By ZACH SMART
As a 6-foot-7 multi-positional forward who operates offense as a point forward, Berean Baptist (NC) Class of 2026 Josiah King Sanders has become a hotly pursued recruit.
A cerebral passer who possesses the purity of vision of a seasoned point guard, the North Carolina native is able to elicit mismatch headaches. His game is jarringly akin to Lamar Odom’s during the former professional’s illustrious prep career.
A lefty with an intriguing blend of size and skill set, as well as a blossoming mid post game, Sanders has been hearing from Rutgers, Georgetown, Mississippi State, Iowa, and VCU the most actively. He’s become a thunderous finisher with his rarefied athleticism and ability to levitate to the rim from three to four feet out. He’s able to control the tempo with his handle and Sanders’ offensive uniqueness includes a delicate touch that he’s able to stretch out to the 3-point line.
“I’m really just a floor general, making the right plays for the guys around me and seeing the floor,” explained Sanders. “I really just like getting downhill. With the court vision and the the IQ I have, I can impact the game in many ways. I’ve been constantly growing over the years (while keeping a guard’s skill set). So working as a guard and keeping that mentality and doing all those things that big guards do has helped me as I have gotten older.”
Sanders has stockpiled 21 total offers.
He touched on his recruitment and the progress he’s made with the programs recruiting him.
Georgetown: “They are really looking for me to be a guy who makes plays, attacks downhill and can be an iso guy. We are definitely looking to get a visit going and figure out the best time for me to get out there. They really focus on character development and help guys for their future and their family. It’s a great academic school as well.”
Rutgers: “I speak with (assistant) coach (TJ) Thompson every day. They want to make me stronger, faster, more athletic. They want me to focus on the mental side of things. They are basically telling me that I can do everything at multiple positions if I put the work in.”
Iowa: “They were one of the first schools to recruit me. They were on me this summer. They compare me and my game to one the guys they have now. They definitely want me to come in as a freshman and do great things.”
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