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. It feels like Jermier Nelson fits the bill for all three of those qualifiers, particularly as the new leader and focal point of Carmel Christian. Let’s take a closer look…
Each year, we see various high-level players enter and exit North Carolina for a multitude of varying reasons. However, it’s rare to see someone have such a profound, immediate impact like Nelson is having for the Cougars. He stepped on campus and quickly asserted himself as their newfound leader and focal point. Whether by design or Nelson’s talent level, it’s been a truly seamless transition. He’s had a terrific summer season, both with Team CP3 and Carmel Christian (during June), and his recruitment reflects this notion. Nelson collected his first three offers early (East Carolina, High Point, Old Dominion), but would double his list only a few months later (Coastal Carolina, Saint Louis, UNCG, and App State).
It all makes sense, seeing as how the 6-foot-3 floor general has flourished in every possible setting. He’s a smart, dynamic point guard with a lethal penetration sense and the ability to get downhill seemingly whenever he wants. Nelson touches the paint at will, where he’s able to finish through contact, above the rim, and effectively with either hand. However, he also sports a smooth middle-game with a nice midrange pull-up and useful arsenal of floaters/runners to access as needed. Nelson is a respectable three-point shooter who continues to get more and more consistent from beyond the arc. He’s a solid rebounder with an understanding of how to push the break and create transition opportunities with minimal effort. Nelson is a pesky on-ball defender whose blend of strength, athleticism, and overall instincts make him a real problem for opponents. Although he’s already established himself as a Division I prospect and clear two-way leader, folks should expect Nelson’s game to continue blossoming over the foreseeable future.