Raul Cruz
About Raul
Expert Analysis
Robbie Hodin | Prep Hoops Scout
Cruz ran the show for Nobles against an aggressive Boston Latin Academy point of attack defense, and he never once looked rush or out of control. He handles the ball very well and has solid quickness, and he’s a special one-handed live-dribble passer, which makes him a great floor general. He also makes the three ball and uses his strength and density quite effectively—he’s a 6-foot-2 and VERY strong. Defensively, he’s always in the passing lane and has very active hands, so he does a good job as a team defender. He should be an excellent piece for Nobles this season and will likely start at the PG position.
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Read EvaluationRobbie Hodin | Prep Hoops Scout
#109 to #87 (+22)
Cruz is a skilled and high IQ point guard who can comfortably run your offense. The 6-foot-2 guard isn’t especially jumpy or lightning quick, but he plays at his own pace and really understands how to use his body in space. He does a great job putting the defender in jail on the pick and roll, and he can make the right decision for himself or his teammates after he does so. He can also knock down the three ball off of both the catch and the dribble. A strong junior season at Nobles could really elevate Cruz’s stock.
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Read EvaluationTom Keller | Prep Hoops Scout
Cruz is a pesky floor general who thrives making plays for others and getting paint touches. He is an active defender and found ways to come up with steals. He plays with great pace and doesn’t get sped up by defenders. Nothing seems to faze him and makes excellent reads to find his teammates. Cruz is a prospect who should be tracked by scholarship programs.
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Read EvaluationWill Armishaw | Prep Hoops Scout
Cruz, a vocal presence at the lead guard spot, had a strong showing this summer with Team New England Basketball Club. A physcial guard, Cruz does a nice job of initiating offense both in the half-court and in transition. He has a quick first step and the strength to take a bump and keep going. He’s done a good job with his body the last few months and now shows more burst off the bounce. He’s a good decision maker and a high level shooter both off the bounce and when he slides off the ball. Defensively, he’s tough at the point of attack and is competitive on that end of the floor. He doesn’t back down from anyone and has a nose for the ball. He has all the intangibles that you look for out of the position and continues to show a solid skillset. He’s a prospect to watch going forward as he continues to develop his body and fine tune his skills.
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Read EvaluationMickey Parrella | Prep Hoops Scout
Raul Cruz
Raul
Cruz
6'2" | PG
Noble & Greenough | 2027
State
New E
is a strong and sturdy lead guard whose maturity on the offensive end is extremely impressive. The passing instincts he displays are awe-inspiring, as he makes quick and decisive calls while finding his teammates with high-velocity passes. Cruz always keeps his head up to any opportunity and the reads he makes throughout games would be labeled as advanced. He also can balance his ball moving by getting to his spots in the mid-range and knocking down off-the-bounce jumpers and runners. Cruz welcomes contact on his drives too, always playing tough and passionate with his heart on his sleeve. This intensity also translates to the defensive end, picking up opposing lead ball handlers and embracing difficult assignments. There’s a lot to fall in love with Cruz, and coaches will probably feel similarly.
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