We are beginning to turn our attention to the juniors who are looking to make a big jump this upcoming season. We have named five (5) potential breakout under-the-radar players. If you feel like your athlete needs to be on this list, please send an email to rossvdg14@gmail.com or send a direct message on Instagram, X, or Facebook (SEHoopsReport)
By: Southeast Hoops Report
6-6 SF Derwyn Link, Bartow HS (FL)- 2028
The 6-foot-6 junior wing is raising national attention after coming off an impressive summer playing for Showtime Ballers on the New Balance circuit. He combines strength, length, and athleticism, which allows him to play multiple positions and can influence the game in a variety of ways. On offense, he has a soft touch where he can be effective in the mid-range as well as showcase his long arms to his advantage by getting to the front of the rim. On the defensive end, he can guard on the interior as well as showcase his elite footwork when challenging shots on the perimeter. Link brings fluidity and displays a smooth handle when it comes to transition-scoring opportunities, as he can be effective from the guard position as well.
6-5 SF Deandre Taylor, Jesuit (Tampa) HS (FL)- 2028
Taylor is an impactful wing who has a combination skill set of size and length and brings physicality on both ends of the floor. The 6-foot-5 junior forward is at his best when coming off screens and attacking the front of the rim, where he can finish with authority. He also adds a smooth transition game where he can get to his spots both on and off the ball, and his high IQ allows him to be effective. On the defensive end, he stays engaged, where he can guard on the ball, stay active in the passing lanes, and showcase his athleticism when patrolling the paint to challenge shots. Overall, his high motor and two-way playmaking could open up the door for a possible big time season for the junior wing.
6-3 PG Timothy West, Specially Fit Academy (FL)- 2028
The 6-foot-3 point guard has a tight and shifty handle where he can operate in both the half-court and in transition on the offensive end. He also displays great body control and speed where he can attack the rim where his ability to absorb contact is fearless. On the defensive end, he can guard on and off the ball at a high level, where his athleticism allows him to cover a ton of ground. West is a high-level rebounder for his size, and he can push the tempo as well as make strong and accurate outlet passes to his teammates. With offers from Georgia Southern, Jacksonville State, and Queens University already in his back pocket, the 6-foot-3 junior point guard is just scratching the surface of his full potential.
6-3 PG Justin Rhodes, University School (Fort Lauderdale) (FL)- 2028
The 6-foot-3 junior point guard has a wiry frame. He also possesses an excellent handle from the lead guard position; he is also capable of getting to his spots against pressure, but it’s his passing vision that really sets him apart from other guards. Rhodes is effective when it comes to attacking the rim, using his length and frame to his advantage to finish through contact, and has shown flashes of a reliable pull-up game in the mid-range. On the defensive end, his size provides versatility, allowing him to guard multiple perimeter positions, and he uses his wingspan to disrupt passing lanes and challenge shots.
6-5 SG Greg Dauer, Sarasota HS (FL)- 2028
The 6-foot-5 junior guard is primarily used as the second option, and he handles it exceptionally well. On the offensive end, he does a great job when it comes to setting his teammates up to score, as well as being a floor spacer, where his impact doesn’t always show up in the box score. His size speaks for itself, as he can play multiple positions on the floor, snatch timely rebounds, and dish out assists to open shooters on the move. On the defensive end, he plays with speed and purpose, where he can attack closeouts, challenge shots at the rim with his length, and stay active in the passing lanes. After helping lead Sarasota High School to a state championship runner-up finish as a sophomore last season, Dauer and the Sailors have higher aspirations to achieve this upcoming season as he enters his junior season. Expect Dauer to receive heavy recruitment interest as he already holds an offer from Florida Gulf Coast.
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Ross Van De Griek has been a Southeast Region Scout for On The Radar Hoops since 2024 and has been the Owner/Founder of Southeast Hoops Report since June 2026. You can follow along with his work on X (@SEHoopsReport), Instagram (sehoopsreport), and Facebook (@sehoopsreport).