Travel Team Preview - Florida Rams 17U
As the Adidas flagship program in the state, the Rams have been very consistent over the past several years. Program Director Matt Ramker has done a very good job of identifying talent and integrating players into the program. In the signature Adidas events last year, the team made the semi-finals of the It Takes 5ive event and the Elite Eight of the Adidas Super 64. This season, the Rams look to continue their winning ways.
“We may be a little smaller than in the past”, says Ramker. “I still expect us to be an elite program both nationally and state-wide. I think the talent returning from last season plus some new players in our program will allow us to play a dynamic, uptempo system that players, coaches, and fans like to see.”
The mainstay inside will be Louisville commit Rakeem Buckles, a 6’8 BF/WF from Miami Pace. Other inside players will include 6’7 BF/WF Altavious Carter from Grandview Prep and 6’5 WF James Jackson of Cypress Bay.
“There really aren’t a lot of big guys out there in the class of 2009 in Florida”,says Ramker. “All of our big can play in and out so that will be an advantage for us. Buckles handles the ball well, scores inside and is great in transition. Carter has long arms which helps him defensively and on the glass and he is very good at creating his own shot and scoring off the dribble from mid-range. Jackson is a superior athlete that gets off the floor quickly for blocks and boards. His handle and jump shot are coming along but he’s quick enough and strong enough to guard bigger players. “
In the backcourt, Ramker will have several scoring options to choose from. 2008 6’5 WG Freddie Riley of Ocala Vanguard will prep at Hargrave next season. He will be joined by 6’3 combo guard Ramon Galloway of Dwyer, 2010 6’2 wing guard Brian Holmes from Winter Springs, 6’3 WG Quamaine Foreman from Martin County, 6’4 WG Darren Stewart from Miami Pace, and 2011 6’3 wingof Dwyer.
“Riley will give us an explosive scorer on the wing”, says Ramker. “He can really stroke it from deep and can play the wing forward spot if necessary. Galloway can play both guard spots effectively as he shoots with range, makes good decisions with the basketball, and can penetrate and make plays for others or himself. Holmes keeps improving every time out. He has a nose for the basket and scores in a wide variety of ways. Foreman is a solidly built guard that can stroke it from deep or finish at the basket. Stewart is a player that is solid on the defensive end, scores well in transition, and can create his own shot. Brissett may be young but he more than proved he can play at this level after a stand out season at Dwyer. He’ll come in and give us productive minutes at the one, two or three. He’s a good shooter out to the three point line and handles the bell well on the perimeter.”
The Rams will have a busy schedule:
April 5: NTF/Rams Jamboree, Clearwater
April 18-20: Pitt Jam Fest, Pittsburgh, PA
April 25-27: King James Shooting Stars, Akron, OH
May 16-18: Florida Rams Hoops Classic, Miramar, FL
May 23-25: Tournament of Champions, Durham, NC
July 5-9: Adidas It Takes 5ive Tournament, Cincinnati, OH
July 12-15: Best of the South, Tampa
July 21-26: Adidas Super 64, Las Vegas, NV
July 27-Aug1: 17U AAU Nationals, Orlando
