Six Florida Players to Watch at Bob Gibbons
One of the most historic tournaments in the country gets underway at Suwanne Sports Academy. Gibbons is one of those events that hoop heads look forward to months out. This event will be loaded, and I am stoked about the bracket play beginning Saturday. We all know some of the best talent in the country resides in Florida; let's take a look at six Florida players to watch at Gibbons.
Barr is a prospect that has made consistent improvements each year since he first stepped on our stage as a freshman. The 6-foot-4 guard has good positional size and has added muscle to his frame, which has assisted in adding another dynamic to his game. Primarily known as a shooter in the past, Barr has become a threat off the bounce. He utilizes his strong upper body to get downhill and finish through contact once in the lane. Once you factor in his 3-point shooting ability, Barr has the tools to cause all sorts of match up problems.
Bronson had a some strong performances on our stage last travel season, and he kept that momentum going during his junior season with Tampa Catholic. This will be my first time seeing him this travel season and I and I am definitely looking forward to it. I've watched him get as hot as anybody from beyond the arc; Bronson can really light it up from three in a hurry. He is a quick, crafty guard that can score it from anywhere on the court. Aside from his perimeter shooting ability, he does a great job of creating off the bounce.
Edouard was tabbed as a top Florida performer back at our Atlanta Jam event. The 6-foot-3 guard can score it in flurries, and he can do it in a hurry. He was the leading scorer for Team Knight at that event and was at the top in terms of rebounding too. At 6-foot-3, he is a solid rebounder at the guard position. This kid plays with a lot of confidence, and I am looking forward to watching him go up against some strong competition at Gibbons.
Jackson is simply put, a highlight reel. This kid is an incredible athlete that has some serious bounce to him. His athleticism makes him incredibly tough to guard due to the fact he can rise up at any point in the lane to throw it down. He is also a big time alley-oop threat in the half court setting and in transition. At 6-foot-3, he has the size, athleticism, and skill set to be a big time two-way player at the next level.
This 15U Florida Rebels group is absolutely loaded. I would not be a bit surprised if this entire roster ended up at a DI institution when that time comes. Among all of that talent, I really like what I saw from Patton Pinkins back at out Tip Off Classic. The 6-foot-4 wing is long, fluid, and can really shoot it. Once he gets going, his 3-point shot is practically automatic. He gets good elevation on his jump shots and showed his ability to create space with ease. Pinkins plays at a good pace and makes good decisions based on reads, showing his overall feel for the game.
The Duke commit has seen his stock rise a ton over the last year after impressive showings on the EYBL circuit and prestigious camps such as the NBPA Top 100 Camp, among others. Stewart is a special, special player. At 6-foot-8, he is one of the most versatile players in his class. His improved jump shooting has made him a true perimeter threat, along with his ability to be dominant in the paint. His motor is what stands out most to me. You will not see him take a play off; he is constantly bouncing around, doing the small things to help his team win. Stewart is a monster on the boards; his activity level on the offensive glass adds a lot of second chance points for his team. Let's talk about shot blocking. Again, he may be one of the best shot blockers in his class. His timing and chase down skills are fun to watch.