Indian River has a talented trio

The state of Florida has long been know to produce high flying athletes, who excel in an uptempo transition.  One of the top athletes in Florida junior college basketball, Jean Metalus stars for Indian River Community College.  The 6-foot-5 180-pound small forward hails from Belle Glade, FL. 

 

Metalus is a long, lean athlete who would fit in very well in a full court pressing situation.  Offensively, he can really get out in transition and fill a lane.  He then will use his leaping ability to finish.  Also he can shoot it decent from three-point land, yet he is much better getting to the basket. 

"He played center in high school, had to make that transition to the small forward position," said IRCC head coach Mike Leatherwood. "He could work on his three point shot and his strength. He's very athletic, has nice size, long for a three player, rebounds well for a three. He's a guy that can play four for us, but if he goes higher be a three player."

Metalus is not the best player on the roster at Indian River, though he may be the top Division One prospect.

"Alton Hart, he's an absolute monster," said Leatherwood. "He is an unbelievable athlete and intimidator. At 6-5, 230 he played center for us, averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds. He is definitely one of the best post players in Florida.  Went to no camps this summer, but he is a stud.  Kind of like a juco Ben Wallace, looks and plays like Ben Wallace, but he shoots the ball better."

Leatherwood said Hart is behind Metalus academically and may not be able to play Division One ball next year. However, he said all the big-time Division II schools have already started recruiting the power forward and there may be some Division One teams that take a chance on him.

In addition to that duo, Dale Saunders, a 6-foot-7 shooter from Waterbury, Ct. is a definite Division One prospect according to his coach.

"They'll be coming in September to watch the individual workouts," Leatherwood said of the recruiters. "We can't practice as a team until October first, but they'll be down here to see our individual workouts in September."

JucoJunction will continue to follow the progress of the prospects at Indian River.

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