2023 Names To Remember (Part 2)
With the start of the 2022-23 regular season just a few weeks away in the state of Florida, it is time to look at underrated prospects in different classes.
Beginning with the senior class, 2023, this is Part 2 of players that deserve more attention from college programs.
ICYMI: 2023 Names To Remember (Part 1)
2023 5-11 G Gabriel Hernandez – Doral
Down south, Doral always is a contender. With Gabriel Hernandez running the show again this season, there are plenty of reasons to watch this squad. He averaged 21.0 PPG and had only two games under 10 points for a 15-11 team. Hernandez can score in bunches and that is evident by his three games with 30 plus points. He’s a strong guard with great leadership, shooting prowess and overall shiftiness. He gets up and down the floor with ease.
2023 6-5 G Tre Lockett – Carrollwood Day
The progression and leap that Tre Lockett has made over the last year is something truly special. He has always been a gifted shooter and a longer athlete, but now he’s as confident as ever and it really shows. Lockett averaged 19.2 PPG at Carrollwood Day as a junior and had only one game under 10 points (it was a 9-point outing). Looks have come from various Division I and Division II schools. Lockett’s unique size of speed, size and scoring ability make him one of the top unsigned prospects in the Tampa Bay area.
2023 5-11 G Joshua Whitehurst – Pine Forest
Up in the panhandle, crafty and shifty guard Joshua Whitehurst leads the backcourt at Pine Forest. He averaged 13.3 PPG and topped his season with a 33-point performance against area foe Choctaw. Whitehurst is an under the radar prospect and one who has an all-around skill set. He shoots the ball well, attacks with purpose and runs the floor with ease.
2023 6-4 G Mikey Reyes – Barron Collier
In Southwest Florida, Mikey Reyes has been an integral part to a successful Barron Collier program as of late. He’s freakishly athletic as a dunker, shot blocker and leaper. Reyes will be leaned upon more with a deep group of seniors graduating this past spring. His floater and mid-range jumper are both rock solid. Reyes should make a lot of noise during his senior campaign.
2023 6-6 F Kyle O’Hare – Sickles
An emerging prospect in Tampa is Kyle O’Hare. The 6-6 forward moves into a major role after Sickles graduated its top three players (Javohn Thomas – USF football signee, Zach Johnson – West Florida signee and Dominic Gooden – Hillsborough JUCO signee). O’Hare has earned a quartet of offers from Division III schools: Allegheny, Husson, Susquehanna and DePauw. He finishes around the rim well and is very athletic. Expect a nice senior campaign from O’Hare.
Jake Perper has covered sports as a writer since 2010 and a basketball scout since 2015. He was the Southeast Scouting Director for the Prep Hoops Circuit and the lead scout for Prep Hoops’ Florida site for seven years. You can follow him on Twitter @thehoopvibe.