Florida Team Camp: Castleton Stands Tall
Friday the Florida Gators Men's Basketball Team Camp jumped off with schools from across the sunshine state, Georgia and even one school from Missouri.
Inside the Gators was on site and here is who stood out on the first day of camp while we were watching:
Recruitment: Florida, Clemson, Georgia, Illinois, Rutgers, South Florida and more.
His Day: An agile 6-foot-11, 220-pounder, Castleton ran the floor well, finished post moves with his back to the basket, protected the rim and rebounded his area in a productive manner. Castleton has grown a few inches and added weight since this time last summer while maintaining his stamina. He also handles the ball very well for a big man, can put the ball on the floor to create his own shot or get to the basket and draw fouls, and has an excellent feel for the game.
In short, he is starting to put it all together and his recruiting stock is growing. In the game we watched, Castleton unofficially had 33 points (on 71.4 percent shooting), six rebounds, six blocks and one assist.
Quotable: Florida is talking to me a lot so is Clemson. I'm going to go on a visit Monday to Georgia and then go up to Clemson because it's just an hour and a half away. Illinois, I'm going to try to go up there with my mom the last weekend in June.
Prediction: If Florida were to offer, we believe they would move to the top of Castleton's list. The Gators made a big impression on him during his unofficial visit on Thursday.
Recruitment: Florida, Memphis, Texas Tech, Tennessee, Florida State and more
His Day: Mann did not have one of his better shooting days, particularly from the perimeter where he shot just 2-of-11 but he was able to get to, and finish, at the basket plus hit some midrange shots to shoot 9-of-23 overall. Mann also had some nice dimes, played very good defense and did not turn the ball over. He finished with 25 points, four assists, two steals and two blocks.
Quotable: Florida was always like one of my dream schools coming up. I remember it being close and I went to a couple of games when I was younger and I just thought it was cool. Florida has been on me the whole time, been to my games and showing the most love so really they're the leaders right now because they care about me.
Prediction: Florida will be tough to beat for Mann, the No. 59 ranked prospect in the class of 2019. He, and those around him, are very comfortable with the Florida coaching staff and the Gators have made him a priority.
Recruitment: UCF, South Florida Georgia Tech, Georgia, Kansas State and more.
His Day: Bryant, and his team, got off to a rocky start against a smaller but aggressive P.K. Yonge squad, falling behind by 14 points early. Bryant was defended by a smaller player who got him out of rhythm, but after some time on the bench a refocused Bryant started making plays in transition. During the third quarter Bryant, the No. 147 ranked prospect in the 2018 class, was almost unstoppable. He knocked down midrange shots, hit a couple of three-pointers, finished above the rim and blocked a few shots at the other end.
For a long time the book on Bryant was that he was a run, jump and dunk athlete. This summer he looks much more comfortable handling the ball and taking perimeter shots. His ball handling and shooting still need improvement but he has become more difficult to defend due to his improving jumper.
Prediction: According to his AAU Coach, UCF is recruiting Bryant harder than anyone and he is feeling the love from them. We expect more schools to jump into Bryant's recruitment during July before he cuts his list. Will Florida be one of them? Time will tell.
Other players who impressed us on Friday included:
Sarasota Riverview rising sophomore Malachi Wideman. The 6-foot-5, 175-pounder is uber athletic, has a decent handle and is not afraid to attack the rim, even when the rim is being protected by a 6-foot-11 center. Wideman showed good court vision and passing ability. Wideman showed high major potential so he is definitely a name to remember.
Mater Lakes Academy rising junior guard Cyrus Largie is intriguing. He has a very good frame and do not let him go down hill because he will attack the rim like it spit on his mother. His handle needs improving, especially his left hand. He did not show much in terms of perimeter shooting, but he still managed to score 32 points against The Villages. Largie does play with good energy and effort. According to his head coach Juan Urbina Largie has offers from Northern Arizona, Richmond and IUPUI with interest coming from Miami and Florida State.
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