Ethan Matthews
IG: @ematt2027
6’5, 180lbs Class of 2027 |
Cardinal Gibbons HS, FL
Ethan is explosive in the open floor, fierce through contact, and electric when attacking the rim—Than is a dynamic weapon built to thrive in fast-paced systems and high-level competition. With a strong frame, elite athleticism, and a confident stroke from deep, he brings a unique blend of size, strength, and skill that makes him a constant threat from baseline to baseline. He thrives in transition, finishing with authority at the rim or stretching the floor with smooth, catch-and-shoot threes. Whether it’s a thunderous dunk or a sprint-to-spot triple, his game is versatile, and it commands attention. He plays with purpose, using his physical tools to crash boards, beat defenders down the floor, and impose his will on both ends.
Though injury may have cut his season short, the work didn’t stop. Ethan’s improvements have come in the details like his footwork, conditioning, and especially his confidence as a shooter. His ability to make open threes has become a real strength, but it’s his growing comfort with the ball in his hands that has turned heads. This offseason, Ethan is locked in on developing tighter handles to create off the bounce and become a playmaker, not just a finisher. He’s focused, hungry, and chasing a big goal of earning his first college offer. He’s also got his sights set on something even bigger next year: hanging a state championship banner.
This spring and summer, Ethan will play with Florida Pro 2027, one of the most competitive AAU programs in the Southeast. The goal is to compete against the best, prove he belongs, and level up his game with every rep. He’s stepping into a new environment filled with top-tier talent, and the opportunity to show out on that stage is exactly what he’s been working for. Than is looking to improve his decision-making, expand his scoring package, and become the kind of two-way player college programs can’t ignore.
Off the court, Ethan enjoys downtime with friends, music, and moments that let him breathe and reset. But underneath the calm is a fire that never cools. What fuels Than's fire is doubt. Being overlooked, underrated, and underappreciated only makes him go harder. He's carried that chip for years, and he’s learned how to use it as fuel, not frustration. When facing adversity, Than doesn’t dwell on it, but he resets, refocuses, and keeps pushing forward. The best advice that Than has ever received is “Stay the course and control what you can control.” That mindset has become his foundation.
I assess that Ethan’s explosiveness in transition and finishing ability are next-level. He plays with vertical pop, body control, and instinct that can break open games in a flash. His length and effort make him an asset on defense and on the boards, while his willingness to sprint the floor gives him value as a play-finisher and secondary option. As his ball-handling and off-the-dribble scoring continue to evolve, his versatility will expand with it. He already checks boxes physically and ihas a college-ready frame, athleticism, and motor. When his handle catches up to his other tools, he’ll be a complete offensive threat.
Ethan has the tools to be a game-changer for the right college program. His transition game alone can spark momentum shifts, and his combination of size and shooting makes him a tough matchup. He brings energy, athleticism, and toughness that translate well to the next level. With his focus on growth and hunger to prove himself, he’s the kind of player who could thrive in systems that reward aggressive two-way wings. He’s not just built for the college game but will be a huge impact in it.
Expect fireworks. Expect highlight dunks. Expect big plays in big moments. Ethan is on the rise, and he's just getting started. His potential is powerful as an electric forward with the drive to keep growing and the edge to never be satisfied. Whether it’s AAU this summer or the state championship grind next winter, he’s locked in, building momentum, and coming for everything they said he couldn’t have. Stay tuned.
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