While the depth and talent, especially within the frontcourt, at Montverde Academy might be the best that the high school realm has seen for some time now, EJ Montgomery is taking things in stride. The sophomore big man has developed his perimeter abilities and while his playing time as fluctuated, the 6-foot-9 power forward has furthered his ball skills and his jumper.

One of the more highly thought of sophomore prospects nationally, Montgomery seems most comfortable facing the basket out on the perimeter. This works for the better due to the personnel in the frontcourt surrounding him as Silvio DeSousa, Bruno Fernando, and Simi Shittu would rather play 15-feet and in. The smooth southpaw can convert on one-dribble pull-ups, nail the pick and pop 3-point jumper, but also make the appropriate pass as a high-entry big man.

A native of the Sunshine State, Montgomery has become much better in playing off of his instincts in coming up with out of area rebounds and in getting into open spots off the ball for the catch and two-handed finish. Throw in his quick leaping and lateral skills as the sophomore can play some on the away from the basket on the defensive end and the upside out of the lefty is more than promising.

Still some time away from a college commitment, Montgomery spoke on his early offers. “Right now, I have three offers from Auburn, UCLA, and Miami,” the big man told HoopSeen. “North Carolina is also starting to show interest in me.”

While his mother calls the state of North Carolina home and UNC could have an inside track on him, it is the Auburn Tigers program that may have done the most work with him already as his sister plays on the women’s team at the SEC school. “I really like their coaches,” Montgomery said. “The guys are real cool. The coaches are always making it a home feeling for me. I am always up there to see my sister.”

With two of the most storied programs nationally already recruiting Montgomery at this time, expect for the recruitment of the Montverde Academy forward to be that which is prioritized from the best of programs and from both sides of the nation.