Prospects Make Their Case at Izzo Shootout

Macomb Dakota rising junior Thomas Kithier earned an MSU offer at the Izzo Shootout.

Some of the top talent in the Midwest converged on Michigan State for the annual Izzo Shootout. Here are in-state prospects who helped their recruiting standing, if not with the home school, then by showing the talent to attract others as the summer continues.

Dylan Alderson  6-5  Sr  Clarkston: Stepped up with Foster Loyer at the NBAPA Camp. The three-pointers were dropping Friday, when Alderson looked like the best player in the entire field. But when he misses, he misses, and Saturday that was the case. When he does shoot well Alderson looks like a high-major prospect because of his size, athleticism, versatility. Not just a high-flying wing, he has some wiggle off the bounce too.

Jimmy Bell  6-9  Jr  Saginaw Arthur Hill: Ring that Bell, big boy! Most have resigned Jimmy to a football career given his considerable weight, but he’s become a very good basketball player. Defends the paint with physicality, attitude and blocked shots. Doesn’t shy for contact and doesn’t censor his body like so many young big guys. Showed some well-coached post moves on the other end.

Keion Epps  6-5  Sr  Wayne: Under .500 last year, Wayne Memorial looks like it’s turned the corner going into coach Nkwame Young’s third season. With no center Epps has to play big, and he does on the glass with his activity, but he’s most comfortable and effective out on the court using his energy and length to make plays. His defensive gambling had mixed results. A long-time commitment to Eastern Michigan.

Jaron Faulds  6-10  Sr  Holt: When you’re 6-10, not afraid to mix it up, and have good grades, your parents aren’t paying for your college. Faulds recently visited Yale and Columbia, and received an offer from Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His performance at MSU, leading Holt on a deep tournament run, would translate well to either mid-major league. Consistently hit someone when the ball went up. He’s an simple, efficient scorer who doesn’t touch the ball as much as one might like, but makes the most of it, usually keeping the ball high and utilizing his understanding of angles and the backboard.

Jermayne Golidy  6-2  Sr  Muskegon: Love his rare, old school offensive game. Herky jerky, going off the wrong foot, NBA range set shots, using the glass and extreme arc, with the high socks to complete the 1960s retrospective. Tough to stop when he’s in rhythm and gets going downhill.

Luke Hyde  6-6  Jr  DeWitt: When teams zoned DeWitt Hyde did a great job of running the offense through the high post. He had the size to see over defenders and hit cutters and the short corners, and also could dive and finish himself after giving it up. Hyde is such a smooth, easy athlete, can do a lot with him in the future.

Thomas Kithier  6-8  Jr  Macomb Dakota: Carpe diem, kid. Kithier showed an expanded, improved, versatile, confident game to the Michigan State coaches, and earned the coveted in-state offer. When he wasn’t dunking easily and with regularity, TK was playing away from the basket and looked very comfortable passing, shooting, moving. Agile, good hands. Impressive performance, and it came with Dakota’s star point guard, Jermaine Jackson, out of town at the NBAPA Camp.

Josh Perkins  6-6  Jr  Ypsilanti: Ypsi had a solid weekend, with Perkins holding it down inside with old school post play to counterbalance strong guard play. Nice repertoire of fakes and footwork from the blocks. Not overly athletic, but tough and competes.

Brandon Wade  6-1  Jr  Ann Arbor Skyline: Did nothing to dissuade those who consider him a top 10 overall prospect in the 2018 class. His strength is a real advantage because he’s able to get into the lane and force the issue when things break down. Runs the point like an older player, not like one with two more varsity seasons remaining.

Duane Washington  6-2  Jr  Grand Rapids Christian: With big man Xavier Tillman at the NBAPA Camp, Washington filled the star void for the Eagles. His jumpshot is as pretty as it gets in Michigan, and he knows how to run a team efficiently. Calm and made plays in clutch. Struggled against smaller, aggressive defender CJ Robinson of Clarkston and you’d like Washington to show a bit more dog and drive to match the skill level and hoops IQ.