Anthony Perez-Cortesia is a guy that few Rebel fans have talked about. But if recently released recruiting rankings and his recent performances at various all-star events are to believed, perhaps that should change.
Cortesia (Or is it Perez? Or Perez-Cortesia? I can't find any real consistent way to address the guy anywhere on the Intratubes.), a small forward out of Venezuela by way of Florida powerhouse Montverde Academy. As a then lightly-recruited prospect, he committed and signed with the Rebels during the early signing period with little-to-no fanfare. After a successful senior season of basketball and some impressive performances in workouts and exhibitions, he's ranked as high as #70 overall and #15 at his position by Scout.com which, per Hugh Kellenburger, is the most highly rated player by Scout that Ole Miss has ever signed.
To compare, Rivals has him as the #122 player overall and the #26 small forward while ESPN has him as the #2 player out of the state of Florida and the #29 small forward.
Why the sudden spike in Cortesia's rankings? Scout.com sayeth that Anthony "was excellent at the City of Palms event. The 6-foot-9 forward from Montverde (Fla.) Academy can shoot it from deep, is a solid athlete, and is doing a good job of rebounding the ball."
Said event has plenty of highlight reels posted on YouTube with Cortesia making some excellent plays, including this monster dunk (0:47 mark):
Cortesia could legitimately work his way into a starting role next fall if all of this is to be believed. If his skillset is as good as advertised, he could eventually take the place of this squad's lone departing senior, Terrence Henry.