Scouting special: Habel among nations best

Quite possibly the top player at Mullens' All-Star Review was Jerome Habel.  The 6-foot-10 Habel signed out of high school with Florida State.  He probably was the most skilled post man in the camp. 

 

He has the ability to score inside or outside, with a touch to 18 feet.  The lefty is also very quick and he can really put it on the floor and get to the rim.  Plus, he uses his quickness to score at will on other post men.  He has very long arms and is ultra athletic.  He uses his explosiveness to duck on defenders and sky to block shots.  He must get bigger and stronger before he gets to the next level.  With some strength, he has the potential to be an NBA prospect.  Time will tell on that.

 

In the meantime, Florida State is hot on his trail again.  Head Coach Leonard Hamilton followed him on the first day of camp, and an FSU assistant coach trailed him the entire time.  As recently as last January, one of Habel's coaches was quoted as saying the Seminoles are still counting on him to come back. He is definitely an impact player in the ACC or any high major league that he decides to play in.

 

Habel played last season at Division III level St. Mary's College of Maryland, but will suit up this season for San Bernadino Valley Community College and head coach Phil Matthews.  Matthews, the former head coach at the University of San Francisco, is known for his development of big men. Habel is loaded with potential, averaging about 16 points, 10 boards and 2.5 blocks in his half season at St. Mary's.

 

JucoJunction will follow the recruitment and progress of Habel as San Bernandino plans to make noise on the West Coast.  In addition, Southwest Hoops Report listed Habel as a high major performer as well.  Habel will make a big splash in JucoJunction's preseason player rankings and could find himself in the preseason top five players in the country.

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