Top performers - Spring Exposure Day 1
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The annual Spring Exposure Showcase hosted by Hoop Exchange and Source Hoops in Orlando, now in it's third year is a must stop on the Florida scouting circuit.
Day 1, February 23rd is reserved for 2016 and 2017 prospects and brought together over 130 players including standouts like Keon Clergeot (Auburndale), Eric Hester (Oldsmar Christian) and Jean-Michele Tine.
While those players lived up to expectations there were several less well known players that stood out on the day.
2016 Collin Smith, PF, Jacksonville (FL) Bolles - When the 6-foot-9, 215 pound Smith played down low he was most effective. He scored with either hand, rebounded well and contested shots. He even dove for loose balls. Unfortunately he drifted out to the three-point line too frequently and took shots from there. He did knock down a couple of open looks. Smith showed some toughness as well. In the 12pm game he twisted his ankle and hobbled to the training table. He came back to play in the 2:30 game but was clearly bothered and didn't have as much lift as he did pre-injury.
2017 Jaylen Robinson, PG, Pompano Beach (FL) Blanche Ely - Amongst a sea of long forwards and super quick guards that can dance with the basketball, a steady no frills point guard can get overlooked. This 6-foot floor leader caught out eye because he displayed a good court sense and minimized turnovers. Robinson found ways to get his 'big' the ball in a position to score, made good decisions and knocked down contested three-pointers. Robinson isn't flashy but he knows how to play the game.
2017 Elijah Jordan, PG, Orlando (FL) Dr Phillips - Jordan is a solid play maker that dribbles with purpose and can go both ways. He showed a good court sense and handled pressure well. Jordan has good quickness and was able to get past most defenders on a drive and dish or to shoot a floater.
2017 Kevin Knox, Wing, Tampa Catholic - Knox is an athletic player that plays under control and showed that he can score at the rim. His jumper wasn't falling today but the mechanics looked very good. Knox plays with a good motor.
2016 Benjamin Hayden, Forward, Orlando (FL) Lake Howell - Hayden is an efficient player that will post up down low, call for the ball and use an up-and-under move to score. He has good hands, we didn't see him drop or even bobble a pass or rebound all day. He's got decent athleticism that he showed off on a couple fast break dunks.
Other players that boosted their stock at Day 1 of the Spring Exposure Showcase with enhanced reputations were:
2016 Lorenze Cloud, Nick Peacock, David Enix, Jordan Gonzalez, Valentino Gifford, Quan Jackson, Niko Green, Herman Williams , James Lott, Desean Enzor and Amaru Bryant.
2017's Simeon Kirkland, De'Lazarus Keys, Jamari Wheeler, Stacy Beckton, Kevin Buckley and Malik Gandy.
At this point, per NCAA rules, D1 coaches are not off campus contact (or to even call or text) players in the 2016 class. But as the word spreads of today's performances, several players at the first day of this year's Spring Exposure Showcase should start checking their mailbox for letters from D1 schools.
Basketball analyst Russ Wood covers men's basketball for FlaVarsity.com travels the state of Florida.