The game becomes much easier if a team has size. Offensively it can get you easy baskets close to the rim. On the defensive end, it makes it harder for the other team to score in half-court sets. With those things in mind, we look at those high school programs that will have formidable front courts this coming season.
Miami Columbus
6’8 SR Caleb Gaskins, 6’6 SO Jordan Fisher, 6’8 FR Cayden Gaskins
Caleb Gaskins is likely the favorite for Mr. Basketball this coming season. He has become a difficult inside/outside matchup with his ability to score behind the arc, create from mid-range or punish opponents in the post. Fisher, a native of our neighbors to the north (Canada), is a bit undersized but is strong, athletic, and plays with great energy. He scores well off the drive and goes after rebounds with gusto at both ends. The “younger” Gaskins is a force around the basket. Like his brother, he will be looking to transition from post to perimeter throughout his high school career.
Orlando Olympia
6’7 JR Jonathan “J.J.” Watts, 6’7 JR Bishop Wenze, 6’5 JR Kevin Edou
Watts is a long and athletic rim-seeking missile as he attacks the basket in transition, drives in the half-court, and chasing after offensive rebounds. His perimeter shot is coming around and he has versatility at the defensive end. Wenze is more interior-oriented at this point. He has some reliable scoring tools down low and protects the rim well at the defensive end. Edou is an effective slasher and rebounder. He is potent on the defensive end with his length and quickness.
Miami Riviera Prep
6’7 SO Laron Mack, 6’7 JR Anton Safin; 6’10 SO Oliver Bishop, 6’9 FR Myles Leone
Mack is the “veteran” of this group as he got meaningful run last year as a freshman. He has grown a couple of inches but still retains a lot of skills that make him a difficult match-up. Safin, Bishop, and Leone will be role players as the Bulldogs will rely on their four-headed monster of D-I recruit guards to control games. All three are active screeners, physical defenders, rebound with retribution on their minds and score well around the basket.
Boca Raton St. Andrew’s
6’5 SR Ben MacGibbon, 6’8 SR Jakob Wiegard; 6’7 JR Andrej Stankovic
Like Riviera Prep, St. Andrew’s has experienced and quality guards that will control the flow of the game at both ends of the court. The three of these players work very well together in high-low offensive situations. Each rebounds, runs, and rejects shots at an above-average rate. If collectively they can contribute 15 points and 15 rebounds a game, St. Andrew’s will be very excited to take that.
The Villages Charter
6’7 SR Khymani Weathers, 6’6 SR Herley Brutus, 6’6 SR Ethan Bevis
Weathers missed most of last season with a knee injury and his return to the lineup should greatly improve the odds of bringing home a state title. He will score inside on basic post moves and put-backs, rebound at both ends, and protect the paint. Brutus, an LSU commit, is a high-energy defender and good enough passer and ball-handler that the offense can be run through him. He is unselfish and doesn’t look to hunt shots. Bevis can stretch the defense with his shooting, is an active rebounder and defender, and flourishes as either a starter or early substitute.
Others of Note
Clearwater Calvary Christian: 6’8 SR Ethan Sabec, 6’9 JR Madden Geiger
Coconut Creek North Broward Prep: 6’7 SR Francesco Borio, 6’9 FR Chudier Diew
Lakeland Victory Christian: 6’8 SR Thok Gol; 6’9 SO Arik Arik