The need for shooting is always within reach for most college basketball programs. As most nationally round out their 2016 recruiting class, eyes are placed ahead into the current crop pf juniors. On Saturday afternoon at Bishop Verot High School, AJ Caldwell announced his name to the national scene with his penchant for making perimeter jumpers along with facilitating some within the half-court setting.

Sporting quality grades in the classroom, the IQ that Caldwell shows with the books crosses over onto the playing floor. He is adept at making the proper reads with the basketball in his hands as he tends to make a lot of the timely decisions with it. The Riverview High junior isn’t the most athletic of guys around, but he is shifty with a nice change of pace dribble within his repertoire of moves on the perimeter that allow for him to get places.

In the win on Saturday over a gritty Wellington High squad, Caldwell displayed the sweet jumper that he has become known for throughout the state as he hit on five made 3-point jumpers en route to a game-high 23 points on the scoreboard. While he didn’t rebound the ball all too well, he did come up with three steals, showcasing further a good feel and solid instincts within the passing lanes.

A native of Buffalo, New York, the 6-foot-4 wing moved to the Sarasota region at the age of five but still has some family throughout the northeast. Throw in his quality grades and his recruitment might not just be quarantined to the southeast.

“I mainly want great academics and a good basketball program,” the Florida import stated. “Location isn’t much of a factor for me.”

Speaking on offers from Vermont, Iona, Virginia Tech, and North Florida, it seems that some of the out of the region programs back up north have already begun to further prioritize Caldwell while others down south are keeping a closetful eye on him.

As Caldwell’s junior year continues to move ahead, expect for more and more schools down south and outside of it to not only offer the sharpshooting wing, but also prioritize him within their 2017 recruiting class.