OTR Hoops News: 2028 Breakout Players to Watch in Florida (Part 2) – November 7, 2025
OTR Hoops News: 2028 Breakout Players to Watch in Florida (Part 2)
By: Ross Van De Griek
2028 6-2 PG Josiah Gillard, Dr. Phillips
Gillard is one of the most elite shooters in the class, where his quick release is very effective, and he can get it off against anybody. His decision-making is elite, where he gets his teammates involved at a high level. On the defensive end, his lateral quickness and athleticism allow him to be a pest in the passing lanes. Gillard’s recruitment has already kicked off as he has received an offer from the University of San Diego.
2028 6-7 PF Tyler Sabec, Calvary Christian (Clearwater)
Sabec is a confident shooter, whether he is playing off the ball or is the primary ball-handler. He can score on all three levels, whether it’s getting to his spots on the perimeter or driving towards the basket, punishing defenders with his athleticism and dunking ability. On the defensive end, Sabec plays with a ton of length and versatility, allowing him to guard positions 1 through 4. His footwork in the post as well as the perimeter continues to improve. Expect a breakout sophomore season for Sabec where he could start to attract college coaches with his size.
2028 6-0 PG Sebastian Lefranc, Armwood
Lefranc displays great poise and body control on the offensive end, utilizing a quick first step to finish above the rim on the attack. He is also an excellent decision maker as he gets his teammates involved and can create scoring opportunities for himself off the ball. On the defensive end, his ability to guard multiple positions with his length and quickness will lead to the next step in his overall game.
2028 6-5 SG Jah’mir Wallace, Bartow
Wallace is a big-bodied guard who plays with a ton of confidence when he has the basketball in his hands. He also knows when to take control of the game, where his poise and patience don’t allow him to get rattled when opposing defenders blitz him. He is also the anchor for his team on the defensive end, where he can guard on and off the ball at a high level using his quickness and length. His ability to get timely rebounds over taller players has improved, where he doesn’t tend to foul very often.
2028 6-2 PG Johnas Maurice, Lake Howell
Maurice is a true floor general who plays with a ton of poise and patience on the offensive end. He can finish above the rim at the point of attack, where he isn’t afraid when it comes to finishing through contact. On the defensive end, Maurice can guard multiple positions, utilizing his length and athleticism to be a factor in the passing lanes as well as getting timely rebounds to push in transition. He is a player that coaches will need to get to know by the end of the season.
2028 6-1 PG Kyree Oliver, Gibbs
Oliver plays with a ton of speed and knows how to get to his spots on the offensive end. His three-level scoring ability has taken a huge step forward from his freshman season to this season. He knows how to get to the front of the rim and is very effective when it comes to finishing with either hand, as well as being unafraid when finishing with contact. On defense, his quickness allows him to jump the passing lanes, where he gets timely steals and deflections, leading to scores on the opposite end. Look for Oliver to make the next step as he will look to lead the Gibbs offense this season with O’Neal Delancy now playing at Montverde Academy.
2028 6-3 CG LJ Bacon, The First Academy (Orlando)
Bacon plays with a combination skillset of size, speed, and athleticism in the open court. He does a great job when it comes to finishing on the attack at the front of the rim on the offensive end. His competitiveness and elite footwork on the defensive end have taken huge strides from his freshman season to this season. With his high energy and elite rebounding ability on both ends of the floor, Bacon could be a name to know in the Central Florida area for the next couple of years.
2028 6-3 PG Tai Bell, Mater Lakes Academy (Pictured at Top)
Bell has basketball bloodlines as he is the son of 12-year NBA veteran Raja Bell, where he displays a ton of upper-body strength from the point guard position. His high IQ and great feel of the game have evolved since having a dynamic freshman season last year. Offensively, Bell plays with poise, patience and can control his own pace where he can score on all three levels. On the defensive end, Bell plays with elite pressure and allows the opposing players to speed up, and gets steals by playing in the passing lanes. He is already receiving offers from Power 4 offers such as Florida State, Kansas State, Purdue, South Florida, Syracuse, and several others.
Ross Van De Griek has been a Southeast Region Scout & Writer for On the Radar Hoops since 2024. He has been involved in basketball scouting with stops at Prep Hoops since 2022. You can follow him on X @RossVDG14 or reach him via email at rossvdg14@gmail.com
