Editor’s Note: Samuel Japhet-Mathias reclassed to 2017 from 2016 after this story was first written.
By DREW MESSMER
Special to ZAGSBLOG
Arguably the best unknown basketball prospect in the United States just arrived on Sept. 23.
In his opening week, the man-child had a coming out party in front of 30+ total Division I programs, including Pittsburgh, Kansas State, Providence, Oklahoma State, Virginia, Wake Forest, and many more.
Samuel Japhet-Mathias is a 6-foot-11 2017 center with a freakish 7-4 wingspan from Globe Academy in London, England.
Last season, he posted averages of 12 points and 9 rebounds per game against the best England has to offer. He recently arrived at Vermont Academy to play for Coach Alex Popp, and it didn’t take him long to make a big first impression.
“I think he has a very high ceiling.” Popp told SNY.tv, “The fact that he is 6-11, 270 pounds with great hands and feet is fantastic, but his greatest gift is his love for the game. He just started playing and he is only 16. I have coached a few McDonald’s All-Americans, and he is on par with them.”
Japhet-Mathias is adjusting quickly to America.
“I’m doing well,” he said. “The speed of the game is different, so it forces me to read stuff quicker. So far, I feel like I’ve adjusted well.”
He is also enjoying Vermont Academy.
“I like it here so far,” he said. “Everything I need is here. I get a great education, a good court, a weight room, and a team of grinders. I’m happy here.”
The rising star made his decision to come to the state “to play Division I basketball.” He is well on his way to making his decision worth every minute as he is receiving heavy interest from a pair of high-major schools.
“I’ve received interest from Miami and Indiana,” he said. “Indiana knows how to develop bigs very well, and Miami plays in a great conference and are coached very well.”
The 2017 post talked about his strengths.
“I have good footwork and hands,” he said. “I can read my defender and score out of the post with pump fakes and dribble drives. I have a good left and right hook and I have good patients. I can also pass the ball.”
He is dominant in the post, and the parts of his game that he is currently focusing on will make him elite.
“I’m working on my 3-point shot and handle,” he said.
He tries to model his game after another foreign center.
“I really like the Spurs, so I’ll say Tim Duncan because he’s not the strongest big, but every game he finds a way to outsmart his defender,” he said.
Japhet-Mathis was a big college basketball fan when he was in Europe, and he has a few favorite teams that he would love to play for.
“I like UConn, North Carolina, and Kentucky because they play smart basketball and it’s good for exposure,” he said.
Coming into his first season in the U.S., he has one goal.
“My goal is to win the NEPSAC AA tournament,” he said.
Long term, he has his eyes set on doing one thing.
“I want to be a first round pick in the NBA Draft,” he said.
Photo: Jack Hinds / JackHindsPhotography.com
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