The Hoop Exchange held their annual Fall Player Preview this past Sunday at Southeastern Prep in Orlando. The talent level was very high and the play was energetic. Here are just a few of the players that stood out.
James Jenkins, Daytona Beach DME Academy – A 6’4 sophomore, the lefty demonstrated a consistent ability to create his own shot from the perimeter and knock it down with regularity. Jenkins drained jumpers off quick pullups, step-back dribbles, and in-rhythm catch-and-shoot situations. He has the athleticism to finish lobs over the rim and the ball-handling skills to get to the basket and score in traffic.
Herbert Agamba, Auburndale Jordan Christian Prep – A 6’9 sophomore, Agamba plays with great energy and aggression. A lithe athlete, he is quick off the floor to pursue rebounds at both ends. Offensively he can score on high-post and short-corner drives, lobs to the rim, quick putbacks off missed shots, and rolling to the rim after ball-screens. Agamba shoots a nice free throw so his ability to step out and make shots facing the basket should come in time. He transitions the floor quickly, is an active rim protector, and has the length and foot speed to guard on the perimeter.
Precious Sam, Southeastern Prep – A 7’0 senior, expect Sam to play a big role in SEPA’s upcoming season. Not only does he have great size, Sam has a strong frame along with excellent body coordination and athleticism. He runs the floor well, looks to dunk everything around the basket, and actively rebounds in and out of his area. Sam scores inside with basic but quick post moves. He is a presence in the paint on the defensive end, challenging shots, forcing drivers to get rid of the ball, and quickly stepping out to contest perimeter shots.
Jadus Sorhaindo, Riverview Bell Creek Academy – A 6’8 senior, Sorhaindo has returned to BCA after spending last year at Calvary Christian in Fort Lauderdale. He’s always been a solid interior performer but on this day, he showed some solid perimeter skills. Sorhaindo hit a number of shots from both inside and outside the arc. He demonstrated an ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket and score using some combo dribble moves. Sorhaindo has a solid frame and battled well against the aforementioned Sam at both ends of the floor. He rebounds his area well at both ends and can push the ball up the floor if need be.
Brayner Pagan Melo, Orlando Exclusive Prep – A 6’10 sophomore, Melo is a big guy that moves well up and down the floor. He got some easy buckets by hustling and beating the opponent down the court in transition. Melo showed a nice touch around the basket, scoring on both post-ups as well as cuts into the lane. He didn’t attempt any offense by facing up to the basket but that should come in time. Melo’s size makes him an effective shot challenger and shot changer and allows him to dominate his rebounding area.
Kaelym Lamont, Wellington Sports Academy – A 6’6 sophomore, Lamont impressed us at our Miami Summer Hoops Festival and did the same positive things. He showed a great deal of athleticism, played with great energy, and his activity made a lot of good things happen at both ends of the floor. Lamont created and made shots off the dribble inside the arc and drained catch-and-shoot threes. He was quick to get the ball to open teammates, attack the offensive glass, and disrupt passing lanes on defense.
Badr Kazma, Orlando Academy of Central Florida – A 6’4 senior, Kazma opened up a close game with some impressive three-point shooting, leading his team to a victory. After some early scoring struggles, he knocked down five consecutive shots from deep. Kazma also had a trio of steal-and-scores in the contest, the last one above the rim to showcase his athleticism. He appears to be a solid enough ball-handler and passer to player either guard spot.
Caleb Smith, Orlando Oak Ridge – A 6’8 junior, Smith plays an efficient game, picking his spots and maximizing his opportunities. He is quite skilled with the ball for his size. While a bit on the thin side, Smith can get to the basket and finish through contact, often with a dunk. He displayed effective shooting range out to the arc, made some pull-ups from the mid-range, and had a couple of nice passes for assists. Defensively, Smith got a few blocked shots, used his length to disrupt the passing lanes, and guarded opponents of all sizes.
Terrance Walker, Orlando Edgewater – A 6’1 senior, Walker is a point guard that uses his athleticism to make positive things happen at both ends of the court. He is fast with the ball, pushes the pace, and generally makes good pass vs shot decisions on the move. Walker has more than enough verticality to finish lobs and drives over the rim. He can blow by defenders with a change of speed and score with floaters or pull-ups in the lane. Walker is a streaky perimeter that must be respected once the ball starts going in. Quick hands and active feet make him a pesky on-ball defender and he is quick to jump passing lanes and turn steals into scores.
Zack Brown, Orlando Worldwide Prep – A 6’2 freshman, Brown was dialed in from deep all day long. He consistently made shots from behind the arc off both the catch and dribble. Brown is very adept at moving without the ball, getting to the right open spot to receive a pass. His shot preparedness is advanced and the release is quick. When the shot is challenged, Brown is wily at getting past the close out and either scoring with floaters and mid-range shots or finishing in a crowd through contact at the rim. His athletic ability is ok now but no doubt will improve as he physically matures.
Deandre Taylor, Tampa Jesuit – A 6’5 junior, Taylor may have been one of the bigger revelations of the event. Taylor scored from all three levels, showcased some explosive athletic ability, and demonstrated good basketball IQ. He connected on contested threes off the dribble, used a quick first step to get past defenders, and didn’t mind playing with or against physicality. Taylor covers a lot of ground quickly on the defensive end, clogs passing lanes, and rebounds well against bigger opponents.
Brandon Sharpe, Weston Sagemont – A 6’6 junior, Sharpe combines the best of both worlds when it comes to production and potential. A high-level athlete with a great deal of burst, he quickly gets by opponents off the dribble. His strong frame allows him to finish through contact in a crowd. If his path to the hoop is cut off, he generally finds the right teammate that is open for a good shot. Sharpe’s second and third leaps are just as quick and high as his first, allowing him to make an impact on the offensive glass. His shot is much more consistent inside the arc, but he certainly makes enough from deep to be respected. Sharpe’s physical attributes allow him to successfully defend multiple positions.