Wow, did it feel good to be back in a gym! The Fall Event Season kicked off at the Big House in Tavares on Sunday with the Best of the Best Elite Florida Showcase. Players were separated into two groups: a Junior/Senior division and a 2027/2028 Division. In this first report, we will focus on the talent in the older classification.
Arosco DuBois, Orlando Evans: The 6’1 senior was the day’s top performer in our opinion. DuBois was very impressive in his ability to score from all levels and angles off either the catch or the dribble. He is athletic, strong with broad shoulders, and knows how to use those physical traits to score or create for teammates. DuBois rebounds well for his size and has good defensive instincts. In short, he is a tough match-up at both ends of the court.
Chris Murray, Land O’Lakes Sunlake: The 6’4 senior out of Pasco County, just north of Tampa, was the revelation of the event. He has good positional size, length, and run/jump athleticism out on the wing. Murray is a good scorer that connects on three-pointers off the dribble as well as slashes and scores at the rim. He is fast down the floor in transition and finishes easily above the basket. Murray rebounds well at both ends of the court and covers a lot of ground quickly on defense getting many tips and deflections in the process.
Malachi Martis, Windermere Prep: The 6’6 senior is a strong player that overpowers defenders on the way to and around the basket. A strong 1-2 dribble driver from the high post and short corner areas of the floor, Martis also displayed an improved shooting stroke from the perimeter, connecting on shots from both sides of the arc. An active rebounder, he is just as likely to push the ball up the floor on his own in transition as he is to outlet the ball, sprint the floor and receive a return pass for a score.
Willie Burnett, Orlando West Oaks Academy: A 6’4 junior, Burnett is both a scorer and a shooter. He creates and makes shots off the dribble on both sides of the arc. Burnett is quick to recognize his defender is off balance or out of position and then quickly takes advantage by exploding to the basket for scores. An improved athlete, he isn’t shy about challenging defenders at the basket and absorbing contact in the process. Defensively his uses his length well, has active hands and feet, and doesn’t shy away from a challenge.
Christian Smith, Fort Lauderdale Somerset Academy: The 6’1 senior shot the ball well from deep all day long. When defenders tried to take that away, he used his athleticism to get past them and get to the basket. Once in the paint, Smith will do his best to finish above the rim with force. He is fast up the court in transition, looks to advance the ball quickly via the pass, and makes the extra pass to open teammates. We liked how Smith put great effort into his defense when it came to guarding the dribbler and closing off passing lanes.
Robert Spriggs, Fort Pierce Central: The 6’6 junior is a good athlete with a solid frame. He is a 4/3 right now but we can see that reversing in the near future. Spriggs is a good perimeter shooter, makes shots out to the three-point line, and his form and mechanics are such that it looks like every shot is going in. He has good skills and wisely plays within his abilities and not trying to overdo things. A rugged rebounder and defender, Spriggs plays physically and intelligently.
Asa Rogosich, Fort Myers Southwest Florida Christian: A 5’11 senior, Rogosich is a catalyst that makes things go. He is a good perimeter shooter, finishes drives creatively at the basket, and generally makes good pass vs. shot decisions on the move. Rogosich is fast with the ball, pushes the pace, sees the floor well and delivers the ball on time and on target to open teammates. He plays with a great deal of energy at both ends of the floor, providing a spark for his team.
Emmanuel Kamara, Orlando West Oaks Academy: The 6’8 senior has good size and athletic ability, gets up and down the floor quickly in transition, and is solid offensively from 15-18 feet and in. Kamara has good touch around the rim, good form and fundamentals on his perimeter shot, and is a capable ball-handler and passer. He doesn’t shy away from contact, rebounds his area, and has the ability to protect the basket should the need arise.
Brandon Brazell, Stuart Martin County: The 6’6 junior is an athletic wing that thrives in transition and when able to get to the rim off quick drives in the half-court. He seemingly improves his shooting range and ball-handling abilities each time we watch him play. Brazell is a willing passer that is alert for cutting teammates into the lane or ones that are open on the perimeter for a three. His length and athleticism give him the ability to defend multiple positions.
Isaiah Gillard, Windermere Prep: A 6’3 junior, Gillard was effective at either guard spot on Sunday. As a point guard, he has good handles, court vision and passing instincts. When playing off the ball, he is a reliable perimeter shooter, reads ball-screen situations well, and makes good shot vs. pass decisions when attacking the basket. Gillard is a good defender that will get better with physical maturity and added strength.