UNF forward Jonathan Aybar commits to FIU

Jonathan Aybar being guardedSophomore forward Jonathan Aybar cutting to the basket with a defender on him. Photo courtesy of UNF Athletics.

William Duval | Staff Writer

After spending three years at the University of North Florida, forward Jonathan Aybar announced his commitment to FIU basketball on April 24, 2023, via Twitter.

https://twitter.com/JonathanAybar15/status/1650545052551196683

Aybar, the 6-9, 183-pound forward, was ranked a three-star recruit by 247Sports coming out of high school and looks to provide the Panthers with intensity and athleticism. 

Last season was his strongest, averaging 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 0.6 blocks and 0.5 steals per game.

While these numbers may not immediately jump out of the stat sheet, they are extremely impressive, considering the fact he only started one of 30 games played.

Aybar received much more playing time prior to the most recent season, , starting in 16 out of 23 games in the 2020-21 season.

During that season, he averaged 21.4 minutes per game, averaging fewer points but still contributed 5.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

His efforts were rewarded that season and was placed on the ASUN Conference All-Freshman team, mostly for his defensive dominance that year.

Even though his playing time decreased, Aybar still improved significantly in the 2022-23 season.

Averaging the highest point total of his career, both his field goal and three-point percentages have drastically increased since his first year.

He went from shooting 48.4% from the field and 28.1% on threes to 54.8% from the field and 34.5% from three, showing dedication to developing his offensive game.

Aybar has shown growth as a two-way player and can provide the Panthers with energy, hustle and most importantly, defense, something FIU is looking to rework with their other recent acquisition of JUCO star Okechukwu Okeke.

The two look to form a fierce defensive-minded front court for the Panthers next season. 

Follow William Duval on Twitter at @WillDuval40

About Post Author