Seminole duo will get lots of looks

Entering his second season at Seminole Community College, head coach Bobby Washington is excited about the future. It has to be a little easier than the past. In his first season, a season of transition, Washington ended the season with just seven players on his roster. But two of those players are a big reason for his excitement this year.

The starting point guard will be Freddie Williams, who was an all-conference selection and the Mid-Florida Conference's freshman of the year after averaging 19 points a game in his first season.

"In our conference, we had several players go D1, including Blake Young who signed with Kansas State," Washingtonsaid. "A lot of people thought Freddie was the second best guard in our league next to Blake Young. He is from Jacksonville, about 5-11, combo guard. He's very athletic, jumps out of the gym, shoots the three, and he has gotten a lot stronger. He has that high mid-major to high major motor. With his size, I don't think too many high majors will definitely come in, but I can really see him getting time at MM level."

Little played about half of last season with a shoulder injury, but still let the Seminole squad in scoring.

"He was the bright spot," Washington said. "He is quick off the dribble, good handles, he can take it to the rack."

Joining Washington at the next level should be wing man Haakim Johnson. Johnson is a two-three at the next level, but also backed up Little at the point last season.

"He started at the wing for me, but when Freddy got exhausted, I'd take him out and Haakim ran the point without a beat," Washington said. "I tell people that to let them know about his ball handling skills and team leading ability. He can play the 1-2-3, in juco he can play the four."

Johnson most certainly passes the eyeball test of a big-time player.

"I call him the sexy player. He's about 6-6 has a body that everybody wants, 220-225, long," Washington said. "He's done a lot of growing up from when he first walked into my office until now. Before it's all done, he will be about 6-7 with those same skills. He'll definitely be another bright spot. He needed to mature mentally and has done that. I definitely expect him to be first team all-conference, maybe even all state."

Both players have participated in a couple of showcase events and have turned some heads. Washington said the College of Charleston had wanted to sign the duo early, but a coaching change has thrown that situation into some doubt. Washington said VCU has expressed interest and he expects both players' lists to grow this summer and fall.

Another prospect to keep an eye on is a freshman at Seminole. 6-foot-8 David Gabriel comes from Port St. Lucie and Washington thinks he may have the most potential of all.

"Florida Atlantic loved him, but he just didn't have the grades to go D1," Washington said. "6-8, 235, runs like a deer. He's one that a lot of even some high majors will look at him, he plays too hard and too athletic not to."

The future is bright at SCC.