As we near the 2021-22 high school basketball season, there a lot of eyes on the state’s top returning players from last year’s shortened season. However, a number of stars transferred, and will shake up the hoops scene in the Garden State. Here are some players that switched schools and will have an immediate impact for their new team.
Akil Watson – Roselle Catholic
Photo: Soru
After two seasons with Don Bosco Prep, the Watson family moved to Union County, which led to a transfer to Roselle Catholic. Already with a loaded squad, the do-it-all forward will have a big impact for the Lions. The 6’8” athletic offensive threat adds height, somewhere RC had issues last season, and versatility to their attack. Watson, a four star recruit holds double-digit Power Six offers, including Auburn, Texas Tech, Seton Hall, Illinois and others. Watson will be joined by his younger brother Tarik, also 6’8”. The member of the class of 2024 has reported offers from Creighton, St. John’s and Georgetown.
Jadin Collins – Rutgers Prep
Last season with Roselle Catholic, Collins dealt with an injury for part of the season, and never fully bounced back. After announcing he would transfer to Rutgers Prep, Collins showed his skill in the live period. Besides healing from his injury, the 6’0” point guard has become far more confident in his ability on both sides of the ball. Temple, Fordham and numerous Ivy League colleges have shown interest in the versatile class of 2023 weapon.
Aaron Bradshaw – Camden
Bradshaw transferred from Roselle Catholic to Camden prior to last season, but Bradshaw is still yet to see a single minute of high school basketball action through his first two years. The 7’0” junior is hard to score on, as he has the speed and agility to stay with most players, but also has the ability to use his height to protect the rim. Bradshaw recently visited LSU and Oklahoma State, but also holds offers from UCLA, Rutgers, Seton Hall and more.
Elijah Perkins – Camden
Aside from Bradshaw, Camden is getting another star in Elijah Perkins. The ultra-athletic three star shooting guard has one of the highest verticals in the state, and uses it to his advantage when driving to the basket. Perkins spent his first three years of high school at Ranney, where he averaged 11.5 points per game over the span and was a part of the 2018-19 squad that won the Tournament of Champions. With the addition of Perkins, the Panther backcourt got even more dangerous heading into the season.
Scrimmages will begin on December 6, with the regular season beginning on the 17th.
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