This week’s player spotlight is on Miami Palmetto guard Jordan Lopez. The 6 foot 2 prospect had a big summer playing with Florida Gold Coast. He excelled in the Peach State Showcase and Grassroots Summer Showdown, in which he had multiple 20 plus point games. He felt the summer really sparked his development and growth as a player. 

“My travel ball season this summer was the best one I've had,” said Lopez. “Florida Gold Coast really changed me as an individual and a player as well. Coach Chachi and the staff really worked with me to improve my game and it showed. I led the team in scoring and helped us win big games. I picked up my interest through playing with Gold Coast. My teammates were the best I could have asked for and I was really happy how this summer went.”

The rising senior senior has started to garner college interest. He is a very intelligent player that can score in bunches from the outside. He is gathering interest at the next level from Division 2 and 3 programs. 

“My recruiting status is going fairly well but no offers yet. I've been receiving interest from Flagler College (DII), Dean College (DIII), Stevenson University (DIII), Wartburg College (DIII), and Washington and Jefferson (DIII). I'm just looking for a school that will love to have me and make me feel at home.” 

Miami Palmetto will be counting on Lopez to be one of its leading scorers this season. The Panthers are replacing a strong senior class that featured Jovan Debrito (Florida National), Joey Martinez (Broward College), Alex Rodriguez (Gordon State), and Gary Bess (TLAP Prep). Lopez along with Marcos Molina, Sean Zabari and Kentron Portier are Palmetto’s lone returners and will be counted upon to have Palmetto as one of the best teams in Dade County once again. 

“I feel that we are going to be a more well-rounded team than last year. The chemistry is there with us. We can play off of each other and use our IQ to win tough games. I feel confident about my team and can't wait for the season.”

Lopez is set for a breakout senior season and should thrive as perimeter scorer in tandem with Palmetto’s strong group of athletic and strong inside players. The Gold Coast standout tries to emulate his game around the Heat’s most recent first round draft pick and is one of the county’s top shooters.

“The strengths of my game are my mid-range and my ability to shoot from the outside. I feel like the best comparison to me would be Tyler Herro because I try to mirror his game a lot.”

The Panthers, who are led by coach Marcos Molina, are the favorite in 7a District 16. Palmetto added Leonard Taylor (6’5), Jacoby Brown (6’6), Saiyan Marley 6’3), and Mor Gaye (6’7) who are all Class of 2021 prospects in the offseason and will be relying on Portier and Lopez as its senior leaders.  

“My goals heading into the season is to for sure win a State Championship with my team. Another goal I wish to accomplish is to lead Miami Dade in scoring.” 

Lopez and the Panthers will be trying to capture the school’s first trip to Lakeland and a big senior season from Lopez will go a long way toward helping Palmetto reach its potential. 

Check out highlights below from Source Hoops Summer Festival.