More Windy City Winners

Michigan Playmakers sophomore Wendell Green showed at the Chicago Summer Jam why he has offers from Cleveland State, Detroit and Eastern Michigan.

A steady flow of D2 and mid-major coaches were on hand to see the Michigan talent and others at the Chicago Summer Jam. Here are some of the Day 2 and 3 17U standouts from the good side of the Lake.

Johnny Davis  6-8  Sr  Moneyball East (Detroit Pershing): His father of the same name was a Brad Daugherty-style widebody center from Detroit Douglass who for much of his career was ranked ahead of another in-state center from the 2000 class, Chris Kaman. Johnny Jr’s game couldn’t be more different. He’s mobile and active so when in a generous mindframe one thinks he could become a versatile, impact defender like Spider Johnson. Has the physical tools but kind of a tease when it comes to consistent production. Needs to define himself offensively.

Lawrence DeWolf  6-2  Sr  Common Bond (Ann Arbor Huron): A three-point specialist on the outstanding Gators teams from previous seasons, DeWolf is still doing his thing just with more clock and shots on Common Bond. He and high school teammate Lewis Willis play so well off each other. They thrive on the break with DeWolf making a beeline to the arc creating so much space for Willis to attack the paint with his dribble. Shooter’s mindset shrugging off misses and firing away on his next catch. Did a decent job defending often bigger wings and forwards. Coaches will want to see if he can give them a reason to keep him in the game, even when the shot’s not going down.

Marcus Evans  6-3  Sr  Mustangs-Hogan (Redford Union): Watch out for RU High they have a number of good players on this Mustangs outfit with including Evans and guard Amir Huston. Evans is the kind of guy you hate to play against but love as a teammate, an undersized forward who will go to many means necessary to compete around the rim. Looks like a fullback rushing downhill when he drives the ball. Not big on “freedom of movement rules,” will nudge a cutter.

Bank Hoops Underclassman All-State Camp August 5 

Mason Gardner  6-4  Sr  Parallel 45-Green (Boyne City): Rubber hit the road for this Rambler at the end of the spring season most noticeably in the Up North Challenge semifinals where Gardner’s athletic bonafides were on display as he twiced blocked REACH’s Djuan Seal, one of Michigan’s top uncommitted seniors. That aggressive play carried over to the central time zone in July, as he attacked the basket overpowering defenders and in one game made 9-of-10 free throws. Vocal defender and strong rebounder who took a rare AAU charge in another. One of the scarcest combinations of vertical and gpa in Michigan. Needs to become a true low, explosive wing slasher and get consistent shooting range to transition to college ball.

Marquez Gordon  6-4  Sr  Titans (Lansing Everett): The Titans lack a true post player as Derek Nicholson now plays at Michigan Tech. Gordon does a nice job filling in as a lane scorer though, he can really elevate and has a soft touch on the turnaround jumper. Springy on the boards and really dangerous if you let him hang around the rim. Not as accurate from the baseline as in the paint itself. Fits profile of local schools like Olivet or LCC.

Wendell Green  5-10  So  Playmakers (Detroit Country Day): He showed the full offensive repertoire as the tournament went on and was the Playmakers’ leading scorer in their last two games. Can trend towards average when settling for jumpers, but can be special when they’re not just dropping but he’s also creating for himself or teammates going to the basket. Highly skilled, ambidextrous finisher with deceptive athleticism that defenders realize too late when he’s already on top of them.

Austin Harris  6-4  Sr  Parallel 45-Green (Buckley): Anyone who saw the Class D finals knows Harris doesn’t shy from the moment, and in Chicago with a slew of D2s following his progress he showed a penchant for knocking down momentum shifting three-pointers. Also a crafty scorer using his size in the lane at nearly 6-5 200, though would be move of a passing threat in traffic if played with heads up on a swivel. Uses his size to rebound on both backboards and loves to push one out to lead the fastbreak.

Antonio Marshall  6-3  Sr  Playmakers (Detroit King): Two-way guard, rangy energy guy who doesn’t have to be a big scorer to help you win. Has the tools to check all three perimeter spots. Like the wingspan but it will be more advantageous once he starts playing lower, with the dribble and off the ball on defense where he can get caught upright and lose his man. Not a pure shooter but has put work into it since the school season; gets elevation and has a good-looking release.

Juwan Robinson  5-9  Sr  Mustangs-Hogans (Detroit Cornestone): Love his defense and motor, similar in build and competitiveness to Ja’kavien Lewis, but not as skilled as a point guard. Could be the athletic x factor for Cornerstone, a role provided last season by Davion Bradford.

Chaz Woods  6-1  Sr  Tri-City Heat (Massanutten Military): One time Heritage and Saginaw High point guard has reclassified at this Virginia school, where Frank Mason is the most prominent basketball alumnus. Doesn’t wow you with explosive quickness but will quietly take apart a defense with smart decision making and getting into the lane via change of speeds. Always a good shooter when catching in rhythm who continues to expand his offense.