Academy of Central Florida is Among the Nation's Best
The Academy of Central Florida, located in Orlando, Florida, is an elite multi-sport academy offering comprehensive middle, high school and post grad academics alongside advanced athletic training and competitive opportunities. The Academy was founded out of a desire to revolutionize the training and development of players while addressing the unique needs of student-athletes. Their years of experience in the development of athletic programs is a proven success. They've achieved national and state championships in the sports of boys basketball, girls basketball, baseball, girls volleyball, and boys soccer.
The basketball program has been structured by coaches that have high school, college and professional experience. They have developed more than 30 players who have played in the NBA. They have served student-athletes from more than 50 countries and placed over 175 of them into D1 universities. Their teams compete against many of the top programs in the nation. Its a full year development program with teams at the high school and post grad levels.
Their post grad basketball program is under the stewardship of the highly regarded and successful program builder, Chris Chaney. He is assisted by Sullivan Brown and Joseph Hall. Their Gold team (profiled below) competes at the National Level and has already announced its presence as one of the nation's top teams in 2025-26.
Its 2025-26 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here.
#0 Pedro Sancho (2026) 6'4 guard - From Valencia, Spain, Sancho may not yet be a household name — but if you’re hunting for a guard who plays with poise, craft, and real basketball IQ, he’s the kind of under-the-radar prospect worth chasing. Sancho brings a naturally balanced game and a hunger that separates the serious players from the flashes-in-the-pan. What stands out most about Sancho is his feel for pace and rhythm. He doesn’t force things. When he has the ball, he moves with purpose — probing the defense, reading closeouts, and making the right plays off the bounce. His ball-handling and decision-making give him the freedom to create for himself or others, and his feel for the floor suggests a player comfortable running an offense under pressure. On drives and in transition, he shows craftiness — using angles, hesitation, and burst to attack downhill, while remaining ready to pull up or kick out when help comes. Defensively and off the ball, Sancho’s maturity really shows. He plays with effort and discipline, sticks to game plans, and doesn’t shy away from physicality or contact. That kind of attitude — coachable, tough, willing to do the dirty work — is especially valuable at the college level, where hustle and smart decision-making often matter more than pure athleticism. For a program seeking a steady, reliable guard who can anchor backcourt play, Sancho is exactly that type: low-drama, high-IQ, and ready to contribute from day one. In short: if your coaching staff values a guard with composure, steady scoring, playmaking instincts, and a head under pressure, Pedro Sancho deserves serious looks. He’s a legitimate sleeper in the 2026 class — a player who may not flash on every highlight reel, but whose value lies in consistency, toughness and a team-first mentality. Recruit him now before everyone else realizes what he brings to the table. Projected to play at the D2/D3 level. ACF profile
#1 Zaire Lawrey (2026) 6'1 guard - From Upper Marlboro, MD, Lawrey is one of the most intriguing young guards in the 2026 class. A strong lefty with deceptive moves and a natural scorer’s mentality, Lawrey has the size, skill, and poise to impact winning right away at the college level. His blend of toughness, playmaking, and shot-making makes him a complete backcourt weapon with plenty of upside. His strengths include 3 level scoring ability and knocking down the open three with confidence. His mid-range pull-up is smooth and reliable, especially off ball screens. He is also a strong finisher at the rim—uses his left hand well and has the athleticism to finish through or over defenders. Lawrey has a deceptive off-the-dribble game. He possesses a crafty handle with hesitation moves, crossovers, and quick bursts that create separation. He changes pace effectively—keeps defenders guessing with a combination of strength and finesse. He is a high IQ passer who can read defenses and make the right play. Lawrey is also strong in pick-and-roll action, and he balances scoring with creating for teammates. He has the size and strength to guard either guard spot, shows good instincts in passing lanes and competes defensively. He plays with confidence and toughness—never shies away from competition. He has a mature feel for the game at a young age; understands spacing, timing, and when to take over. He has that “alpha” mentality, wants the ball in his hands when it matters. Zaire Lawrey is a college-ready guard with a game that translates at the next level. His ability to score, create, and defend makes him the type of player who can step into a rotation early. He’s a lefty with flair and toughness, and he’s only going to keep improving. The bottom line: If you’re looking for a backcourt piece who can get his own shot, create for others, and lock in on both ends of the floor, Zaire Lawrey should be high on your board. He’s one of the more slept-on guards in the 2026 class, but the tools, competitiveness, and upside are all there for him to become a high-level contributor in college—and potentially beyond. Projected to play at the D2/D3 level. ACF profile
#2 Alberto Blanco (2026) 6'9 forward - From Seville, Spain, Blanco has a combination of skill, maturity, and international experience that give him a legitimate shot at being a high-impact college—and eventually a Euroleague pro—player. Though still young (born 2007), he’s already racked up experience on Spain’s youth national teams, including 17u World Cup and 20u European competition. His strengths include shot-making and floor spacing. Blanco’s shooting is his calling card. He can catch and knock down perimeter shots, and his ability to space the floor forces defenses to respect him beyond the arc. That opens up driving lanes, pick-and-pop actions, and weak-side opportunities for cutters. Versatility and positional flexibility: He’s not limited to just “stretch 4” role. He can drift to the wing, step out to the perimeter, attack mismatches, and even handle secondary creation. Because he can operate in multiple roles, he gives coaches schematic flexibility. Blanco isn’t afraid to mix it up. He fights for boards on both ends, uses strength and effort to secure second-chance opportunities, and is competitive in the paint. His physical tools, combined with his work ethic, make him a plus on the glass for his position. What really impresses is his cerebral approach. He reads defenses, understands spacing, times cuts and off-ball movement, and plays with a maturity beyond his years—attributes that don’t always show up in stat sheets but translate immediately in a college setting. He’s logged minutes in Spain’s youth national teams in meaningful FIBA and Euroleague games. That exposure to high-level competition gives games gives him a leg up on recruits without that background. He’s battle-tested, used to pressure, and understands winning at a high level. To dominate consistently at the college level, he’ll need to add muscle and strength, especially when battling bigger fours or switching onto stronger forwards. While he’s polished as a shooter, learning to push the pace and forcing defense collapses, or being more aggressive as a playmaker will elevate him further.He has the tools to guard multiple positions, but locking down smaller, quicker wings or defending quicker switches will be a test. Developing footwork, lateral quickness, and defensive instincts will be key. He gives you immediate college level floor spacing—something every modern offense demands. He’s coachable, smart, and brings international experience, meaning the learning curve may be lower than other incoming freshmen. His versatility allows you to slide him into multiple roles depending on matchups. He possesses a high ceiling. With development in strength and aggression, Blanco can evolve into a go-to option, not just a role piece. Coaches looking for a forward who blends shooting, versatility, IQ, and proven international chops should have Alberto Blanco high on their recruitment board. He’s the type of player that can grow into a foundational piece for a winning program. Projected to play at the Mid Major+ level. Video highlights ACF profile
#3 Shale Smith (2026) 6'1 guard - From Seattle, WA, Smith is quietly climbing the board. He’s not big, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for with craft, timing, and that innate ability to control pace. Smith is a lefty who’s got that “blink-and-you-miss-it” quality in his game. His jumper is lethal—whether he’s spotting up or shooting off subtle movement, he has the confidence to let it fly. What makes him special is how he shifts speeds: you’ll see him glide in rhythm, suddenly change gears, create separation and attack in bursts. That deceptive change-of-pace ability forces defenders into tough decisions. And he doesn’t just settle for jumpers—he knows how to mix in drives, find angles, and finish through contact when he needs to. He defends with fight. He may not always match up athletically vs taller wings, but Smith compensates with anticipation, effort, and solid fundamentals. He’s willing to take charges, contest, and fight over screens. What separates him is his sense of timing—rotating when needed, understanding when to drop or contest, and staying engaged even in tough matchups. That’s a hallmark of a guard with higher basketball IQ. Because Smith is one of those high-upside bets with real traction. He’s not just a “gimmick scoring guard”; he understands balance. He can run your sets, take over when needed, and inject a dose of toughness every night. He’s the kind of under-the-radar name that, with the right development and environment, can outwork his way into serious production. He brings scoring, subtle playmaking, defensive fire, and that nastiness you want in close games. Shale Smith won’t wow you with size—but he’s the kind of player who will make you regret not seeing him earlier. Projected to play at the D2/D3 level. 3.4 gpa 1190 SAT Video highlights ACF profile
#5 Chris Powell (2026) 6'3 guard - From Rochester, NY, Powell carries good length, wiry strength, and plenty of room to fill out. He looks the part of a modern guard who can handle, score, and defend without being limited to one role. He has smooth mechanics, consistent lift, and confident release. He can hurt teams spotting up, pulling up off the dribble, or coming off screens. He has knockdown potential from deep. Powell has shifty handle with craft, and he excels at creating space for his jumper and putting defenders on their heels. He is good in isolation or ball-screen actions. Powell is not a tunnel-vision scorer. He reads closeouts well, makes the extra pass, and can run secondary actions. His decision-making and court vision are underrated assets. He is at his best pushing pace. He uses his length and quickness to attack before defenses get set. Powell is a high motor defender with lateral quickness to stick to smaller guards and strength to contest bigger wings. He anticipates passes, digs down on drives, and disrupts possessions. He can guard 1s and 2s comfortably, with flashes of handling small 3s. His competitive edge makes him effective in different defensive schemes. He doesn't shy away from big matchups and thrives when the stage is biggest. He makes smart reads on both ends, knows where to be, and plays with poise. His vocal presence is a steadying influence. Coaches will appreciate his maturity and willingness to do the dirty work. He needs to continue filling out his frame to handle contact at the college level. He is already a good shooter, but becoming deadly consistent—especially off movement—will take him to the next tier. At times he can rush decisions when facing length and high-level traps; continued reps will smooth this out. Adding strength and touch will help him convert more at the rim against elite defenders. Projected to play at the Low Major level. 3.5 gpa Video highlights RTB profile ACF profile
#6 Kosta Trifunovic (2026) 6'5 wing - From Belgrade, Serbia, Trifunovic is one of those rare combo guards who can impact a game in just about every way. He’s got the size, skill, and mentality that makes him a college-ready prospect from day one. Coaches looking for a two-way playmaker with toughness and versatility should have him at the top of their list. Trifunovic has the ball-handling and vision of a lead guard. He can initiate offense, read defenses, and put teammates in scoring positions. His decision-making under pressure is advanced, a product of both his skill and his international experience. He’s a legitimate threat as a 3 level scorer. He can create off the dribble, knock down shots from deep with confidence, and attack the lane with craftiness. His ability to score in different ways forces defenses to stay honest, opening up the floor for everyone else. On the defensive end, Kosta prides himself on “guarding his yard.” He’s got the lateral quickness to stay in front of guards and the size to switch onto wings. His effort and instincts make him reliable in team defensive schemes as well. At 6’5” with good length and athletic ability, Trifunovic has the prototypical frame of a high-level combo guard. He uses his size to his advantage on both ends—finishing over smaller defenders and contesting shots effectively. Beyond the skill set, what coaches will love is his basketball IQ and competitive edge. He plays the game the right way, understands spacing, and thrives in big moments. He’s the type of player who elevates his teammates while still being able to take over when needed. Kosta Trifunovic is built for the next level. He’s a high-IQ guard who can dribble, pass, and shoot at a high level, while also being a reliable two-way presence. His versatility makes him a plug-and-play option in multiple systems, and his international pedigree only strengthens his readiness for college basketball. Programs looking for a tough, skilled combo guard with pro-level upside need to be recruiting Trifunovic now—before he becomes the steal of the 2026 class. Projected to play at the Low Major/D2 level. Video highlights ACF profile
#7 JD Wyatt (2026) 6'2 guard - From Reseda, CA, Wyatt plays both the point and off-guard roles—comfortable initiating or moving off the ball. Though lean now, there’s room for strength, especially in finishing through contact and absorbing pressure. He averaged 28.4 points per game last season for Sun Valley Poly, and he delivered a 35-point explosion in the City Section semifinal to carry his team into the finals. He has multiple 50+ point outings games, showing he can carry offensive load. His scoring isn’t just volume — he’s shown shot variety (pull-ups, floaters, drives, spot-up 3s) and the ability to score in close quarters. Wyat is fearless in the clutch — the type of player who’ll take the tough shot rather than shy away. His scoring instincts are beyond his age. He is quick off the dribble, able to attack gaps in the defense, and transition into space. His first-step is a weapon in isolation sets or drive-and-kick scenarios. He reads defenses, times his cuts and passes, and plays under control. His decision-making in late clock or high-pressure moments is advanced for his class. Coaches can trust him to make smart plays when it matters. He takes pride in being aggressive on defense. He has the lateral tools to stay in front of shifty guards, and though not the biggest, he competes for every loose ball, rotates when needed, and brings intensity. He brings energy, toughness, and leadership. In clutch games, he’s elevated his team. He’s shown he wants the moment, doesn’t back down, and can carry a team when push comes to shove. To thrive against collegiate-level defenders and hold up in contact, adding muscle (core, upper body) will be key. While a capable passer, increasing his assist numbers and making defense-splitting passes will elevate his profile. He must continue honing which shots to take — maintaining efficiency when volume increases. Working on strength and footwork to guard bigger, more physical wings will extend his defensive versatility. He’s shown he can carry a team in big moments, and his blend of scoring, IQ, athleticism, and toughness makes him a difference-maker. He’s not just a prospect — he’s a dynamic piece who can impact games from Day 1. Programs that emphasize pace, guard play, two-way impact, and mental toughness should all be dialing in on JD Wyatt. He has the kind of upside and readiness that turns recruiters’ heads — and once coaches see enough tape, he’ll be hard to pass on. Projected to play at the Low Major+ level. Video highlights ACF profile
#10 Ben Powell (2026) 6'4 guard - From Atlanta, GA, Powell is one of the most intriguing backcourt prospects in the 2026 class. A left-handed scoring guard with size, skill, and confidence, Powell has the tools to make an immediate impact at the college level. He’s smooth, efficient, and versatile, with a game that fits today’s fast-paced style of basketball. He is a true three-level scorer. He can rise up from deep, knock down pull-ups, and get downhill to finish through traffic. His lefty stroke is smooth and consistent, making him a tough cover when he gets into rhythm. At his best in the open floor, Powell runs lanes hard and thrives in transition. He puts pressure on defenses with his speed and ability to finish or create for teammates on the break. Powell is comfortable creating off the dribble, but equally effective playing off the ball. He moves well without it, finds open windows, and knocks down catch-and-shoot opportunities. He has great size for a guard, with the athleticism to play above the rim and the strength to handle physical play at the next level. Powell plays with poise and makes smart reads. He doesn’t force the game, and his decision-making in transition and half-court settings reflects a maturity beyond his years. Powell brings toughness and confidence every time he steps on the floor. He embraces big moments and plays with a chip on his shoulder. With his size, athleticism, and instincts, Powell has all the tools to develop into a high-level two-way guard. He plays hard, makes hustle plays, and consistently impacts winning in ways beyond just scoring. Ben Powell has the makeup of a college-ready guard who can step into a program and contribute immediately. His blend of size, shooting, and transition play is exactly what coaches want in today’s game. Programs that value toughness, IQ, and scoring ability should be recruiting Powell heavily. He’s a sleeper in the 2026 class. Projected to play at the Low Major/D2 level. Video highlights ACF profile
#13 Gradi Ekutshu (2027) 6'9 forward - From Republic of Congo, Ekutshu is quickly making his mark as one of the most intriguing forwards in the 2027 class. A native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, now playing under Chris Chaney at the Academy of Central Florida, Ekutshu brings a blend of size, athleticism, and upside that screams high-major potential. At 6’9”, he’s a fluid athlete who runs the floor hard, finishes above the rim, and plays with the type of energy that coaches covet. He thrives in transition, where his speed and bounce separate him from most players his size, and he’s developing the skill to face up and make plays in the half court. Ekutshu’s strengths lie in his versatility. Offensively, he’s shown the ability to stretch the floor with a growing perimeter game, while also being a force around the basket. He can finish through contact, attack off one or two dribbles, and is a constant lob threat. Defensively, his length and athleticism give him the tools to guard multiple positions, protect the rim, and control the glass. His motor is a major asset—he doesn’t take plays off, and his hustle shows up in rebounding, rim-running, and making winning plays that don’t always show in the box score. For college coaches, Ekutshu represents a high-upside forward with the tools to impact a game right away while still having tremendous room to grow. Under Chaney’s program, he’s gaining valuable development and experience that will sharpen his skill set. With his combination of athleticism, length, and emerging skill, Gradi Ekutshu has the chance to be a big-time difference-maker at the next level—and he’s the type of prospect who could eventually draw serious NBA attention. He is athletic and runs the floor hard, plays above the rim, constant lob threat. Ekutshu can guard multiple positions, stretch the floor, and attack off the bounce. Defensively, he provides rim protection, switchability and a rebounding presence. He plays with energy, hustle, and effort that translate into winning plays. He has a strong frame with length and fluid mobility for his size. His areas needing improvement are developing as a reliable three-point shot, skill refinement in the half-court and continued improvement with ball-handling and shot creation. He also needs to add muscle to maximize effectiveness against older, stronger players. He is also polishing his decision-making as a passer and creator. Projected to play at the Low Major+ level. 3.2 gpa Video highlights ACF profile
#20 Lasha Tsurtsumia (2027) 6'8 forward - From Tbilisi, Georgia, Tsurtsumia is a 6’8 forward from Georgia who is already turning heads as a young prospect in the Class of 2027. Tsurtsumia has the size and foundational skill set to develop into a highly impactful player at the next level. He shows a soft touch around the rim and the ability to finish in traffic, which pairs nicely with his solid shooting ability. While he’s not a knockdown shooter just yet, his mechanics and confidence suggest significant upside as a floor spacer. Tsurtsumia’s work ethic stands out, and he approaches the game with a coachable mindset and a clear willingness to improve. He already understands how to use his size effectively on both ends, but his next steps will come from improving his quickness and overall athleticism. These physical gains will allow him to defend more dynamically and expand his offensive arsenal. For college coaches, Lasha Tsurtsumia is a high-upside prospect who should be on their long-term radar. He has the tools to contribute as a versatile forward and, with continued development, could emerge as a high-level scorer and defender. Coaches who value size, touch, and work ethic in young prospects will see Tsurtsumia as a player worth investing in now to reap significant rewards in the future. Projected to play at the Low Major/D2 level. Video highlights ACF profile
#21 Preston Wade (2026) 6'11 forward - From Murfeesboro, TN , Wade is one of the most exciting long-term forwards in the 2026 class. At 6’11” with length, athleticism, and a nonstop motor, he brings a modern skill set that makes him one of the most must-see recruits in the country. His upside is enormous, and he’s only scratching the surface of what he can become. Wade has elite length and athleticism. He covers ground quickly, runs the floor hard, and plays above the rim as a lob threat. He competes on every possession, and he is relentless on the glass and in making hustle plays. His scoring is versatile. He is a lob finisher in the dunker’s spot and transition. He has a smooth mid-range touch and can step out and knock down open threes, giving him legitimate stretch-4 potential. Wade is a switchable defender who can hedge and recover on ball screens, protect the rim, and contest shots without fouling. In his rebounding, he has a natural nose for the ball, tracks it well off the rim, and secures extra possessions. Preston Wade is a energy-changer and a momentum-shifting player who can fire up teammates and swing games with effort plays. He plays hard and competes every possession. He is still developing skill-wise but shows steady growth every season. His best basketball is still ahead of him. He is too skilled for slower bigs, too long for smaller forwards. He is a modern stretch-4/5 who can space the floor and be a rim-runner. His energy, rebounding, and rim presence translate to the next level on day one. The physical profile, work ethic, and growing skill set put him firmly on NBA scouts’ long-term watch lists. Preston Wade is the type of recruit who changes the trajectory of a program. His size, skill, and motor give him an immediate impact value, and his ceiling is sky-high. Coaches in need of a modern, versatile forward should make him a top priority now—because by the time he reaches his peak, it’ll be too late. Projected to play at the High Major level, with NBA potential. Video highlights ACF profile
#22 Brodey Cuffle (2026) 6'6 wing - From Tampa, Fl, Cuffle is one of the best pure shooters in the 2026 class. His mechanics are clean, his release is quick, and he consistently knocks down shots from deep. He’s comfortable shooting off the catch, off movement, and even creating space for pull-ups. Simply put, he stretches the floor at a high-major level. At 6’6 with a high basketball IQ, Cuffle has the ability to see over defenders and make the right reads. He plays within the flow of the game, rarely forces bad shots, and understands spacing and tempo. His scoring ability translates as college-ready. He’s a plug-and-play shooter who can help a program the moment he steps on campus. His shot-making opens the floor for guards and bigs, making him an immediate weapon in any offensive system. Already carrying Division I offers, Cuffle plays with a veteran presence. He doesn’t get rattled under pressure and shows the kind of confidence and composure coaches love to build around. He is a knockdown 3-point threat, spacing creator, secondary scorer who can attack closeouts and make smart decisions with the ball. With size and IQ, he has the tools to guard wings effectively. His understanding of positioning allows him to anticipate and rotate well within team schemes. He hustles and has composure and unselfishness. He’s a competitor who wants to win and does the little things to make that happen. Brodey Cuffle is the exact type of modern wing every program needs: a big shooter with a high IQ who can change a game without needing high volume touches. He already has multiple Division I offers on the table, but his recruitment is only going to rise as coaches recognize how seamlessly his game fits at the next level. If you’re a program looking for a floor-stretching, high-IQ swingman who’s ready to contribute from day one, Brodey Cuffle is a must-have on your recruiting board. Projected to play at the Low Major+ level. 3.8gpa SAT 1210 Video highlights ACF profile
#34 Vince Moutardier (2026) 6'4 guard - From Bedford, IN Moutardier is the type of guard every college coach should have circled on their board. At 6’4”, he’s smart, skilled, and plays with a poise beyond his years. Moutardier isn’t flashy for the sake of it—he’s efficient, deliberate, and always seems to make the right play at the right time. That combination of IQ, toughness, and shot-making translates to winning basketball, and it’s why he projects as a college-ready contributor from day one. He has college-ready shooting ability, a knockdown shooter from three. His mechanics are consistent, his release is quick, and he has the confidence to hit shots in big moments. He’s also effective in the mid-range, showing the ability to rise up off the dribble and punish defenses that overplay his perimeter game. He has a natural feel for the game—knowing when to score, when to facilitate, and when to slow the tempo down. Moutardier understands spacing, moves well without the ball, and plays within the flow of an offense. Not just a scorer, he reads defenses and makes the extra pass. He can handle pressure, initiate offense, and create opportunities for teammates while keeping turnovers low. Moutardier takes pride on the defensive end. He’s disciplined, stays in front of his man, and rotates correctly. His effort and instincts allow him to hold his own against quicker guards, while his toughness makes him a factor on the boards. What jumps off the court is his competitiveness. Moutardier doesn’t shy away from the moment—he embraces it. He has the mindset of a winner and the maturity to be a coach’s extension on the floor. Vince Moutardier is the definition of a college-ready guard. He can step into a program tomorrow and contribute because his game is built on efficiency, toughness, and decision-making. He stretches the floor, makes smart plays, and competes at a high level on both ends. Coaches who value IQ, versatility, and reliability should be recruiting him heavily. He’s not just a good addition to a roster—he’s the kind of piece that helps a program win games in March. Projected to play at the D2/D3 level. ACF profile