The subject of this week’s HoopMIA player spotlight is one of the most talented players in South Florida and has already scored a thousand points in his career. Tony Sanders enters his senior season with huge personal and team expectations. The Gulliver Prep standout is an immensely talented wing that is poised to display why he is a national prospect. He discussed what he feels are the strengths of his abilities. 

“The strength of my game is pretty much that I can do everything,” said Sanders. “I can score when I want and I can create shots for my teammates. Most importantly, Defense is one of my strengths.”

The 6-foot-7 190 pound prospect has already obtained offers from Florida State, Xavier, South Carolina, Southern Miss, Illinois, Columbia, Wyoming, Georgia, Florida, Wyoming, Penn, Yale, and Dayton. Sanders has been a notable prospect throughout his prep career and he gained some of the aforementioned interest playing with Game Elite this summer. He is set to gain even more interest in what is sure to be a big senior campaign. He discussed his travel season, his recruiting status and what he is looking for in his college destination. 

“Travel ball ended well for me. I learned and experienced a lot of things with a great group of guys. I am still open in my recruitment. What I am looking for in a school is a coaching staff that believes in me and a setting similar to my current school.”

Gulliver Prep is now in Class 4a District 16 with the new Florida state assignments. They are an overwhelming favorite in their district and are expected to contend with programs like University School (2018 & 2019 5a state champions), Stranahan (2019 6a state champion), Pinecrest and North Broward Prep for a trip to Lakeland this season. The Raiders have a new head coach in Gary DeCesare who comes to the sunshine state after a successful run at St.Rita in Chicago. Sanders talked about how he feels about the upcoming season and what he thinks his squad can achieve. 

“This year I feel that we have a really special group here at Gulliver. We are going to be a problem for other teams. I believe we are State contenders. My goal for this season is to win a state championship.”

The 2020 prospect is ranked nationally and in the state in almost all recruiting services. He is fresh off a season in which he averaged 20 points and 5 rebounds per game. He already holds several high major Division 1 offers and he is still just scratching the surface of his potential. Sanders is great in transition, a three level scorer, and an active defender. He spoke about what the sport of basketball means to him and why he enjoys it. 

“What I love most about playing is just the ability to get better and work on my game. I just having fun while doing it because I love the game.”

The Raiders have a talented group with Sanders, Gabe Taylor, Diego Lamonica, Niki Aixala, Conor Sazant, and Booker T transfers Eddie Jackson and Donnel Harris. They are hoping the addition of Harris and Jackson along with the leadership of DeCesare have them ready to live up to the potential this program has flashed the past few seasons. Sanders’ goal is a singular mission of getting his team a State Championship. He is set to leave his mark on the South Florida Hoop scene this season and he will be worth the price of admission every night.