MLK I Have a Dream Challenge: The Top 10
I’ve been trying to give multiple players from multiple teams looks as we head into this weekend’s MLK I Have a Dream Challenge. The showcase runs from January 14th-17th at Somerset Academy Pines. As I’ve stated, the 29-team field is…
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Continue ReadingI’ve been trying to give multiple players from multiple teams looks as we head into this weekend’s MLK I Have a Dream Challenge. The showcase runs from January 14th-17th at Somerset Academy Pines.
As I’ve stated, the 29-team field is loaded with talent.
For today, I would like to give my personal Top 10.
1: Jaylen Carey Jaylen Carey 6'8" | PF Westminster Academy | 2023 State #129 Nation FL – Westminster Academy
Carey is 15th in our 2023 rankings so I don’t think you can go wrong here. The 6-foot-8 power forward can take one step and finish above the rim. Carey is a powerful player once he makes that initial move. In addition, his footwork complements his size in the paint. If he gets touches, Carey will methodically wear an opponent down. I also think he’s done a better from the free-throw line. Carey is churning out 20-point, ten-rebound performances. If he takes care of the basketball, I think it’s a done deal inside ten feet. Carey holds offers from Ole Miss and Florida Gulf Coast.
2: Kolby King Kolby King 6'2" | PG Pembroke Pines | 2022 State FL – Pembroke Pines Charter
2022 Kolby King Kolby King 6'2" | PG Pembroke Pines | 2022 State FL brings a ton of electricity with the ball in his hands. The 6-foot-2 guard has another step from the 3-point line to the rim. Moreover, his body control and expertise in the air is impressive. King can pull up from the perimeter as well. On defense, he can track his opponent with quick hands and strong lateral movement. He is a two-time state champion and St. John’s commit. King is averaging just under 17 points per game.
3: Justin Johnson Justin Johnson 6'7" | PF Doral | 2023 #229 Nation FL – Doral Academy
2022 Justin Johnson Justin Johnson 6'7" | PF Doral | 2023 #229 Nation FL runs the floor well for his size. The 6-foot-7 guard/forward can take it from end-to-end or slash his way off the perimeter in the halfcourt. Furthermore, Johnson has good footwork to create space in scoring situations. He is a willing passer as well with good vision. Overall, his versatility (rebounding) is an advantage given his frame. He holds an offer from Georgetown and Florida Gulf Coast.
4: Alexander Lloyd Alexander Lloyd 6'4" | SG Westminster | 2025 State #64 Nation FL – Westminster Academy
I’m giving 2025 Alexander Lloyd Alexander Lloyd 6'4" | SG Westminster | 2025 State #64 Nation FL the five-star treatment. The 6-foot-4 guard has been a fantastic shooter every time I’ve seen him play. We know Lloyd can get the rim with his ridiculous bounce. You give him any crease or airspace and Lloyd will attack. For a freshman, he seems confident from any point on the floor. The sky is the limit for Lloyd.
5: Guilherme Tesch Guilherme Tesch 6'8" | SF North Broward Prep | 2023 FL – North Broward
2022 Guilherme Tesch Guilherme Tesch 6'8" | SF North Broward Prep | 2023 FL is averaging over 17 points per game while shooting 54 percent from the field for the 15-0 Eagles. Moreover, he is 25-of-52 (48 percent) from beyond the arc. Tesch can stretch the floor and is a great passer. The resume is as good as anyone through January. Interest from low D1s have come his way. *UPDATE* Tesch is currently out with an injury.
6: Jimel Lane Jimel Lane 6'7" | PF Palmetto | 2022 State FL – Miami Palmetto
2022 Jimel Lane Jimel Lane 6'7" | PF Palmetto | 2022 State FL has morphed his game in recent months. The 6-foot-7 prospect has gotten better from the perimeter and overall as a big guard. His athleticism/size is steadfast as a forward with nine double-doubles. Moreover, Lane can run the floor with his burst and power his way down the lane for a dunk. Lane is averaging over 25 points and nearly 11 rebounds per game.
7: Andrew Akuchie Andrew Akuchie 6'8" | PF St. Thomas Aquinas | 2022 State FL – St. Thomas Aquinas
2022 Andrew Akuchie Andrew Akuchie 6'8" | PF St. Thomas Aquinas | 2022 State FL is a solid stretch four for the Raiders. The 6-foot-8 Akuchie executes the pick and pop well and can put the ball on the floor and finish at the rim. Akuchie has a ton of length to grab tough rebounds and multiply on blocks. He has a very high basketball IQ for a frontcourt player. Akuchie will only get better when he gets to Rice and puts on size. He is averaging just over 16 points and nine rebounds per game.
8: Kuran Bryant Kuran Bryant 6'5" | PF Coral Gables | 2022 State FL – Miami High
This kid by all accounts is a bulldozer on the floor. Bryant is upwards of 6-foot-5 with solid weight. He is a physical force in a halfcourt setting. Bryant is averaging 18.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game while shooting 59 percent from the floor. Could end up being much higher when I look at his game after the postseason. Tough kid with high upside.
9: Dwayne Wimbley Dwayne Wimbley 6'6" | SG Dillard | 2025 State #175 Nation FL Jr. – Dillard
I think Dillard has some of the best talent in this showcase when you include 2024 Jordyn Kee Jordyn Kee 6'5" | CG Coranado | 2024 NV and 2022 Gabriel Kincy Gabriel Kincy 6'7" | CG West Oaks | 2022 State FL . Throw in 6-foot-6 Dwayne Wimbley Dwayne Wimbley 6'6" | SG Dillard | 2025 State #175 Nation FL Jr. and I rest my case. This kid has it all with his size and speed on both ends. Wimberly can be a grab-and-go rebounder and pass the ball effectively in transition. He has a lot of upside given his frame and advanced shooting repertoire.
10) Gregory Spate Gregory Spate 6'6" Coral Springs | 2023 FL – Coral Springs
2022 Gregory Spate Gregory Spate 6'6" Coral Springs | 2023 FL appears to have a bright future at the collegiate level. I fully believe he will put on more size to go along with his 6-foot-6 frame. Spate plays the lead guard position well and can use his athleticism/wingspan to get to the rim. He has developed a nice perimeter game as well. Spate has received multiple D-1 offers.
Double Bonus: Give 2025 Dante Allen Dante Allen 6'5" | SF Riviera Prep | 2025 State #57 Nation FL a strong look and 2022 Justin Abson Justin Abson 6'9" | PF North Broward Prep | 2022 State #230 Nation FL . Allen is versatile guard/forward (6’4) while Abson is a terrific interior defender. The Appalachian State commit might be the best rim protector in this field.
Few notes:
2022’s Aidan Abell Aidan Abell 6'6" | SG Westminster Academy | 2022 State FL and Rickey Ballard Rickey Ballard 6'6" | CG Westminster | 2022 State FL (Westminster Academy) have been injured. Their return to the court is TBD. Osmar Garcia Araujo is not listed on Riviera Prep’s roster. All three of those players would have been considered.