Class of 2023 Prospects Impress at Ferris

Muskegon 2023 point guard Jordan Briggs showed why he already has a Ferris State offer at the Bulldogs’ prospects camp.

The first non-AAU event of the spring was Ferris State’s prospects camp. True to the reputation its been building for talent and depth, Michigan’s 2023 class was well-represented in Big Rapids.

Jordan Briggs  6-0  Jr  Muskegon: He already has an offer from the host school Ferris after a breakout sophomore season. Less is more with Briggs who doesn’t have to break character to try and impress, playing instead with confidence, security and poise — he’ll keep the ball hot, not over-penetrate, knock down open shots, and move and talk playing off the ball. In smaller-group live drills piled up buckets in bunches going to the rim, finishing left or right. Was dialed in and closed out consistently on defense.

Charlie Deutsch  6-4  Jr  Rockford: A tough cover when he’s going downhill because he’s both nimble and aggressive at a listed 218 pounds. Despite that size and age combo he’s a wing all the way not an undersized forward, as has skills and feel. Defensively competitor and playmaker. A creative scorer around the rim who can hit the 3. One of tougher rebounders at the camp.

Luke Hazelton  6-7  Jr  Maple City Glen Lake: The younger brother of Ferris State redshirt freshman forward Reece Hazelton picked up where he left off in AAU for Parallel 45. He’s a tough face-up threat as he’s playing off a strong base at 215 pounds, has spins, counters, and likes to initiate contact. Then he’ll get his man on his heels and hit the jumper. Much improved, confident player who continues to define and expand his game. What his defensive position is at the next level will have coaches curious over the next year.

Gaden Muxlow  6-4  Jr  Brown City: Good with the ball in his hands, as has feel and IQ and can be a tough matchup looking over the top of the defense. Finished well off the break. Knack for being around the ball on D. Coaches are going to want a guard from the Thumb to be a knock-down three-point shooter, which is next on the menu for Muxlow.

Triston Nichols  6-2  Jr  Warren De La Salle: Likely the camp MVP were there such a thing, if not Jordan Briggs. As a pure basketball player he’s easily top 10 in the 2023 class. And if he keeps shooting it like he did here in addition to his playmaking, physicality, grit and versatility — quickly, confidently, on the bounce, mid-range and from 20 feet — Nichols could approach a similar echelon as a prospect.

Anthony Sydnor  6-1  Jr  Muskegon: An explosive compliment to steady Jordan Briggs at Muskegon, Sydnor got into the lane consistently as both a shoot or pass threat. Plays hard on D and has good energy. Some Big Reds football players need to invite him to the weight room. Muskegon had a third 2023 guard with potential at camp, 5-9 David Day who is quick and skilled but could over-dribble.

Hutch Ward  6-8  Jr  Kalamazoo Central: Liked him in AAU with the Mustangs and had flashes at Ferris State as well. Moves pretty easy and athletically so actual size is surprising, as one of the tallest players at camp. Right place, right time type who competes on the glass and typically took advantage of finishing opportunities, though they could come inconsistently in the guard-dominated camp environment.

Caron Williams  6-3  Jr  L’anse Creuse: Southfield’s Braelon Green has vaulted to the state’s No. 1 ranking in the rising junior class. He’s also the only 2023 guard who finishes better than Williams. Regardless the angle or speed, Williams keeps eyes and chin to the rim and directs his momentum properly so that he doesn’t end up out of bounds. Long and active and actually embraces playing defense. Good-looking jumpshot, particularly from the corners, and particularly paired with Williams’ slashing game. Looks like a MAC guard — the college kind not just his current high school league.