Player profile: Ramses Melendez

Player profile: Ramses Melendez

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

Ramses Melendez is not wasting any time during this global pandemic.

Like many, he would prefer playing in a travel basketball event. However, the 6-foot-7 shooting guard is taking it with stride.

He has worked on his game while also entertaining phone calls from college coaches.

Melendez has been on the phone or video call regularly with South Florida and Central Florida.

“Both are constantly checking in,” said the Central Pointe Christian Academy product, who also holds offers from Florida, Oklahoma State, Rhode Island, Florida Atlantic, and Mercer.

Villanova, DePaul, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Maryland, LSU, and Northwestern have expressed interest in the Class of 2021 prospect.

Many would have certainly seen him during the April Live period, which was canceled because of the Coronavirus.

Melendez has not let this global pandemic go to waste. He has worked on his weaknesses, which is his ball-handling and strength.

“It will help me on my one-on-one moves,” Melendez said about the improved ball-handling. “Strength will allow me to be more aggressive.”

The goal for Melendez is to narrow his list of college choices down in January. He is no rush and understands this pandemic will not last forever.

There is a discussion of the NCAA Live period holding evaluation sessions for college programs to attend in August and September. Melendez is hopeful to get on the floor with Team Florida on the Adidas 3SSB circuit.

“I would love it because it is my last year of AAU basketball,” he said of the possible Live period discussions. “I want to enjoy it. I’ve wanted to work on my game and then use the AAU stage to put it to practice.”

Melendez’s transformation and game have changed since coming over from Arecibo, Puerto Rico a few years ago. His game was that of a solidified lockdown defender.

As a sophomore, Melendez led the White Tigers in deflections and shot blocks. He also was near the top in steals. The college coaches who had a chance to see him then liked his motor. They wanted to see more on the offensive end of the floor. He made sure the improvement was noticed.

The younger Melendez’s game has evolved. He helped CPCA secure the schools first SIAA state championship, while he captured the MVP award. His end of season stats were much improved.

The next level is getting a versatile player. He is looking for a program willing to continue some things true to him.

“I want to find a place where I can feel like family and they can take me to the next level,” Melendez said.