Brian Flinn:
Future150 National Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
Ft. Myers, FL (Future150) -- The fifth day of the City of Palms was a shortened one as the signature series teams were the only ones to take the court. In the signature series 3rd place game Oldsmar Christian knocked off Barking Abbey while Brewster Academy and Sunrise Academy went toe-to-toe for the title. Here’s who stood out throughout the day:
Joe Lockwood, 2014 PF, Barking Abbey: Lockwood is a hard-nosed forward that can shoot the ball from 15 feet out as well. At 6-foot-8 he runs the floor well but has the strength to guard bigger defenders. Lockwood says he intends to play college ball here in the states next season but it remains to be seen where he will end up.
Troy Holston, 2014 SG, Oldsmar Christian: Holston was at it again on Sunday, scoring 18 and hitting 4 threes. He is a streaky scorer and is dangerous when he gets hot. He should be able to step in from day one and give USF a scoring presence; something they sorely need.
Lourawls Nairn, 2014 PG Sunrise Christian: Lourawls is a blur in the open floor and an absolute nightmare to try and stay in front of. In addition, he is smart with the ball and knows when to finish the play himself or when to find his teammates. He is going to be very good at Michigan State with the talent he will have around him.
Isaac Copeland, 2014 SF, Brewster: Copeland again showed his improved ability to face up and attack off the bounce. He also looks like he has added more muscle to his wiry frame. He is an ideal forward for Georgetown’s system and it’s looking more and more like he will be the crown jewel of their class this year.
Josh Steele, 2015 SG, Barking Abbey: Steele is an intriguing prospect due to his ability to get to the rim. He is a long and lanky guard with good speed and the ability to finish through contact. It’s easy to see why he was in last spring’s Jordan Brand international game. The question remains if he will ever come to the states to play in college.
Jeff Garrett, 2014 SF, Oldsmar Christian: Garrett did a great job of scoring in the 2nd half of their matchup with Barking Abbey. He got to the basket off the bounce and hit a couple of shots as well. He is a long an athletic wing that should only see his recruitment increase going into the spring signing period.
Devonte Graham, 2014 PG, Brewster: Graham has been considered as the best available point guard for a while now and his play this week further solidifies that thought. He is quick off the bounce and makes good decisions with the ball as well. As soon as he is released from his LOI at Appalachian State he will be the most sought after lead guard in the nation.
Vasillije Pusica, 2014 SG, Sunrise Christian: Speaking of available guards, Pusica has yet to commit and will give a program a shooter who can also play the point. Before coming to the states he played point guard and could play the point guard position in college as well depending where he ends up.
Comments:
What is Graham’s status right now? Has he been released yet?