Fla. Spring Player Showcase Day 1
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Hoop Exchange Spring Player Showcase provides a great opportunity to catch a look at some of the best prospects in Florida. The weekend event showcases freshmen and sophomores on Saturday followed by juniors, seniors and post grads on Sunday.
Zimife Nwokeji was one of a group of standouts on Saturday.
Zimife Nwokeji 2019, 6-foot-8 forward – Zim, as he’s known, is a versatile forward with terrific size. He can shoot it, or put it on the floor and get his own shot. Nwokeji is a good passer and ball handler, capable of getting the rebound and starting the break. Though he tips the scales at just 200-pounds, he is athletic and physical enough to score in the paint and in traffic as well as defend his position and block shots. Nwokeji holds offers from Florida State, James Madison, North Florida and Virginia Tech. He recently took an unofficial visit to Florida.
Niven Glover 2019, 6-foot-4 wing -- A high level athlete, Glover is one of the most exciting prospects to watch. He is quick off the floor and looks to make athletic/hustle plays at both ends of the court. Saturday he wowed the crowd with several high flying above the rim finishes. Glover’s jump shot must be respected or he has the ability to make defenses pay a price. Glover should see his recruitment grow as he demonstrates that he is a three level scorer. He listed offers from FGCU, TCU and Queens University.
CJ Walker 2019, 6-foot-7 forward – Walker is a prospect whose stock is on the rise and he had a productive Saturday. Walker showed that his ball handling is improving and that he can make plays for himself and others. He played with good energy and rebounded well at both ends of the court. The one thing he lacks right now is physical strength. Walker holds offers from Florida, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, Louisville, LSU, Pittsburgh, UCF and interest from several other high major programs. He recently took unofficial visits to Florida and UCF.
Tre Mann 2019, 6-foot-2 guard – Mann made a big impact on the court with his savvy game. He handled the ball well, found open teammates and made shots from all over the court, including a couple of aggressive finishes above the rim. With his deep range, Mann is a proverbial hand down man down shooter.
Hunter Cattoor 2019, 6-foot-2 guard – Cattoor has nice size for the point guard position and a very good feel for the game. Saturday he made a variety of crafty and athletic plays. He has range beyond the three-point line and enough bounce to finish above the rim. Defensively he is very good on and off the ball. Cattoor moves well enough to keep most people in front of him and defend without fouling. He listed interest from North Florida.
Isiah Kirby 2019, 6-foot-3 guard – Kirby could be one of the top emerging prospects from the Sunshine State this spring. Kirby plays with composure, is a good passer with range beyond the arc. He needs to continue to work on his jumper because sometimes it comes off his hands with little to no arc on it. Can play both guard positions but looks more comfortable as a lead guard. A willing defender with good size, Kirby could become a very good defender at the next level.
Scott Barnes 2020, 6-foot-6 small forward – An athlete who thrives in transition, Barnes is a fearless finisher who attacks the basket with authority. He impressed with his skill package, feel for the game and unselfish passing.
Naseem Khaalid 2020, 6-foot-1 point guard – Khaalid looked every bit like a high major prospect with his ball handling ability and high level of court awareness with his passing. Khaalid currently holds offers from Florida State, North Florida, Rutgers and UNLV.
OTHER EYE CATCHERS:
Class of 2019:
Aristide Boya
Wylie Howard III
Class of 2020:
Malachi Wideman
Jontay Candelario
Marcus Niblack