BY ZACH SMART
A multi-positional 6-foot-7 wing with length, unique positional size and versatility, as well as a deft perimeter touch, Class of 2026 PSA Cardinals prospect Julius Avent will be a guy to keep tabs on during the upcoming Nike Peach Jam.
Avent ambidextrous finishing arsenal and knack for attacking the baseline and finishing through contact has provided balance to his game.
Now, the inside-outside scoring threat continues to garner attention across the high major market.
“The programs am I have heard from most recently are Seton Hall, Villanova, Virginia Tech, Michigan State, Marquette, and Iowa State,” said the Bergen Catholic wing.
Seton Hall, of course, has special resonance with Avent. His father, former NBA player Anthony Avent, was a 6-foot-10 and 240-pound forward for the Pirates. He is known for helping lead Seton Hall to a 1991 Big East tournament title and a pair of NCAA tournament berths during his time there. Anthony Avent’s NBA career included stays with the Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Vancouver Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, and Los Angeles Clippers. Playing for Milwaukee, Avent scored 16 points and grabbed nine boards against the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls in 1993.
“Having my father in my corner is great,” Avent said. “I learn a lot about the game from him. He pushes me hard to be great and be the best version of myself, both on and off the court.”
Avent’s older brother, Asiah Avent, also played at Seton Hall. With his adeptness of feel for the game, Avent describes his two-way, multi-dimensional style as a major component of his game.
“My best ability is shooting and getting to the rim being a three-level scorer,” Avent said. ” What I think differentiates me is my versatility being able to guard multiple positions on defense and play multiple roles on offense, with my handle and shooting ability.”
Avent has accumulated offers from the likes of Seton Hall, George Washington, Washington, Quinnipiac, NJIT, Villanova and most recently Virginia Tech. Having added muscle onto his frame, he’s become more proficient at overpowering defenders at the rim. Throwing fakes and getting defenders to bite on them, Avent has been able to employ a bully ball mentality and finish hard at the rim.
At the same time, he’s become comfortable putting the ball on the deck at his size and capable of creating space and opportunity off the dribble.
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