"Built to Thrive: The Sharpshooting Playmaker Driving Wins All Over the Floor"

Jack Cantando

@jack_cantando

IG: @jackcantando

6'3, 185lbs, Class of 2028

Ravenscroft School, NC

Jack is a walking mismatch with a complete offensive game and the physical edge to back it up. This big-bodied combo guard combines strength, IQ, and a fierce competitive spirit that shows up every time he steps on the court. He’s a certified sniper from deep, shooting 35% from beyond the arc and a scorching 85% from the free-throw line, but he’s far from just a shooter. Jack attacks the rim with force, facilitates with vision, and crashes the glass like a forward, averaging a double-double in AAU play. His high motor and versatile skill set make him a nightmare in transition and a trusted leader in tight moments.

This season, he averaged 10.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.4 steals per game while shooting 53% from the floor. He led his 17–3 team in plus-minus and took over in one of the biggest games of the year, dropping 26 points in a statement win over previously unbeaten South Wake on the road. The biggest improvement in Jack’s game this year came in rebounding, he embraced his size and used it to become a dominant force on the boards. His offseason focus is building a smoother midrange game off the dribble to add to his scoring arsenal. With already strong outside shooting and rim-finishing ability, adding that element will elevate him to another level.

He plays AAU ball for Oak City (Raleigh, NC) and made serious noise at the Big Shots Global Tournament, finishing third in points per game with 15.3, along with 10 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. He was named to the All-Star team and helped lead his squad to the championship game, ultimately finishing runner-up. He’s looking ahead to the Bermuda Run Big Shots event and continues to chase goals with a focus on a season-ending double-double average, a 90% clip from the line, and breaking 40% from deep.

What sets Jack apart is how fired up he gets by momentum-shifting plays like diving for loose balls, converting an and-one, or locking in defensively when his team needs a stop. His leadership is steady, and he takes pride in keeping his composure and showing others how to lead with confidence and resilience. His dad’s advice, “Don’t waste your time, do something to better yourself. Get 1% better every day", drives him daily.

A 4.1 GPA student in all honors classes, Jack is the definition of a student-athlete who treats the classroom with the same respect and intensity as the hardwood. He understands that success in basketball starts with taking care of business off the court, and he's building a future that’s bigger than just buckets. When he's not in the gym, you’ll catch him gaming, spending time with friends, or competing in football and baseball because winning is in his DNA.

I assess that Jack brings a unique mix of physicality, finesse, and basketball IQ that makes him incredibly valuable on both ends of the floor. His ability to shoot, rebound, facilitate, and lead elevates everyone around him. College programs looking for a versatile guard who competes, communicates, and delivers in pressure situations will find that and more in Jack.

Jack’s evolution is only beginning. As he continues to refine his midrange game and tighten his handles, he has the potential to become a true three-level scorer with elite rebounding from the guard spot. With his leadership, work ethic, and academic drive, he’s poised to be a complete difference-maker at the next level and beyond. Stay tuned as this rising star is positioning himself for a breakout season ahead.