Peach State: Class of ’24 & ’25 prospect watch
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Playing the Live period is so necessary because players want to be recruited by college coaches.
For some players, it is the first time college coaches are seeing them. This is the first live period of July. Those in the Class of 2024 and 2025 are playing to get on a program’s list of players to recruit. Then there is the occasional unsigned senior in search of an opportunity before school begins in the fall.
See which players stood out.
Purnell still looking for a home
Grinding for an opportunity is nerve raking.
People can blame slow recruiting, a global pandemic, or the transfer portal, which are all valid concerns. Then there are players who are out here still looking for a chance.
Dylan Purnell is one of those guys. The Raleigh native is still on the hardwood giving opponents work but no college program has offered this member of 2023. He balled out for Team Trez Cortez.
It isn’t easy to understand why Purnell is still unsigned. He stands at 6-foot-5 with the ability to handle the ball. This hybrid guard can play three spots on the floor. Depending on a team’s particular offense, Purnell can be a guard or on the wing. He is a fantastic finisher accompanied by a nice jumper.
He is an elite finisher with a 3.5 GPA. Seems like a no-brainer of a prospect. He played at Moravian Prep National last year.
Taylor shows off a high-level skillset
Amir Taylor is strongly stepping into his own more and more these days.
After switching travel teams to start in July, the Class of 2025 prospect had a strong showing at Peach State with the Georgia Stars.
This 6-foot-6 forward has always been skilled inside the paint. His footwork was impeccable at a young age. Taylor impressed a few coaches on the sideline with more of his skills during his game.
He handled the ball on the open floor. Thew several passes on a dime to teammates. There were times he pulled the rebound off the glass before finishing with a left-handed layup.
Taylor’s development is coming on just fine. He is handling the ball more and showing college coaches his strong basketball IQ. Look for many more schools to inquire about the Grayson High product.
AJ Bouye big man gets to work
Israel Jenrette has been on recruiting radars as of late.
The 6-foot-10 center turns heads because of his size. He is a space-eater and a rim protector. This past weekend, the Valdosta (GA) High product was a dominating force for AJ Bouye Elite at Peach State.
Jenrette had several double-double performances where he also blocked or altered shots. Another impressive attribute the big man has is his ability to pass the ball.
The skills Jenrette posses can translate to the next level.
Fusion connected seamlessly
The Alabama Fusion’s players connected seamlessly through several of their games last weekend. They are Caleb White, Eric Paymon, and Peyton Wiggins.
This trio helped orchestrate the offense like a full band symphony the hardwood version. Each brought something different throughout the games.
White started things off by knocking down three consecutive three-pointers. The effect it had on its opponents was like cymbals slamming together. He then added his facilitating skills dropping off dimes whenever possible. The Pinson Valley High product played under control and was difficult to guard. His game is reaching a crescendo at the right time.
Paymon played both ends of the floor like a snare drum. He finished above the rim and used the rim like a personal chin-up bar. Whenever the Raymond High product wasn’t dunking the ball, Paymon showed a nice touch from outside the paint. He used his 6-foot-9 frame, athleticism, and wing span to cause havoc to opponents.
About the Author
Alfonso
Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.