Name: James Toliver
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 210 lbs
Position: SG
Year: Junior
School: Florida
Strength: 3 point specialist, Speed, quickness, stamina, injury, defense
Weakness: Strength, Low post, Ball handling, vision, passing
Gear: Air Jordan, Right Arm Sleeve
Story Line:
James was a two sport athlete for Orange Park High School in Orange Park, Florida. As a football player, James played wide receiver and defensive end. He led his football team to two state title runs and winning it his Senior year. As a basketball player he letter all four years at Orange Park. He made an immediate impact from day one on the court. He was Mr. Basketball his junior and senior. He made all state his Sophomore, Junior, and Senior year. He was recruited as the number 1 prospect for this state and number 4 in the country. He was being looked at by Pitt, N.C., Michigan State, Duke, Florida, and Kansas. He ultimately chose Florida, saying that we wanted to play with his life time best friend in Chris Johnson. They knew each other from their neighborhood that they grew up in. He said that Chris played important role in his recruitment. James stated that Chris spoke highly of coach Donovan. In James’s first year at Florida his success didn't quiet transfer over. He only average 14.3 ppg. He went 25% from behind the line, 67% from the floor but he averaged 98% on his free throw shooting. In the off season after his freshman year, James spent countless hours in the gym. Coach Donovan told sources that James would be in the gym from 4 am to around 6pm just working on his game and lifting. In his sophomore season, James’s numbers went up. He finished with an average of 22 ppg., 5 steals a game, and 3 assists. James placed third in the Naismith award. Going into his Junior James improved a lot. He finished the year with 27.6 ppg, 8 steals, 4 assists. He won the Naismith award and his team won the National Championship. James is leaving Florida with an average of 88% for his career from the 3 point line, 89% from the floor and 94% from the free throw line.
Scout.com got a chance to interview Coach Donovan and James Toliver after James announced he was making the jump.
Coach Donovan talked highly of James Toliver. He stated that James was a great person, player, and leader for his team. Coach Donovan stated that he got to know James and his family on a personal level. Coach stated that James was such a humble person and would go out of his way to help anyone in need. Coach Donovan went on to say that we would be surprised to see James fall out of the first round. He stated that it was hard to see James go so early but also said it’s life and we will just reload.
James Toliver on his decision on making the jump:
James said that he wanted to follow Chris Johnson, he said that he would love to be on the same team with Chris but doesn't care if he doesn't. He said he is ready to make an immediate impact for any team that drafts him. He said “ I am just humble to play the game that I love to play.”
Bow hunter til I die
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