Class of 26 forward Julius Avent sets officials
BY ZACH SMART
Exploiting mismatches by taking smaller defenders to the rim, levitating and freeing up air space for his jumper, and playing instinctively on the defensive end, Class of 2026 PSA Cardinals forward Julius Avent was among the top performers during Peach Jam.
Putting the ball on the deck comfortably at 6-foot-7, sticking the outside shot with consistency, and posting up while leaning on a mid range turnaround, Avent averaged 17.3 points, 6.5 boards and 2.8 steals through the week-long event.
Avent, the son of legendary Seton Hall forward and NBA player Anthony Avent, was able to show out with his strength and multi-positional attributes on both ends of the floor.
Employed in multiple schemes and at different positions, Avent’s ability to impact the game in an array of ways was evident. He came out of the gates hot in North Augusta, S.C., as Avent erupted for a 28-point performance on the strength of 11-for-17 from the field, including 3-for-6 from beyond the arc.
After garnering offers from the likes of Providence, Seton Hall, Michigan State, Penn State, Xavier, Mississippi State, Virginia Tech and others, Avent has several visits lined up.
Avent noted that with PSA missing several vital, highly acclaimed recruits in top shelf guard Dylan Mingo and towering, multi-talented 6-foot-11 twins Adonis and Darius Ratliff, he took game changing matters into his own hands during Peach Jam.
“With multiple critical pieces missing, I knew I had to have a bigger impact on the game, especially offensively,” said Avent.
“I tried to put forth my whole scoring arsenal and really just use my versatility.”
With his senior season soon approaching, Avent is slated for official visits to Michigan State (August 30th), Penn State (September 6th), Xavier (September 12th), Providence (September 18th), and Seton Hall (October 2nd).
Avent broke down these schools and his feelings on each moving forward:
Michigan State: “They’ve definitely been on me a long time. Since last year, they have been recruiting me. I finally got the offer after (NBPA) Top 100 Camp. They’re definitely a great program.”
Penn State–(Assistant) Coach (Taylor) Battle definitely loves my game. Getting (Kayden) Mingo was big for them. They just had (Yanic Konan Niederhauser) get drafted out of there, so that was pretty cool. I think with the way they are able to have multiple play-makers on the court and the way they emphasize versatility, I would be able to play my game there in that system.”
Xavier: “Their style of play is very similar to mine. They like to get out in transition, they like to run a fast paced attack. They had offered me under the previous staff, then when coach (Richard) Pitino got there, they re-offered me. (Assistant) Coach (Dante) Jackson, he talks to me a lot. I’m building the relationship with him. He’s actually the one who re-offered me. They say coach Pitino is actually like the opposite of his father (St.. John’s head coach Rick Pitino). He’s more laid back. I think he’s a tremendous coach as well and he gives his players freedom to really play their game.”
Providence: “They offered me after Top 100 Camp. They’ve been to a lot of games on the live period, both with my high school team and wirh PSA. I like the fact that they are in the Big East. I like their style of play and approach.
Seton Hall: “If I wind up staying home, they are a great choice. They just got Najai Hines, which is a good look for them. They’ve been recruiting me for the longest out of everyone. Obviously, there is some unique history over there with my family, so that’s cool. They’ve been on me heavy. It’s another school where I can play my game, score it at three levels, play versatile defense.”
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