Skip to main content

Florida Jam notebook

Miguel Ayesa
13, May 2018

Florida Jam notebook

 

Florida Elite forward Stephen Knowles was on a mission from the start of his 8:15am game on Day 2 of the Florida Jam. Knowles showed positive signs in his efforts to run the floor in transition, his hustle to secure rebounds, and in his shot blocking ability. Despite on having 5 points in the scoring column, he absolutely made up for it in his rebounding and blocks. A strong motor at 6’7 and the physique to match. - Austin Smith

After a productive first night at the Florida Jam, ‘22 F Eric Dailey continued his aggressive efforts into Day 2. Despite still being an 8th grader, his game revealed a sense of maturity and confidence. In a matchup against Wave Basketball 17U, Dailey was a dominant force as he attacked the paint consistently. He’s got great size for a wing player, and he converts most of his shot attempts when he does go for finishes at the rim. His teammate, ‘20 Jaxson Barber, is a lefty combo guard who displayed a high IQ for picking his shots at the right spots. He’s got a smooth feel to his game, and can knock down jumpers in both the midrange and three-point areas. - Austin Smith

Another 2020 player to keep an eye on is Team Impact’s 6’9 stud Caleb Crumly. He’s a true post player that gets his work done in the paint. The PF has great timing and swats shots that very few others could reach. I watched him score 12 points against another solid 2020 prospect in Cayden Baker. Expect the North Cobb player to start gaining some interest. - Bre Singleton

Tampa Tarpons G/F Reagan Weiss has one of the most complete skill sets I’ve seen in a while. Standing at about 6’6, Weiss presents a matchup problem for just about anyone. On Saturday, he spent most of his time at the high post on offense in the Tarpons game versus Gainesville Stampede. From there, Weiss showed his ability to catch and shoot, as well as make plays by seeing over the defense. He went off for a cool 30 points in one of the most impressive offensive performances that I was able to catch. I anticipate that Reagan Weiss will be one of the best players to come out of Florida’s class of 2020. - Bre Singleton

Florida Storm has a pair of players that I think could make some noise in the class of 2019. Brandon Gainey started Saturday morning off with a 17 point game. He’s a slasher first, but can knock down jumpers when necessary. Later in the evening, I watched him go for another 20 points. His teammate, Ahmad Johnson has a very similar style of play. Johnson has good height for a guard and can get to the basket with ease. He put up 22 points Saturday evening. - Bre Singleton

It’s always entertaining to watch good shooters, and Treasure Coast Titans ‘21 PG August Lovelace had a nice shooting performance in a win over the Mamba’s. He tallied 4 three-pointers. More specifically, 4 three-pointers from beyond the college three-point line. He didn’t hesitate on shot attempts, and didn’t have any bad mechanics with the increased distance. His form is smooth without any wasted motion, and he used a high arc to connect for shots over contesting defenders. - Austin Smith

Clearwater Elite ‘21 PG EJ Hubbert had a good overall offensive showing today in a win vs. Hoops On Mission(18 points). Hubbert is a PG who can do it all.  He not only used his quickness to attack the basket, but he also had the IQ to drive-and-kick to teammates for easy shot opportunities. He can knock down the 15-footer, and he’s got shooting range extending to the three-point line. He could be special as he continues to develop. - Austin Smith

Travis Baker finished with 20 points in an impressive win over Florida Elite Southwest. Baker did it all as a scorer. He attacked the paint, knocked down pull-ups off the bounce, and knocked down spot-up threes from beyond the arc. He has good size for a combo guard, and he definitely showed flashes of his athleticism in transition. - Austin Smith

One of the more elite shooters I've seen this travel season is hands down Miguel Ayesa. Shot after shot seems to land with his smooth stroke from beyond the three-point line. He rattled off an easy 17 point first half, many of his points coming off catch and shoot attempts, one dribble pull-ups or streaking in transition. So much of his game is effortless as there isn't much he does on the court without a valid reason. The Florida Elite 2019 shooter has room to develop but with a jumper as consistent as his he will have several suitors soon - Tai Young

Desmond Romer had the green light for his Let it Fly team and he took full advantage. Move after move resulted in positive results as he got in the paint almost at will. He was deceptive with his attack as he waited until any shift in the defense gave him an opening. Romer had multiple games of 20 points during the event and I think its safe to say that it wasn't a fluke. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

Dates
March 29 – 31, 2024
Venue
Suwanee Sports Academy
Who
Girls 5th-11th grades
Event Stature
National
Entry Cost
$350
Dates
March 29 – 31, 2024
Venue
The Finley Center
Who
Boys 6th-12th grades
Event Stature
National
Entry Cost
$475
Dates
April 5 – 7, 2024
Venue
Suwanee Sports Academy
Who
Boys 8th-12th grades
Event Stature
National
Entry Cost
$475