After nearly six months of summer basketball, the travel season has ended and the yearly shift towards high school hoops has finally begun. Although there is still a lot of basketball going on between camps, fall leagues, and other preseason jamborees, this is typically the quietest time of the year for the grassroots community. Which, in turn, means there’s no better time to start highlighting individuals who have the tools and ability to be breakout players over the next eight months. While this notion could certainly apply to a variety of prospects, the emphasis is primarily on younger guys with an increased role, new school situation, or those who simply take the next step in their progression. Throughout the summer, Ricardo Oriol (Willow Spring/Apex Spurs) turned heads as one of the top floor generals in North Carolina’s Class of 2029. Let’s take a closer look…
Coming off a successful freshman campaign for a strong Willow Spring (20-7) squad where he averaged 8.7 PPG, 3.3 APG, and 2.1 SPG with 41/24/70 splits, it’s easy to see the appeal. Although the raw numbers might not explode off the page, he was the only freshman on the roster and shared the court with several older, college-level pieces (Ryder Randolph, Xavion Terrell, Dillon Robinson, Corey Kinard, and others). After losing three of their top four pieces, the Storm will need a breakout season from Oriol simply to maintain their current level of success. However, he’s shown a lot of promise as a leader and focal point with Apex Spurs over the last few months.
Although somewhat unassuming at first glance, it doesn’t take long for opponents to recognize that Oriol is a major difference-maker. He’s a very skilled, crafty floor general who knows how to dictate the action as the main creator, fill it up from all levels, and set up others in scoring positions. Oriol effortlessly breaks down defenders to touch the paint, where he’s able to finish or collapse the defense and make quality reads as a playmaker. He sees the floor well when attacking and looks to make the right play with the ball in his hands, but is also assertive enough to pick his spots as a scorer from all over the floor. Oriol displays a smooth middle game, reliable midrange pull-up, and shooting capabilities from beyond the arc. Add in his pace and change of direction, and he’s largely able to get what he wants offensively. Oriol also displays nice anticipation to intercept passing lanes to force turnovers defensively. Already a very impactful player, his game should only continue to blossom over the next twelve months.