Grassroots Spotlight: Moneyball East 17u
Moneyball East is an AAU program based out of the Detroit area. Relatively new, the program was established in 2015 and currently features only a 17u team. This squad is one of the more underrated 17u teams in Michigan, as they have solid size and athleticism to go along with excellent talent. I believe that there are 5-6 players on this squad that could be effective college players, ranging from JuCo-level potential up to D2. It is important to note that these players are well-coached; they’ve played together, with a lot of energy, toughness and heart in the multiple games I’ve seen.
Here are the some of the players I believe have the ability to play at the next level:
Leon Ayers, II (2018) – Ayers is one of the more promising college prospects on this squad, as he has the combination of size, length, athleticism and skill that coaches love. He stands around 6’3″. Although he would fit best as a combo guard at the college level, he has the handles and vision to play point. He’s capable of hitting shots off the dribble as well as finishing around the rim. Also, he maintains a mid-3.0 GPA. He wears the number 4 jersey.
Martone Cole (2018) – Of all the players on this team, Cole has perhaps the highest ceiling as far as college potential goes. He stands around 6’3″ and possesses a great deal of athleticism. He is the type of player that can impact a game in a variety of ways. He finishes well around the rim and hits his open shots. He crashes the boards well for a guard. He’s a willing passer. He has a high motor and is active off-ball on both ends of the floor. The lefty wears number 6.
Tyler Canfield (2018) – Canfield is the most complete player on the team. He provides his team with a great deal of energy and toughness anytime he’s on the floor. Standing around 5’10”, he’s a solid all-around point guard. He uses his speed, strength and athleticism to defend at a high level, create for himself or his teammates, as well as finish in the lane. He’s capable of hitting shots off the catch or the dribble. He has good vision and sets his teammates up well. He maintains around a 3.4 GPA. He wears the number 1 jersey.
Cooper Mixon (2018) – Mixon is a solid role player. He’s got an ideal basketball build, as he stands around 6’4″-6’5″ with long arms. He does a little bit of everything; he rebounds, defends, finishes open looks and moves without the ball. He could be useful to a college squad in need of a role player with some height and length. He maintains a mid-3.0 GPA. Mixon wears number 13.
Johnny Davis (2018) – Davis plays the big man role for this squad. He stands around 6’5″-6’6″. He does a good job altering/blocking shots around the rim. His biggest strength, however, is he versatility on offense. He’s capable of as a traditional post with his back to the basket. In addition to this, he’s also able to put the ball on the floor and attack from the three point line. He’s mobile and has good footwork. He wears the number 5.
Geordon Duncan (2018) – Duncan is another guard who has a good basketball build. While not huge, he stands around 6’1 and possesses solid athleticism. He’s effective running the point or playing as a 2-guard. He’s got a good shot, both off the dribble and off the the catch. He’s capable of hitting multiple threes any given game. He’s capable of pressuring on defense and forcing turnovers or bad shots. He maintains around a 3.5 GPA. He wears number 0.