MIAMI GARDENS — Close to 100 prospects ranging from freshmen through prep school competed Sunday in front of college coaches and state media at the Source Hoops’ spring StockRisersSH event.
Here are my notes in talking with 10 of the top prospects at St. Thomas University:
JASON JACKSON (2023), SARASOTA RIVERVIEW
Wake Forest and Texas Tech are showing early interest in the 6-foot-2 guard. He averaged 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in an impressive ninth-grade campaign that saw Riverview go 24-6. College coaches like the fact that Jackson is a pass-first guard. Asked what he needs to get better at, he showed an excellent attitude in saying, “Everything can get better.”
WESLEY CARDET (2021), OAKLAND PARK NORTHEAST
The 6-5 guard said he is not concentrating on colleges right now but focusing on getting better. Cardet (pictured), leading a young group which includes ninth-graders Matthew and Ryan Bewley, helped the Hurricanes to a 21-win season. He averaged 13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists. “I feel like I progressed as a team player, becoming a leader, and in a lot of individual skills throughout the year,” said Cardet. The Team Breakdown standout has improved his shot, ball-handling and court vision. Dayton, Florida, Iowa State and Miami are among the programs who have offered Cardet. Kansas State showing interest.
KLEIN ALEXANDRE (PREP SCHOOL), MIAMI TRIPLE THREAT
The former Oxbridge standout has matured with a year in prep school. JuCos Eastern Florida and Florida Southwestern are all over the 6-3 point guard and Alexandre is getting high-major interest from Virginia Tech and VCU.
“If I can’t get the offer I want, I will go JuCo to play at the highest level I can possibly play at,” he said. Alexandre said he has just gotten better with the details. “Body-wise, just getting in shape,” he said. “Ball-handling became better. I became a great defender.”
JORDAN COOKE (2021), MIAMI COUNTRY DAY
Cooke is 5-9 and has flown under the radar. But the Country Day star had a breakout junior year (averaged 21.5 points) and is a good leader. Just listen to what he wants out of the next level: “I want to go to a program where they are real with me … challenge me every day in practice.” Cooke said he is looking to add weight and be that vocal leader.
JOHN GAMBLE (2023), CHARLOTTE
The talented freshman, who teams with 6-7 2021 Tre Carroll at Charlotte, is already receiving interest from FGCU and USF. The athletic 6-6 standout averaged 13.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2 steals as a ninth-grader. “It went pretty good,” Gamble said of the 20-win season. “I already know what I’ve got to do.” He said he will be working on his shot to get it more consistent. Gamble plays travel ball with CP25.
EROS CARPIO (2021), PINE CREST
The 6-3 Carpio plays the No. 3 and 4 for Pine Crest. He not only averaged in double-digits (12.0) but has a high basketball IQ (and 4.03 GPA). The junior has interest from FGCU, North Florida and Princeton. Asked what is important to him on the next level, he said: “Wherever I can go where I can grow both academically and athletically.” Carpio plans to play travel with CP25.
NATHAN MONTAQUE (2020), SOMERSET PINES
The 6-6 Montaque averaged 21 points and 6.6 rebounds per game as a senior with a high of 55 vs. Somerset Canyons. He is getting interest from Division I’s Western Carolina and East Tennessee State; Division IIs Barry and Lincoln Memorial; and JuCo Palm Beach State. “I don’t have any offers yet,” Montaque said. “Just high interest. I’m still talking to them and sending them film.” He said if any of the above five would offer he favors Western Carolina.
MATT KHOURY (2020), FORT LAUDERDALE CALVARY CHRISTIAN
NAIA Webber International plans to meet with Calvary coach Cilk McSweeney to discuss the 6-4 3-point specialist. Khoury said he is also hearing from D-3’s in Texas and New Jersey. Coaches like that Khoury is coachable, can spread the floor and hit from long range.
ANGE DIBWA (PREP SCHOOL), MIAMI TRIPLE THREAT
The 6-10 Dibwa, who attended Miami Schoolhouse Prep prior to Triple Threat, has offers from Illinois State, IUPUI, NJIT and UT-Arlington. He said NJIT is on him the heaviest. Dibwa committed to Grambling at one point but quickly de-committed saying it was a misunderstanding. Dibwa is an excellent rim presence on the defensive end. Asked what college coaches say they like about his game, Dibwa said: “My energy, my motor, the way I rebound.”
JASAI MILES (2023), MIAMI COUNTRY DAY
The 6-5 Miles has early ACC interest. “My coaches say FSU had called them about me,” Miles said. Miles is an excellent leader. He scores well in transition but is a good passer as well. He talked about logging major minutes on varsity as a ninth-grader; “Playing against older competition is harder so you always have to give it your all.” He will play for SOH Elite on the travel circuit.
If you have high school or travel basketball news, you can reach Pat Lammer at PatALammer@Gmail.com