Closer Look: S. Japhet-Mathias

By Craig Leighton
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Updated: June 5, 2015

Friarbasketball.com will take a closer look at a number of key Friar targets. Our staff will continue to provide reports on the top Friar targets throughout the year, and provide updates on prospects that have been previously featured.

Prospect: Samuel Japhet-Mathias

Position: C

School: Vermont Academy

AAU Program: PSA Cardinals

Class: 2017

Overview:

Samuel Japhet-Mathias is a 6’11 center who came over to the United States from England in September of 2014. He played this past season at Vermont Academy in the NEPSAC prep school league and he recently reclassed to the class of 2017.

In limited action with the PSA Cardinals on the EYBL AAU circuit this spring Japhet-Mathias averaged 5.8 points and 2.6 rebounds in 12 minutes per game.

He is a throwback type of center with good footwork around the basket, good hands, a soft outside touch, and a hook shot. At 270 pounds he is a load underneath and his 7’4 wingspan allows him to be a stopper on defense. Here is a highlight video of Japhet-Mathias in action:

What Others are Saying:

24/7 Sports says that Japhet-Mathias has “great footwork in the post for a player his size and age.” They currently have him ranked 72nd nationally in the class of 2017.

Scout says that “Japhet-Mathias has a wide frame that allows him to carve out good position inside. For a guy his size, he has impressive touch and a nice set of mitts. He scored with both hands in the paint, dropped in a pair of right jump hooks and also hit an 18-foot jump shot. Just a sophomore, Japhet-Mathias had his coming out party at the Hoop Hall Classic and he had a host of coaches buzzing about him.”

NERR calls Japhet-Mathias “a true post player who is loaded with talent.” They currently have him ranked sixth in New England for the class of 2017.

Rivals has Japhet-Mathias ranked 44th in the class of 2017.

The Competition:

Besides the Friars, there are many high major programs chasing Japhet-Mathias including Connecticut, Indiana, Miami, Georgetown, and Clemson. Look for this list to grow as more schools offer him during the summer AAU period.

The Bottom Line:

Japhet-Mathias has a huge upside and could wind up being one of the very best prospects in the class of 2017. PC has offered and was in on him early. He is one of several players on the Vermont Academy team that the Friars are recruiting (including Bruce Brown and Tyrique Jones) so the PC staff will be making several trips up North to Vermont this fall and winter.

Mix-Tape Time

Here are some more mix-tapes of Samuel Japhet-Mathias in action: