Team Preview: Governor’s Academy

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's NEPSAC preview season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I got a chance to watch Governor's Academy both this summer and at open gyms this fall, as well as seeing tons of their individual players during the AAU season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are some guys who should make an impact this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2568360"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6add2bd6619b7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nkugwa brings solid two-way play and a reliable, veteran point guard to this Governor's squad. The 6-foot senior is a three-level scorer who can make shots from three, has a smooth pull-up jumper, and can finish acrobatically with major craft at the rim. At an open gym I watched this month, the PG had a number of ridiculous finishes in the paint using both hands and exquisite footwork to get around the defense. Nkugwa is going to have the ball a lot for Governor's Academy this year and could see his recruitment pick up if he's able to show that he can consistently knock down the three ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2568438"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6add2bd661a13"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At this month's open gym, newcomer Ste. Marie was probably Governor's Academy's most impressive player. The 6-foot-6 forward knocked down tons of shots from three, but he also showcased the ability to drive closeouts and use nasty footwork and touch to score in the paint. He hits mid-range jumpers, too, and was able to find guys for open layups and threes when the defense started to collapse on him. Ste. Marie is only a junior, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is Govs' leading scorer this season. I would project him as a high level D3 player, but you never know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2633564"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6add2bd661a5c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rivera has consistently developed his game and gotten better month after month. At this month's open gym, the 6-foot-1 shooter missed a ton of shots early, but that didn't dissuade his confidence; he kept taking open looks and probably finished out the day at about 40% from three, which showcases his mental fortitude. The senior also made a number of excellent passes out of the pick and roll and showed a strong ability to attack the defense and make decisions in the paint. Rivera is going to be a nice two-way piece for Governor's Academy this season and will be a nice D3 player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2634195"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6add2bd661aa0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Org continues to get stronger and more skilled every time I watch him play. The 6-foot-6 forward had a number of really impressive finishes with his left hand at open gym, and he even stretched out his range to the three-point line a couple of times, which is intriguing. The senior has an excellent motor and fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor, and he also uses his size and athleticism to be quite versatile defensively. Org should find a D3 fit after this season but strikes me as someone who could continue to get a lot better as he plays college hoops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3801497"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6add2bd661ae3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Manning is quite skilled and intriguing. The 6-foot-6 forward is only a sophomore, but he has a beautiful outside shot and makes good decisions with the basketball. He can score in the post with footwork and touch, and he can also drive closeouts and get to his pull-up jumper (in addition to his three-point shot). For his age, he has a great court sense and good passing vision, too, which makes me think he'll only continue to get better as he gets stronger and more athletic. Manning will surprise some people this season and might play some serious minutes for Governor's Academy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3693916"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6add2bd661b25"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wilbon wasn't at open gym when I watched, but the 6-foot guard had quite the summer. He's one of the most athletic sophomores in the entire NEPSAC, and he's going to wow defenders with his ability to get above the rim off of both one or two feet. He can make shots from three, gets lots of elevation on his pull-up jumper, and is a relentless rim attacker. Wilbon is going to play his way onto the floor this season for Governor's Academy and has quite a future ahead if he can continue to develop his decision-making and facilitation capabilities. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2568389"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6add2bd661b68"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Like Wilbon, Murray is playing a fall sport and wasn't at open gyms. However, the 6-foot-3 senior is always going to bring excellent athleticism and defensive versatility to the game. He slides his feet extremely well, has active hands, and his length allows him to guard numerous positions effectively. Offensively, the SG is still developing his outside shot but really excels as a finisher in transition. Murray is going to find a D3 fit and will be a hard guy to keep off the floor because of all the little things he does.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->