Luis Rolon, Florida Gulf Coast University
Simply put, there were few (if any) better pure passers and playmakers in the country in 2019-20 than the surgical Luis Rolon. A strong and bullish guard, Rolon thrived at hitting the barrage of scoring options at his disposal. He churned out several games of double digit assists, beginning with a whopping 23 assists during two games at the prestigious Hoop Exchange All-American Jamboree in Tavares, Fla. at the start of the 2019-20 campaign.
Rolon’s ability to deliver pinpoint high-low passes, feed the post, and attract defenders in before whizzing it to an open teammate enabled him to garner offers from FGCU, Coastal Carolina, Stetson, and UMass. Rolon had 10+ double doubles throughout the season, including an 18 point, 15-assist performance during The Grind Session World Championships against Prolific Prep (CA). Rolon scored 21 points (8-for-13 FG), doled out eight assists and added three steals in a critical win over Trinity International during The Grind Session World Championships’ quarterfinals.
On the road to the White Tigers’ first ever SIAA championship, it was Rolon who scored 13 points and handed out seven assists during the 94-80 state semifinal win over The Rock School of Gainesville.
Victor Rosa, Florida Gulf Coast University
The 6-foot-6 Puerto Rico native established himself as one of the nation’s premiere 3-point assailants during his junior year, shooting a blistering 52-for-105 from beyond the arc.
As a more seasoned and battle-tested senior, Rosa set the program’s single game scoring record with 37 points (on the strength of 11 3-pointers) during a 71-53 thrashing of NFEI. Rosa also catalyzed the White Tigers en route to their first-ever SIAA semifinal victory (en route to a 2020 SIAA state title) scorching the nets to the tune of 24 points during the aforementioned 94-80 win over The Rock School.
Rosa will prolong his career alongside his teammate and friend Rosa at Florida Gulf Coast University, where they have the potential to be impact-ready freshmen for head coach Michael Fly this ensuing season. He’s a high level catch-and-stick threat who knows how to break open a game with his scoring and manufacture points in a variety of ways.
Jonathan Aybar, North Florida
The athletic 6-foot-9 Aybar was a major interior cog who submitted several double doubles throughout the 2019-20 campaign, including a 22-point and 10-board effort that propelled Central Pointe to the championship game for the first time in school history.
Aybar’s ability to dunk it with ease and also take bigs out of the paint with his short range jumper was a tremendous asset for Central Pointe, which featured another interior presence with hulking 6-foot-10, 240-pound behemoth Modibo Sanogo. A fluid athlete who runs the floor well and knows how to go to work inside like a traditional back to the rim Center, the native of the Dominican Republic oozes of upside.
Oskar Palmquist, Rutgers
The 6-foot-8 Sweden native erupted on the prep scene as a high quality finisher with a versatile skill-set and high basketball IQ that enables him to make heads-up plays.
Palmquist, he of the deft left handed touch, was also able to spread the floor and knock down the 3-point shot with consistency. He made a lasting early impression during a win over ABI in the Falltober Hoops Fest, scoring 26 points on the the strength of hard slashes, above the rim finishes, and outside shots. He’s got a throwback caliber game in that he could hit pull-up jumpers and spot up from mid-range and score.
The Class of 2020 Scarlet Knights signee played for the Sweden national team for several years, including a recent stint in which he played up a year for the U-20 team during the European Championships. Palmquist’s natural toughness, size, and skill set made a tremendous splash on the recruiting market early on. He wound up choosing Rutgers over Cincinnati, Western Kentucky, Iowa, Florida, Kansas State, and several others.
Abdiel Echevarria, Eckerd College
The 6-foot-5 sharpshooter proved he can break open numerous games with his ability to shoot the basketball and reel off points in a hurry. This much was evident during his 24-point performance against IMG Academy and 18-point showing against Montverde’s post-grad national team.
Echeviarra also boasts sneaky explosive ability, a facet of his game that goes under-appreciated. He knows how to levitate above the rim and crush pulsating, thunderous dunks that get everyone around him revved up. A skilled guard, Echeviarra is an adept one-on-one defender and knows how to make key stops. While he may be a hot-shooting guard by trade, Echeviarra has the Division-I level athleticism that enables him to snatch boards particularly well for a guard and also knife his way to the rim with relative ease.
Sam Benton, Grand Rapids College
The crafty 5-foot-9 guard has a unique scoring arsenal, one which enabled him to post multiple games of 35+ points throughout his 2019-20 prep campaign. With a nifty floater, a knack for getting to the rim and around traffic, and a step back, Benton routinely gave foes fits with his scoring spurts.
The Rocky Mount (NC) native scored 35 points during a home win against Rocktop Academy (PA) and followed this performance up with a 12-points, 12-assist showing during a 101-70 victory over Scotland Campus Prep White. Benton’s blur-like quickness and ability to accelerate the transition attack was instrumental for first-year head coach Jeff Metzger.
Benton’s ability to take game changing matters into his own hands is a direct correlation between his ability to beat defenders in the one on one sequences and reel off points in quick hit fashion. As a facilitator, he displayed an adeptness at hitting guys in the open court and also setting the table for perimeter scorers.
Miighwaanz Barrientos, Grand Rapids College
The 5-foot-10 guard was a revelation as an elite level shot maker in his prep year, stringing together games of 7 and 8+ 3-pointers and shooting foes under the table.
The Michigan native’s vaunted catch and stick game reared its head during the aforementioned 101-70 win over Scotland Campus Prep White, when he scored 27 points on the strength of 7 3-point field goals.
Barrientoz scored 31 points during a home-win over Rocktop Academy (PA) and was named to the All Tournament team at the New Port Richey Invite, in which he averaged 25 PPG and displayed tremendous floor-spreading 3-point range. He was able to announce his presence against the nation’s elite, scoring 16 points against IMG Academy and hitting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc during a loss to nationally ranked Mount Zion (MD) at the Scotland Campus Invite.
The rapport he developed with Benton in the backcourt was clear from the very start of the season. They will have the opportunity to prolong their success together in college.
Carl Bigord, Palm Beach State College
The 6-foot-5 guard/forward poses a threat with his high end athleticism and ability to get above the rim with consistency. The hard-slashing guard had multiple double doubles throughout the season, including a 15-point and 13-rebound performance against Scotland Campus Prep Black at the Scotland Invite.
With a college ready build and a knack for outdueling bigger players for rebounds and possession in the post, Bigord brings a college ready build to one of the country’s elite level JUCO conferences. He creates a matchup issue with a dependable outside shot and knows how to really finish in the open court and through contact.
Cody Patrick Lee, Itasca College
The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Lee was another kick out option in a fleet of sharpshooters from Central Pointe Christian Academy’s Prep Blue. Lee’s ability to spread out defenders was evident during his performance at the Pro Holmes Showcase in January, when the Florida native shot 4-for-6 from beyond the arc.
Lee, a 15 PPG scorer at Wewahitchka High (FL), was also a quarterback and defensive back in his heyday. The toughness is transferable to his ability to guard multiple positions, including bigger forwards in the post. Lee also had a 15-point, seven board performance against Miami Triple Threat Prep.
Beyond his perimeter game and the defensive versatility he exemplifies, Lee has the college-ready build that should enable him to make a simple transition to the day to day grind of the ensuing level.
Marchelus Avery, Northwest Florida State
The 6-foot-8 Avery is a high major level athlete with the length and build of an MMA fighter. With his extravagant above rim finishing acumen, his ability to score in the post and sky in for putbacks, the Richmond, Va. native brought a high scoring presence to Central Pointe Christian Academy Post Grad.
The kid they call “Che Che” brought defensive versatility and established himself as a high efficiency scorer. He put up 25 points to lead the White Tigers to a 121-102 victory over Scotland Campus Prep Black, during the prestigious Scotland Invite. Avery had another 30-point performance during this tournament, which included 25+ college coaches in the stands. Avery was widely regarded as one of the highest remaining prospects in 2020 since de-committing from UCF in the spring. At Northwest Florida, a traditional JUCO power which always churns our high major products, Avery will have the opportunity to bolster his high major stock.
Avery had multiple games of 30+ points and 10+ boards during his stay at Central Pointe.
“Marchelus is a high major scorer,” said Central Pointe PG head coach Brad Traina. At 6-foot-8 and 215 pounds, he has the ability to step outside and shoot the 3-pointer well, put the ball on the floor very well, and finish above the rim.”
James Bowdon, Wisconsin-Plateville
The Class of 2020 Bowdon established himself as a knockdown shooter who could heat up in a hurry. The 6-foot-4 Bowden connected on 4-for-5 from 3-point territory during a tournament at New Port Richey, Fla. The Maryland native again seized the hot hand during a win over Scotland Campus Prep Black, burying five second half three-pointers en route to the home win.
Perhaps most noteworthy of Bowden’s was game was his versatile defense. He guarded the 2-5 throughout the season, helping 6-foot-9 Woody Therencial (who recently signed with Frank Phillips College in a Texas) and 6-foot-5 Timmy Jacobus battle for rebounds in the trenches. He applied pressure and pickpocketed guards against IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., recording a game-best five steals. Receptive to coaching and having packed 10 pounds of muscle onto a once spindly frame, Bowden also has increased his vertical and above the rim finishing ability.
“James Bowden is an athletic wing with an ability to stretch the floor as well as attack the rim,” said CPCA post graduate director Brad Traina. “He does a very good job of defending and rebounding as a guard.”
Jean Woody Therencial, Frank Phillips College
At 6-foot-9 and possessing a wealth of upside, the once-raw Therencial’s best basketball says are very well in front of him.
The Haiti native quickly learned the intricacies of the true big man role, scoring around the rim with consistency and showing flashes of high level finishing and above-rim explosiveness. Defensively, Therencial improved incrementally with his ability to block, manipulate, and alter the trajectory of shots while keeping the driving lanes cleared off.
He went off for a game best 22 points and 12 boards during Central Pointe’s 24-point win over Impact Academy in Sarasota. The rapid growth of Therencial, who has became an adequate rim protector with his ability to block, alter, and change the trajectory of shots, has been noteworthy. He’s got the upside of high percentage scorer and active presence on the glass.
“Woody is a 6-9 shot blocker and rim protector with a 7-3 wingspan. A terrific teammate and has a great motor. He’s an adept finisher around the rim and a capable shooter to 15-feet out.”
Khyree Taylor, Gulf Coast College
With a college-ready build and an adeptness at guarding the ball, Taylor provided a major two way spark as a mid-season transfer. With a Joe Dumars type of body, Taylor applies thorough straitjacket defense and routinely neutralized the opponent’s top scorer.
Taylor’s crafty left handed scoring and heady facilitating was evident during Central Pointe’s win over Combine Academy (NC). Taylor scored 13 points, including a personal 7-0 run, and dished out a game-best seven assists.
Against Beckley Prep (WV) at the prestigious Scotland Invitational in Pennsylvania, Taylor scored eight points, dished out eight assists, grabbed seven boards took three charges. A worker who plays with full throttle relentlessness, the New York native’s game should transfer to one of the nation’s toughest JUCO climates.
Hasan Abdul-Hakim, Santa Fe College
With the way today’s game is structured, versatility is a weapon at the collegiate level. This factor makes the 6-foot-7 Abdul Hakim such a unique threat. He can handle the ball like a point guard and is a tremendous passer for his size, similar to Texas Tech’s Joel Ntambwe.
The Canada native is also a three level scorer who can blow by defenders and finish above the rim with ease, as he showed throughout The Skill Factory tournament in Atlanta. He scored a game-best 24 points against IMG’s post grad national team and showed flashes of high major athleticism throughout the year. Hakim garnered an offer from UAB and interest from Campbell, Fordham, and Hofstra, albeit one year of top shelf Florida JUCO basketball has the potential to elevate his stock.
With his length and XL sized hands, Hakim is capable of guarding the 1-4. He can block and influence shots while defending the goal and also provide pesky on ball pressure to guards. As a vertically explosive threat, Hakim catches many lobs and flushes alley oops. His hands are sturdy and similar to that of Taylor Downs, the former Hastings High (NY) stud and all around athlete who provided menacing rim-locking defense.
