The 2025 Travel Team Jamboree, hosted by the combined efforts of Source Hoops and Hoop Exchange, took place this past weekend at The Big House in Tavares. In the storied history of the event, this year may have been the deepest in terms of talent and high-profile programs from across the state participating. There is a lot to cover, so let’s get to it.
A.J. Ambrose, Florida Pro: The 5’10 junior out of Cardinal Gibbons impresses with skill, smarts, and maybe most of all, the ability to get wins. Ambrose is solid with the basketball, reads the floor and makes good decisions, has a reliable jump shot to the arc, and is unfazed when facing heavy defensive pressure. There was more than one occasion in the games we took in that he made a play for himself or a teammate because he was just that much ahead of everyone else on the floor. Defensively, Ambrose moves his feet well, keeps the ball-handler in front of him and anticipates the passing lanes well. A smart program is going to overlook his lack size, appreciate his skills and abilities, and have a gem of a player.
Isaiah Brown, SOH Elite: The 6’9 junior from Fort Lauderdale Stranahan continues to improve at a rapid pace. In fact, Brown was doing things on the offensive end in terms of footwork and touch around the rim that we didn’t think he would be able to do until reaching the collegiate level. He got some put backs in traffic, ran the floor for scores, and scored well on basic post moves. Defensively, Brown protects the basket, alters and blocks shots when challenged in the lane, and doesn’t mind playing physical when it comes to post defense or rebounding.
Joe Philon, Skills Center Elite: The 6’7 junior out of Tampa Blake wows onlookers with his length, quickness, and leaping ability. However, Philon is more than just an athlete playing basketball. He has sufficient ball skills to run the offense, sees the floor and gets the ball to open teammates for easy shot opportunities, and plays with a high level of energy at both ends of the floor. Philon has all the physical tools to be a versatile defender, is quick off his feet to challenge shots and grab rebounds, and can be disruptive in the passing lanes. His perimeter shot lacks consistency right now but that will no doubt improve over the course of the spring and summer.
Terell James, Showtime Ballers: A 6’0 point guard from Oviedo, James had a very noteworthy performance in front of us on Saturday. He was comfortable at both guard spots, displayed an ability to score from all three levels, got the ball to teammates for good shots, and put in effort on the defensive end. We liked how he made good reads in transition as he looked to get the best shot, not his shot. James played well regardless of tempo, didn’t force offense, and took advantage of what the defense gave him.
Alex Davis, Tre Mann Elite: A 6’9 junior out Flagler Beach Matanzas, Davis continues to make strides as a presence on the court. He has a good frame, runs the floor well, and has good overall athleticism. Davis makes the most of his offensive opportunities around the basket, whether that be lobs, putbacks, or quick catch-turn-score moves. The lefty didn’t show anything in the way of face-up skills on Saturday but it was a game in which he didn’t need to. Defensively he reacts quickly, can step out and defend on the perimeter if necessary, does a good job of blocking or challenging shots without fouling, and is quick to change ends.
Isaiah Pina, Powerhouse Bulls: A 6’6 junior from Groveland Southlake, Pina IS a bull when it comes to taking the ball hard to the basket or pursuing rebounds at either end of the floor. Strong with a solid frame, Pina also has a hefty dose of bounce in his legs. He gets to rebounds quicker than most guys many inches taller. Pina is a force in transition and when driving hard to the hoop from the high post or short corners. He connected on a couple of long jumpers in the game we took in, something that will elevate his recruitment. Pina plays bigger than his size on the defensive end, using his strength well to get opponents off their desired spot or path to the basket.
Joshua Skinner, Florida Pro: While we are usually hesitant to mention players after their four years of high school eligibility are up, the 6’4 senior from Miramar was so good on Sunday that we felt the need to make an exception. The phrase today is that Skinner is “a bucket”, a player that can score in a variety of ways at any point in the ball game. On Sunday, his ability to connect off the catch or the dribble on either side of the arc was unparalleled. Skinner also showed off a solid mid-range game as well as the ability to score creatively through contact in a crowd at the basket. He is a good athlete that plays with a motor that runs high at both ends of the court. Skinner is looking at taking a prep year but if he plays during the live period the way he did Sunday, he may not have to.
Collin Paul, SOH Elite: The 6’7 junior from Calvary Christian in Fort Lauderdale is seemingly in constant motion and the defense has a difficult time keeping up. With a solid frame and some dynamic athleticism, Paul will either overpower defenders on the way to the basket or spin and twirl until he gets by the defender to finish creatively at the rim. Paul earns a lot of trips to the foul line and makes the majority of his attempts there. He’ll make the occasional perimeter shot if given some time and space. Paul is quick to push the pace with the ball once he secures a defensive rebound, challenging defenders to stop him. He has the strength to play defense against bigger opponents inside and the quickness to defend smaller players on the perimeter if necessary. Paul is also quick to balls that are lazily passed into his area and quickly converting steals into points.
David Nealey, Showtime Ballers: The 6’2 junior at Fort Lauderdale Stranahan has the ability to “wow” with his strong build and athletic ability but more often than not he is subtle but highly effective. His perimeter shot is consistent, he reads ball screens well and generally makes good pass vs. shot decisions when driving to the basket. Nealey is more likely to overpower defenders to get to the basket but he does have some quick change of direction moves with ball. He keeps his head up on drives and is quick to get the ball to open teammates for a better shot. Nealey is active and energetic on the defensive end.
Jasen Lopez, SOH Elite: The 6’0 junior from Hollywood Chaminade is a tremendous scorer, but don’t even begin to think he is an undersized “two” guard. Lopez definitely has the mindset and skills to run an offense. He has deep range on his shot, can create and make his perimeter shot off the dribble, and if that should be taken away, has the ability to drive the ball to the basket and make floaters, mid-range jumpers, and connect with creativity in a crowd. A D-I prospect on the football field, Lopez brings that type of mentality to the court at both ends.