Recruiting Update: Florida Prospects and Beyond
Chol Marial, IMG Academy
At 7-foot-3 and a hyper efficient target around the rim, Marial has been a nationally recognized name (and indubitable Youtube sensation since stepping foot on U.S. soil) since playing varsity alongside Corey Sanders at West Oaks Academy.
Though he’s dealt with a spate of nagging injuries, Marial has the athleticism to move fluidly across the floor and really create issues in the post. While he needs to pack on muscle to his spindly and lengthy frame, he’s got all the tools to eventually be a lottery pick.
While Marial may have flirted with the idea of taking a post-graduate year and going directly to the pay-for-play route a la Anfernee Simons, he’s now focused on preparing for high major basketball.
Georgetown has surfaced as a potential favorite, with head coach and legendary Knick Patrick Ewing investing considerable effort in the prized recruit.
Those who have coached Marial over the years, including newly minted Winchendon Academy (Mass.) coach Kevin Kehoe, have often waxed poetic on how coachable, loyal, and hard-working he is.
He’s got all the immeasurable intangibles to be the “safe bet” recruit.
If Marial does wind up at Georgetown and therefore keeps the Hoyas’ tradition of stud post players intact, anticipate a one-and-done.
RJ Duhart, Atlantic
The 6-foot-8, Class of 2019 forward is a fluid scorer and hustle heavy prospect.
He’s primarily had to play the role of true big at Delray Beach-based Atlantic, albeit he’s shifted to a wide ranging go-to scorer who can step out and bury a deep feathery jumper.
Duhart showed production from three-point territory at the tail end of last season.
He morphed into the type of multi-faceted forward Division-I coaches tend to keep tabs on daily.
Duhart, who was offered by FGCU in the winter, has now received interest from Florida Atlantic.
First year FAU head coach Dusty May, a staple on the recruiting trails throughout the state since he was an associate head coach under Mike White at Florida, will host Duhart on campus this ensuing week.
FAU assistant Kyle Church, who also worked under Mike White at Florida, is sold on the local prospect’s upside.
Ody Oguama, Woodstock Academy
The 6-foot-8 forward from North Carolina brings a high motor. His versatility is quite evident given his ability to shoot the ball from distance and put it on the deck a bit.
He runs the floor fluidly and also scores on hustle points and point-blank finishes with relative ease.
Radford, Elon, New Hampshire, Coastal Carolina, and countless others are getting involved in his recruitment. At a high profile national program of Woodstock’s magnitude, expect Oguama to prosper and garner even more mid major visibility.
Thomas Fortier, NTSI Orlando
The 6-foot-4 guard has an attribute that cannot be gauged or measured by any means, a monstrous motor.
He’s constantly fighting for 50-50 balls and bringing unbridled ferocity out there on the court. He’s developed a smooth and consistent 3-point shot, along with rapidly increased court sense and passing acumen. He’s got all the tools to be a very solid four-year player at a Division-II or NAIA program.
Conor Seville, NTSI Orlando
Like Fortier, Seville plays a lot bigger than he is and a lot tougher than his 6-foot-5, 170-pound frame would indicate. He’s constantly scoring around the rim and getting free for good looks at the basket. He hustles every play and can guard multiple positions. The Australian-bred guard/forward started the year as a primary scorer, transitioned to more of supplementary piece, and then re-registered his presence as a hard-nosed forward who could impose his will on a game.
Aleksandr Kaiukov, International
The 6-foot-3 combination guard from Russia brings advanced handle and an ability to create plays for others.
That much was on display during workouts in Boca Raton, Fla. He’s got a dependable pull up jumper and has a quick release from beyond the arc. Just how well he spots up and shoots the ball and gets open for 3-point burials are impressive facets of his game.
Part of his day to day progression will involve adapting to the speed and strength of the American game. He needs to assert himself more on the drive and learn how to attack and really go at rim protectors. Expect him to land at a Florida-based post graduate program next season.
Red Devils Post Grad Academy, NTSI Orlando, Inspire Prep Academy, and others are potential destinations for the promising but unproven guard.
Brandon Redendo, Trinity Pawling
At 6-foot-2 and 155 pounds, Redendo is a true 3-point rainmaker. He’s got great range on his 3-point shot and has also shown efficiency from mid-range as well. He’s a guy that would be a quintessential supplementary piece as a knockdown shooter on a loaded lineup. He’s played at a high level, having spent a year under the legendary coach Hurley at now defunct St. Anthony’s in New Jersey.
His handle has improved tremendously and the way he sees the floor is promising. He averaged 21 points at Trinity Pawling this past season. Has offers from multiple Division-II programs.
Mike Medlin, Hill (JUCO)
The former Shooting 4 Greatness (N.C.) star is a 6-foot-8, 185-pound 2-3 who scores the ball efficiently and allows the game to come to him. He averaged 14.5 points and 7.8 boards this past season at Hill (TX). Bryant, Sam Houston State, Oklahoma, and UTEP have all expressed interest in Medlin. When pushed and locked in, he’s got the tools to be an extremely special player.
He scored 26 points and then 30 points against Hargrave Military Academy (Va.) back during the 2015-16 campaign, with his scoring engine earning plaudits even from Hargrave’s coaches after the game. His most memorable performance ever, however, was a 46-point and 25-rebound game against Sandhills Community College while at S4G under Kyle Solomon.
Kai Mitchell, Hutchinson CC (JUCO)
A man-child 6-foot-6 forward, Mitchell could be a high major recruit if he were 6-foot-8 or 6-foot-10 as opposed to 6-6. The bullish guard/forward scores the ball at all three levels and is a naturally gifted passer who really knows the tendencies of his teammates. Headed to Sam Houston State, Mitchell has the potential to be an instant impact guy. His presence on the glass, toughness, and motor are noteworthy components of his game.
Mitchell, who graduated from Spring Valley High School in Rockland County, N.Y., has played at a high level everywhere he has been. And produced. This could get interesting.