It is time to look at some of the many standout players from the 2028 Class that took part in the Miami Summer Hoops Festival.
Brandon Sharpe, SOH Elite: The 6’5 rising junior at Weston Sagemont is well-built, athletic, aggressive and quick to the basket. He is a constant lob threat in transition as well as half-court sets, finishes well through contact, and is a proficient offensive rebounder. Sharpe is an improving perimeter shooter. He plays hard at the defensive end and doesn’t back down from a challenge.
Gavin Gorman, BBD: A 6’4 rising junior at Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, Gorman is quite skilled with the basketball. He shoots, dribbles and passes at a high level. Gorman makes good shot vs pass decisions in transitions as well as in a set offense. An efficient perimeter shooter, he will drive by defenders and score if the closeout is soft. Gorman works hard on the defensive end, ardently pursues rebounds, and is alert for lazy and weak passes into his area.
James Jenkins, MBJ Elite: A 6’4 rising junior at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Jenkins has a strong frame and good positional size. He is a three-level scorer as he is adept at using his strength and body to create space for shots. Jenkins is an acceptable ball-handler and passer who also is active on the glass at both ends of the floor. His strength comes in handy on the defensive end as he uses it to keep smaller players out of the lane and bigger players from getting position inside.
A.J. Jenkins, Showtime Ballers: The 6’0 junior from Wiregrass Ranch is wired to score. Jenkins will hit perimeter shots on either side of the arc but is best at attacking the basket. He has a quick first step, very good change of pace and/or direction moves and finishes well with either hand in traffic. Jenkins plays fast but under control. Quick feet and active hands make him a pesky defender.
Elijah Matelus, Team Breakdown: A 6’9 rising junior at Miami Southridge, Matelus’ size and burgeoning athleticism make him one to watch. More project than prospect at this point, he did show some rebounding and scoring prowess close in. Matelus gets up and down the floor well, challenges shots in the lane and sets a solid screen. His best basketball is ahead of him.
Deshaun Jacques, NMB Lightning: A 6’3 rising junior at North Miami Beach, Jacques is long, athletic, and active. He had great success in knocking down catch-and-shoot threes in the game we took in. Jacques is fast down the court in transition, is active on the glass at both ends and uses his physical traits well on defense. As his perimeter skills advance, so will his upside for the next level.
Drabo Moussa, SOH Elite: A 6’9 rising junior at Central Pointe Christian in Kissimmee, Moussa is long, bouncy, and plays with good energy. He has decent offensive skills, highlighted by his knocking down a contested mid-range jumper off the dribble just before the final buzzer to win the last game of the event. A rebounder, runner and rim protector, Moussa makes an impact on the defensive end. He is always ready to flush a lob or put back an offensive rebound with force.
Kaelyn Lamont, MBJ Elite: A 6’5 rising junior now at the Wellington Sports Academy, Lamont proved to be a very accurate shooter from behind the arc, especially off the catch. He has the skills and strength to take defenders off the dribble and score at the basket. Lamont is an acceptable ball-handler and passer than can locate open teammates when his path is cut off and deliver catchable passes to open teammates. He is an alert defender that is disruptive in the passing lanes.
Justin Rhodes, SOH Elite: A 6’4 rising junior at NSU School in Fort Lauderdale, Rhodes plays at full throttle all the time. This being the case, he also plays completely under control. Rhodes is an excellent combination of skills and high-end athleticism. He is a solid perimeter shooter and can play and defend a variety of positions. Rhodes covers a lot of ground quickly in defense, wins more than his share of 50/50 balls and is fast to help and recover back to his defensive assignment.
Mateus Nzamillo, Showtime Ballers: A 6’10 rising junior at West Oaks Academy in Orlando, Mateus shows a bit more skill than most “fresh” African imports. He has some basic scoring tools inside and the ability to put the ball on the floor for a couple of dribbles and score from the high post and short corners. Mateus moves well for his size, rebounds well in a crowd, and is a solid rim protector.
Lynden Adea, SOH Elite: A 6’0 rising junior from Boca Raton St. Andrew’s, Adea is an alert point guard that makes the game easier for his teammates. He pushes the pace, is a good decision maker even when under duress, and is quick to move the ball to open teammates. Adea can score when necessary as he has a reliable perimeter shot and is unafraid to take contact when attacking the basket. He makes it difficult for the opposing offense to be initiated, is quick to jump passing lanes, and alert for the opportunity to come from behind and get tips, deflections, and/or outright steals.