MVP Gabe Brown 6-7 Jr Belleville: When he played hard on both ends, checking the ball full court, running and finishing with authority, he was the best player at the Bank Hoops All-State Camp. But coaches’ reactions were mixed, and some questioned if Brown was always giving 100. As quickly as he’s risen in the recruiting ranks, can’t get away from what’s gotten him this far, being a full-court impact guy, versatile all-around wing forward, and great teammate. Not being a “superstar.” Brown has a lot of mid-major offers and is getting high-major looks. In the transfer era big schools can lack patience, so if he goes that route will need to find a program that is. All the tools to be a terrific long-range prospect.
Justin Fischer 6-2 Jr Warren De La Salle: Showed what we all missed when he was injured and not out there as a sophomore for De La Salle. Kory VanDussen clone with white chocolate dimes and a push shot he sinks to 25 feet. Best pure passing point guard in the state’s 2018 class.
“One of the most efficient point guards in the junior class as a whole,” a coach said. “He was solid and played hard all day, even in drills. Very good point guard in transition or the half court. Drives it well enough to pull in defenses and make decisions off of it. Not the most fluid mechanics on his J, but showed improved consistency knocking down more open ones. Plays very hard on defense and uses angles well, which makes up for lack of elite quickness. Needs to continue to work on athleticism, but overall one of the best prospects I saw.”
Jaylon Rogers 6-1 Jr Frankfort: Tough, athletic, self-made player hoping to follow the footsteps of similar guards from the North like Jason Rozycki, Robbie Harman, Trevor Huffman, John Flynn and Sander Scott. A much more mature, secure, refined player than he was at camp a year ago. All kinds of free-up moves with the dribble, and may have had the best mix of pass/shot/drive of any guard in camp. Not particularly long but a quick, physical defender on the ball.
“True floor general,” a coach said. “Guys liked to see the ball in his hands because if they worked to get open he found them. Very nice handle with some craftiness when necessary. He also used the dribble well to create passing angles. Was one of the best post feeders at camp. Defensively get gets after it. The biggest improvement to his game was added range and consistency on his jumper. You can’t play off him now.”
Blake Verbeek 6-10 Jr Grandville Calvin Christian: Not just putting up 3s, which he’s good at, but has actual perimeter footwork as well as when he catches it on the blocks. Really high skill level for his size and age, combined with wingspan and how he moves is a low risk, high reward recruit. Must more aggressive putting the ball on the floor than in the past. While still thin, improving as a rebounder and strong enough to not lose the ball.
“A stretch 4 in every sense of the word,” a coach said. “Showed range well beyond the three-point line and also knocked down mid-range shots from the short corners and elbows. Very good footwork in the post when he caught it with his back to the basket and displayed a nice looking hook shot. Needs to be more physical before the catch and create a bigger target. Defensively he is quick enough to guard just about any 4 man out to the three-point line, but doesn’t always show it. Very mindful when he’s the help on D, so penetrating guards better get it up quick. He will need to add strength and grit which will allow him to better match up with true bigs; or keep improving his handle and lateral quickness so he can slide into the 3 spot. Length and skill make him a D1 lock, improved strength and toughness will improve what kind of burn he gets once there.”
Rashad Williams 6-2 Jr Wayne Memorial: A certified bucket getter by his reputation, but also showed the mindset and skill to be a traditional point guard as well. When he got the shot/pass balance really going, kept defenders off balance and was able to operate.
Trevion Williams 6-8 Jr Detroit Henry Ford Academy: Outside of Deyonta Davis, could end up the most talented frontcourt prospect to have attended a Bank Hoops camp. Unique combination of bulk and passing ability, building his game outside-in at 6-8, 250. Easy to see how Williams has offers from the likes of MSU and Xavier.
“The best rebounder and passer at the camp,” a coach said. “The rebounding wasn’t a surprise, but I haven’t seen a big pass that well in Michigan high school basketball since Chris Webber. Very active off the ball and crashed the O boards every time a shot went up. Runs in transition well for his size and is smooth when he catches the ball going downhill. Shoots it well, but takes some bad shots. Although he plays on the perimeter a lot, isn’t afraid to bang. Could be scary (NBA) good if he ever truly gets in shape. The top overall prospect at camp.”
Recent Comments