Historically and currently, the talent rich SIAA Florida conference has been known for tough, heady Division 1 guards.
The trend will continue this season as numerous unheralded and promising prospects register their presence.
Among this group and a potential stock riser with a noteworthy skill set is Bryce Johnson of Oldsmar Christian.
The 6-foot-3 point guard injects veteran head coach Jordan Fair’s lineup with dazzlingly athletic finishes and a rugged two way presence.
He’s an adept shot maker from beyond the arc and also possesses a feathery 15-18 foot jumper, a lost art with today’s dependence on the 3-point shot.
Flushed into a prominent role, Johnson will bring the intangibles after showing a three level scoring acumen this summer.
The former Lake Nona star also proved he can shoulder the burden of end game and call his own number with clutch, poised shots under heightened pressure.
“Bryce immediately caught my eye with his already strong skill set but more importantly his IQ,” Fair said.
“His upside is through the roof with his long arms, IQ, and already high athleticism. He is without a doubt a Division 1 guard. By season’s end, it would not shock me if Mid-Major and lower High Major schools begin to offer and recruit him.”
Johnson’s style aligns with the speedball, run and gun, and pressure across 94 feet style Oldsmar will employ.
“He has high defensive instincts,” said Fair, who has coached the likes of Elijah Weaver (Dayton), Eric Hester (Florida), Kyle Clarke (Kennesaw State), DJ Bowles (Wichita State). “Our style requires a high IQ bucket getter. Every point guard I’ve coached has been a scholarship level guard and I do not expect anything different from Bryce. He is just the next in line.”
