Freakish Freshmen, South Florida
Kuran Bryant, Coral Gables
Unlike most 6-foot-3 Class of 2022 prospects who enter the higher level needing to adjust their play, Bryant has already established a guard’s skill set. He can shoot it from outside and really penetrate the teeth of the defense with his thunderous finishing. He’s played at a high level this summer, churning out high 20s and 30-point games on some monumental stages. Because he’s played as a guard at higher levels and a forward at the age appropriate level, he has that multi-dimensional quality to him. He will handle multiplicity role defensively, switching on guards and bigs and guarding from the 1-4 instantly. He’s got the chance to be one of the top immediate impact freshman in the city, hovering around the Top-3 of Class of 2022 prospects.
Brandon Garcia, Palmetto
Garcia’s shiftiness, high horsepower style of play, crafty finishing ability, and feel for the game are all well beyond his years. With his ability to slash and switch up his shot inside the lane, Garcia manufactures points in a variety of ways. The 6-foot-3 Class of 2022 prospect has an electrifying game, as he’s able to really handle the ball and playmake with the ball in his hands. He makes sound decisions with the ball in his hands and enters this season with the reputation of a very heady player.
He’s one of the more prolific scorers on the drive as you’ll find in his age group.
Ramon Valdez, Miami High
The 6-foot-2 Class of 2022 guard has developed an advanced first step. He’s got a good build to play at defensively and has showcased a reliable and feathery shot. IQ-wise, he knows how to operate in the halfcourt set and make timely decisions. If he can perform in high pressure minutes and make a seamless transition to the rigors of high level play, he will continue to progress as one of the city’s top guards.
Andrew Bynum, SLAM Academy
The pugnacious and tough 5-foot-6 guard has a knack for rising to the challenge. His competitive juices and laser-focus allow him to come alive during late stretches of the game, scoring and facilitating when it matters. His shot has really come along over the last few months, though he needs to develop a quicker release and adjust to the ramped up defensive coverage he will attract at the next level. Bynum is part of a lineage of tough, hot-shooting guards which have come through a reputable SLAM Academy system. The program has really groomed talent the right way in the backcourt, as evidenced by guys such as Isaad Solano and Jordan Hamburger.
Levertis Williams, Coral Reef HS
The bouncy 6-foot-3 wing has the look of a swiss army knife at this level. There were several important performances this summer in which Williams contributed in nearly every statistical category of the game. A route double digit scorer, Williams also led his team in rebounding and assists.
Defensively, he was a part of the smothering pressure applied by a long and versatile Florida Lightning team which instigated a flurry of turnovers. A high caliber athlete with high-rising bounce and finesse finishing, Williams catalyzed the defensive game and often found himself turning these steals into open court finishes. Beyond being a ball hawk in the press and playing above the rim, Williams proved he can knock down the 3-pointer and stretch out defenses. Williams was a key piece in a talent-laced 20222 Florida Lightning squad.
James Morman, Homestead
The 5-foot-8 guard has a well rounded offensive game and knows how to find places at the opportune time. This elite-level know how and timing makes him a reliable and calming influence with the ball in his hands.
He’s additionally shown reliability as a shot-maker who can keep defenders off balance with his head fakes and nifty up and under finishing through traffic.