposing team's flow. He's been putting in the work both on the court and in the weight room, preparing to take his game to the next level. Coaches looking for a gritty, do-it-all guard should have Washington high on their list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->