Nick Cassano, Gulf Coast
At just 15, the 6-foot-5 and 190-pound guard/forward has an innate feel for the game. With Cassano’s high level passing, sound and cerebral low post scoring, and ability to step outside and hit the 3-pointer with consistency, the upside is evident.
He spent the summer playing against older and stronger guys, gauging his grit and preparing himself for a significant role on a youth laden team which graduated seven seniors in 2020. With those seniors accounting for 90 percent of the team’s offensive output, Cassano is flushed into a prominent role this season.
With his heady, high IQ style and ability to see the floor well, Cassano has a multi positional game. Pushing his evolution has been Aaron Holmes, owner of Pro Holmes Sports and one of the best all around talents the area has ever churned out. So, Cassano’s attributes and high order commitment make for a promising future on the hardwood.
Beyond his advanced skill set, Cassano possesses a 4.2 GPA. He has the unique blend of a poised game and academics that would potentially attract Ivy and Patriot League programs.
Eric Canavan, Central Pointe PG
At 6-foot-8 and with a college ready body and mobility, the local Orlando native and Windermere HS product oozes of potential. He’s a low post scorer with an adeptness for using the backboard and scoring within the confines of the paint. He’s also capable of taking bigs away from the key with his feathery 15-18 foot
jumper.
Canavan has improved with his athleticism and has improved with his vertical, as he’s capable of playing in a souped up attack. He brings a toughness and the type of versatility that is prioritized, especially with the dearth of available bigs out there.
Bryce Forbes, Central Pointe PG
At 6-foot-8 and with high level athleticism, Forbes is another fringe prospect who could ascend the recruiting market with the post graduate year.
While he still needs to pack muscle onto his spindly frame, Forbes brings a mismatch with his ability to knock back the deep jumper. He’s mobile and competitive and is quickly evolving into an adequate rim protector who can block, manipulate, and alter the trajectory of shots inside.
Reece White, Boca Ciega
At 6-foot-7 and 200 pounds, the Class of 2023 prospect has already established the build that is translatable to the collegiate level. An athletic and high skill set prospect, White has developed an above rim finishing acumen and an ability to score in the paint and from short range.
As a shot maker, White has the size and outside shooting capabilities that gives him a bird’s eye view of the rim and also makes him difficult to guard. With a 4.3 Grade Point Average, White has all the attributes that are appealing to NCAA programs everywhere.
Kobe Gibbs, Central Pointe PG
The 6-foot-7 Class of 2021 Gibbs turned in several electrifying, pulsating above rim finishes that only rarefied athletes are capable of while at national power West Oaks last season.
Now, having improved with his killer instinct, the maniacal athlete and interior scorer is leading by example. With his natural competitiveness and high efficiency scoring, Gibbs has garnered interest from the likes of Seton Hall, Pittsburgh, Murray State, and others.
As a fluid rim to rim big with length and athleticism and the ability to block and manipulate shots, he’s got all the attributes that align with today’s high major game.
Milos Kovacevic, Sagemont: The 6-foot-8 lefty brings a versatile skill set and a college ready body.
He’s established himself as a quintessential pick-and-pop four who can step out and hit the 3-point shot with consistency.
He showed a motor and an adeptness at finishing around the rim and also manipulating shots at the other end.
Kovacevic has tremendous potential as one of several new international prospects who will add height, length, and mismatch capabilities at The Sagemont School this year.
Nedas Zukauskus, Sagemont: At 6-foot-8 with a consistent outside stroke, Zukauskus had four 3-pointers and showed the mismatch threat he poses for defenders against Shabahz 17U on Saturday.
The international prospect has IQ, multi positional defensive capabilities, and floor spreading capabilities. He’s still adapting to the intricacies of the American game and will have the opportunity to become more aggressive and more of a refined interior scorer this season.
