Sunday, October 26, 2008

Last 4...

Kalamazoo Central-The last few years, it was obvious that there talent level was heavy, now they have a great up-and-coming young coach. Mike Thomas, once one of my staff members, and a former assistant coach at Northwood, is a good enough coach to win state titles in the future at Kazoo. This year his team will be headlined by two of the top players in the state for their classes. 6'6 2009 F Doug Anderson, is the most athletic and highest-leaper from Michigan since NBA Dunk Contest winner Jason Richardson. Doug's hops are downright unbelievable. If Doug had the skills to play on the wing, the NBA could really be in his future, but his skills are not even ready right now to play on the wing at the D1 Level. 6'5 2010 Wing Devin Oliver is one of the best wings in the state for his class. Oliver will play D1 one day, the level is up to him. Oliver was solid for the Mustangs 16s this year in Vegas. Oliver is an athletic, lefty who has the potential to be really good. 6'3 2009 Wing TJ Cameron will also contribute. Kazoo also has a wealth of good young players...Watch out for this program in the future.

Warren DeLa Salle-When you combine the fact that they are always one of the top defensive ball clubs in the state, they always have great shooters, and great coaching they are always a force in Michigan high school basketball. Then you throw in the fact they have a Big Ten commit in 6'3 SR SG Alex Marcotullio, who is headed to Northwestern, and they have one of the top bangers in the state in 6'9 2009 C Kevin McCarthy, and a great role player in 6'1 2009 SG in Alex Harville then you have to put them in your Top 10 teams, this isn't a team you want to play in March.

Flint Powers-Can the 3rd Lucas-Perry lead Powers to the Class B State Title? 5'10 Soph PG Patrick Lucas-Perry who already has D1 offers from schools like Oakland and Ohio will be the difference maker if this team wants to be the top in Class B. 6'2 JR SG D'Marco Sanders will also be a scoring presence in the back-court, and 6'2 SR SG Shane Moreland will be the most productive player in Class B this year. Add in the athletic front court presence of 6'6 SR F Rodney Anderson, and you have another very good powers team! Lucas-Perry was great in the playoffs last year as a freshman, will he be good enough this year for Powers to take the whole thing?

Benton Harbor-Another team who is traditionally one of the states top teams, and it is that way again with the emergence of 6'6 JR G Terrell Clinton as one of the top players in his class, and a high major sleeper prospect. Clinton can play the 1 at 6'6 and is one of the more versatile players in the state. If he starts putting up big scoring numbers...watch out. 6'6 SR PF Tyrone Black is also one of the states top power-forwards. Black is a horse in the paint, who finishes well around the cup. Helping Black out on the inside will be 6'6 SR PF Aaron Clyburn...expect Benton Harbor to once again be in the thick of things come March.

News and Notes

-Russell Byrd, like I expected committed to Michigan State. Byrd along with Keith Appling, a 6'2 G from Detroit, MI/Pershing complete their 2010 class. Both are Top 100 players in the country for 2010.

-Some people are expecting 6'8 2010 PF Will Regan Buffalo, NY/Nichols School to commit to Michigan. Regan is a blue-collar big man, who works hard inside, but is also skilled enough to step out and shoot it.

-University of Detroit is in the recruiting race for 2011 6'5 G Brandan Kearney from Detroit, MI/Southeastern. Kearney is a top 25 national talent in the country for his class.

-Trey Zeigler a 6'5 G from Mt. Pleasant, MI/High was on the Michigan campus yesterday. Expect Zeigler's recruitment to be very interesting!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Russell Byrd

Expect Russell Byrd, a 6'7 SG from Ft. Wayne, IN/Blackhawk Christian to commit to Michigan State or Kentucky Friday. Byrd is Top 75 in the 2010 class. If I was a betting man I would go with Michigan State on this one!

2 More Up

Clarkston- Clarkston, Clarkston, Clarkston. Could this be the magic year? They have the talent, defense, grit, and the always excellent coaching to do it. The Big Three this year will be the alpha and omega for this ball-club. 6'7 JR F Matt Kaminiecki is a D1 prospect, and one of the elite 2010's in Michigan. He can do it all, inside and out, he is an extremely skilled player. Will he play for Coach Fife's son, the other Coach Fife, who is the head coach at IPFW? He could, IPFW will be good in years to come. One of the top shooters in the state resides at Clarkston and that is 6'4 SR SG Brandon Pokley, yes his shot is wet! Pokley may sneak into a low-major D1 school, based on his shooting ability alone. The jack of all trades for this team will be 6'5 SR G/Wing Thomas Staton. Staton will probably play PG for Clarkston, and that is something he is capable of doing. Staton most likely will go D1. Staton was efficient as always with the Mustangs 17s in Vegas. Watch out for Clarkston this year, they are a flat out force to be reckoned with!

Detroit Finney- Yes, I was the first service to say Isaiah Sykes is one of the elite players in Michigan. Sykes not only has my eye, but he also has the eye of high-major college coaches! Tennessee will probably land him, his head coach Ray Reeves and UT's assistant Tony Jones are cool, but others still have a chance, including Michigan State, Syracuse, and Michigan. Sykes has blew up to the point where, one D1 assistant told me he was the best player from Detroit in the last 10 years! Sykes is a 6'5, do everything guard, who may just be the top player in Michigan, (by the way Trey Zeigler, is easily Top 15 in the country in 2010). But the talent for Finney doesn't stop there, Brandon Williams a 6'6 2010 CF and he will end up D1, 6'1 Soph G Ed Brown is also one of the top players in his class. Watch out for Finney, they may be the best in the PSL!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

On to the PSL

Our next two top teams come from arguably, Michigan's top high school basketball conference, the Detroit PSL.

Detroit Pershing- Last year's Class A State Runner-Up is again talented enough to contend for a state title. Led by two Michigan State commits in Keith Appling a 6'2 scorer-supreme in the 2010 class, and 6'9 2009 C Derrick Nix, who is HUGE! The Doughboys could be the best team in Detroit. Supporting roles will be played beautifully by 6'0 2009 PG Dion Dismuke and 6'6 2010 Wing Juwan Howard, JR. Howard is a much improved player over the summer as he was excellent for the Michigan Mustangs 16s in Vegas. Dismuke, who toured with Detroit Powerhouse The Family this summer is as heady as they come at the PG spot. He will make or break this ball-club. Raymone McAfee, a 6'7 2010 F is an under the radar prospect that is primed to break out. He was a force with the Reach Legends program this Summer. 6'8 2009 C Tevin Conrad, just like his counterpart Derrick Nix is HUGE! Conrad, is a beast on the boards, and once he gets in better condition he will be a factor. Expect Pershing to be a force this upcoming season.

Detroit Southeastern-The Jungaleers are led by one of the premier guards in the state, 6'5 Soph Brandan Kearney. Brandan has the potential to be one of the best out of Detroit in a long time. He is one of the top shooters in Michigan, and at 6'5 he can also play PG. The D1 caliber talent doesn't stop there, 6'0 JR PG Anthony Fields is one of the top PG's in a amazingly talented 2010 class. Fields is being watched by Marquette, Oakland, Dayton, and others. 6'8 Soph PF Percy Gibson is also a high-major prospect. Kentucky is recruiting Gibson hard. Gibson is the most productive big in his class as of right now. The 2009 Class at Southeastern features quick 6'1 PG Kimmani Boynton, as well as inside bruiser 6'7 PF Kyle Bryant. Other 2010 prospects who will produce include Top 15 6'0 PG Carlos Carter and 6'7 Football All-American Will Gholston, 6'6 F Josh Lyles, is another 2010 player who transferred in and is expected to produce right away. Lyles was a factor with the King James Shooting Stars program this spring/summer. But the talent doesn't stop there. 6'1 2011 G Davonte Carter is one of the elite players in his class right now, at least Top 15 in the state; and as for potential top prospects look no further than 6'10 Soph C Darren Washington, with continued progress, he may end up going to a higher level college than expected. Also watch out for two 6'5 2012 F's Dayshawn Crim and Dexter Morton.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Pre-Pre Season Michigan Top Teams

I will start to give you my Top 10 teams, in Michigan, in no order, two per day, starting with Saginaw High and Detroit Country Day.

Saginaw High- The two-time defending state champs are again talented enough to win the state championship. Mike Green, the 6'1 G is one of the top guards in the state for the 2009 class, and is a D1 recruit. Mike will be the leader of the 2008-2009 Trojans team. Jimmie Davis, a 6'1 2009 SG, may be the best shooter in Michigan, his range is unlimited. Two transfers, Demetrius Simmons a 2009 6'2 PG from San Antonio, TX and 2010 6'3 Wing Malcolm Shaw from Joliet, IL will also have a huge impact on the team. Simmons, is one of the premier, if not the premier guard in Michigan's 2009 class; high major coaches have called on him. Shaw is a powerful wing player, who is very hard to stop when driving, and especially in transition, he has big-time hops. Tink Sherman, a 5'10 2010 PG has also garnered the attention of colleges, including D1 Loyola-Chicago, while Tink needs to pick up some weight, he is a very good shooter, who plays hard, and is a point guard who knows his role and doesn't try to do too much. Also returning from last years varsity in the 2010 class is 6'1 G Greg Hayes and 6'3 Wing Taveon Whitson. In the 2011 class is where the Trojans talent lies. 6'7 F Tommie McCune is one of the top 5 players in Michigan and is being recruited by Michigan State, Michigan, Tennessee, Boston College, Wake Forest, Xavier, and others, he will be big-time. Trey Babers, a 6'4 SG has the potential to be just as good, if not better than his cousin Draymond Green, who is now at Michigan State. Other services have Babers ranked #1 in Michigan at his position. 6'1 CG Marquavis Ford, is the top shooter in Michigan in the 2011 class, and he will also be a D1 recruit, there isn't that many players better than him in Michigan in the 2011 class. DeAnthony Arnette, a 6'0 PG will go D1 in whichever sport he chooses, football or basketball. Arnette is the best athlete in the state for his class, although he is one of the top 2011's in the country for football, he also is really good at BBall, it just isn't too many PG's as athletic, quick, and fast as him, anywhere. In the 2012 class, 6'6 F Kevin Marshall, is one of the top 5 players in his class, since he wears close to a size 20 shoe, its a safe bet he grows some more, but if he doesn't he will still go D1, he is the next great Trojan down the line!

Detroit Country Day-Coach Keener has himself one of the most talented teams in America. I mean how many squads can say they have 3 players going to high major conferences in their senior class? The most talented player on the team is without a doubt 7'0 2009 C Dashonte Riley who is headed to Georgetown. Whenever the switch turns on for him, and he decides he wants to just flat-out dominate, he will be a lottery pick. 6'8 2009 PF Donnovan Kirk, is a workhorse on the blocks and is headed to Miami-FL of the ACC. Kirk has a sweet jump hook, and his best days are still in front of him. 6'6 2009 Wing Jordan Dumars has one of the best corner jumpers I have seen in a long time. Dumars, who is the son of Joe, GM of the Detroit Pistons, doesn't always play hard, but if he did, he could be a pretty decent player. Dumars is headed to South Florida of the Big East. The high major talent doesn't stop there... Ray McCallum, a 6'1 PG is a Top 50 player nationally in the 2010 class. Loads of high majors are on him, including defending national champ Kansas, but word is he will be going to University of Detroit, to play for his father; Ray, SR. 6'10 2011 C Amir Williams, will also be a high major recruit when his time comes. Amir has the luxury that no other young big in Michigan has and that is to practice against other good big-men everyday. Lee Bailey, a 5'10 2011 PG is also a D1 prospect. Lee is a very good football player as well, but on the hardwood, there are very few if any PG's in the state who controls the game like he does. I wouldn't be surprised to see McCallum and Lee to start in the backcourt for the Yellowjackets. 6'2 2009 Wing Bennie Fowler, is as athletic as they come, and will help out this team immensely, he is the energetic, team-first player that all teams need. Last but not least, don't forget 6'6 2011 PF Urban Bigham. Urban, most likely will be a D1 football player, but he isn't a slouch on the hardwood. Bigham started for Detroit's Top summer program, The Family, and also got minutes on last summers Top 15u travel team, the Michigan Mustangs. I expect Country Day, to win their second Class B State Title in 3 years.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Steve Haney Update-C/O 2013

-Steven Haney, a 6'4 Wing from Lansing, Michigan will be visiting Kentucky for Midnight Madness. Haney is a Top 3 8th grader in Michigan. Haney will most likely attend East Lansing for high school. Watch out for his progess throughout the years. He is also being watched very closely by Michigan State and Utah.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Updates-10/8/08

-Nate Lubick, a 6'8 2010 F from Southborough, MA/St. Marks has committed to Georgetown. Many people including me thought he was definitely headed to Michigan. This is a huge blow to Michigan, but one that John Belien and staff should be able to recover from. Michigan is still in on numerous 2010 prospects like 6'7 SG Russell Byrd from Ft. Wayne, IN/Blackhawk Christian, Cameron Ayers, a 6'4 SG from Germantown, PA/Academy who is also Top 150, Trey Ziegler, and names that have been mentioned in the past like Tommy Droney, Austin Carroll, and Alex Gauna.

-James Still, a 6'9 PF from Detroit, MI/Community has committed to Providence. He is a top 10 player in Michigan's 2009 class.

-Kallante Miller, a 6'4 SG from Oak Park, MI/High has committed to Central Michigan. He may be the top defensive player in Michigan. HUGE pickup for Ernie Ziegler and staff.

-Ben Simons, a 6'7 SG from Cadillac, MI/High has committed to Drake. Simons is a very good shooter, and has great size.

-Watch out for Colin Voss a 6'7 F from East Grand Rapids, MI/High his high school coach Jared Reddell thinks with continued improvement he could be a easy high major. Voss is the best CF in Michigan.

-Isaiah Sykes a 6'5 SG from Detroit, MI/Finney is blowing up! One high major assistant told me he may be one of Detroit's top talents in the last 10 years. Can flat out score!!!! Michigan State, Syracuse, and Tennessee are in on him.

-Michigan State, Michigan, Tennessee, Boston College, and Xavier and others are actively recruiting 6'7 Soph PF Tommie McCune from Saginaw, MI/High.

-Michigan State is really pushing for Trey Ziegler. They have offered him, but he is still waiting, but just know Michigan State and Michigan are REALLY pushing for Trey.

-Michigan's 2010 class is absolutely loaded. Some services have Trey Ziegler, Keith Appling, Ray McCallum, Alex Gauna, and John Horford ranked nationally. This class is DEEP with talent. My new top 5 is:

1. Trey Ziegler 6'5 SG Mt. Pleasant
2. Isaiah Sykes 6'5 SG Detroit Finney
3. Keith Appling 6'1 G Detroit Pershing MICHIGAN STATE
4. Ray McCallum, JR 6'1 PG Detroit Country Day
5. Alex Gauna 6'9 PF Eaton Rapids

All 5 have high majors recruiting them, Sykes stock is on the up and up, and I'm going to be safe for now and put him at #2. But remember Appling and McCallum are ranked Top 50 nationally as well as Ziegler. John Horford, 6'8 PF, Grand Ledge, Mike Talley, 5'9 PG, Melvindale B&T, Devin Olver, 6'5 SG, Kalamazoo Central, Terrell Clinton, 6'6 Wing, Benton Harbor, Colin Voss, 6'7 F, East Grand Rapids, Matt Kaminiecki, 6'8 F, Clarkston, Anthony Fields, 6'0 PG, Detroit Southeastern, and many others will get mid D1 interest.

-Expect Detroit Southeastern to be one of the more talented teams in Michigan this year. The teams best player, as well as a top player in his class nationally is 6'5 G Brandan Kearney a 2011 player, but the talent doesn't stop there. Kearney's god-brother 6'8 2011 PF Percy Gibson, is also being recruited by high majors, including Kentucky, 2011 6'10 C Darren Washington is also good, and improving. In the 2009 class, 6'1 G Kimani Boynton and 6'7 PF Kyle Bryant are have talent to play at the next level. 6'0 2010 PG Anthony Fields will be a D1 recruit. William Gholston a 6'7 2010 PF is among the best football players in his class nationally, and also a very good hoop player. 6'0 2011 G Davonte Carter is also one of the top players in his class. Mark White is also one of the top coaches in Michigan, be on the lookout for this team!

-6'7 2009 Wing Jamil Wilson from Racine, WI/Horlick visited Michigan State last weekend, and it looked like he had a blast! If I was a betting man, I would think he will end up at MSU! He's Top 30 nationally in his class.

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