June’s Biggest Winners (Part 1)
While performing well during the AAU season is perhaps the best way to catch interest from coaches, the month-long break from AAU throughout June can be just as effective. Performing at a high level in front of coaches at team camps as well as certain individual camps can earn scholarships just as AAU can. There were a handful of very talented players from around the state that earned either their first or first couple scholarship offers this June. Also, some of Michigan’s top recruits made their college decisions and committed over the course of June. Below are some players who I believe had super successful months:
Gabe Brown (2018, Belleville) – Perhaps the biggest story of June, Brown got a feel-good, story-book ending when he received an offer from Michigan State. Within a few days of receiving the offer, he quickly committed with a heartfelt post. Michigan State was his late dad’s dream school, so it really is a dream come true for Brown. He’s a very talented wing with a ton of potential – he seems to get better by the day. Previous to committing, his recruitment/recognition nationally was starting to take off as he had a great spring AAU campaign. Look for him to finish this AAU year strong and carry that into a huge prep season.
Brandon Johns (2018, East Lansing) – Johns is our top player in Michigan’s 2018 class, coming in at just over 50 nationally. He had interest/offers from many high major schools, including hometown Michigan State. Just a couple days ago, however, he announced he would be committing to the University of Michigan. Johns’ playstyle fits nicely under Beilein – he should be able to come in and make an impact right away.
Marcus Bingham (2018, Grand Rapids Catholic Central) – Bingham went from being virtually unknown to being a prized recruit for many mid and high major D1 programs in a matter of a year. He’s got all the physical tools necessary to be a great basketball player – with some skill to go with it. Bingham is one of the biggest winners of June following his commitment to Michigan State. In fact, he announced his decision just hours before I wrote this article. He already has the talent to come in and make in impact right away; however, what’s more interesting is the general consensus that he has barely scratched the surface of his full potential.
Taylor Currie (2018, Clarkston) – Currie made news about a week ago when he committed to the University of Michigan. Today, he made news as he has decided to reclassify from the class of 2019 to the class of 2018. This makes another top in-state recruit who committed to one of the top in-state programs in the class 2018. Currie, like Johns, is a great fit at the University of Michigan. Unlike the previous guys mentioned, Currie will most likely have sit for a year while he develops before earning legitimate minutes, especially now that he’s headed to college a year early. Long-term, however, this will be a great fit for both Currie and the Wolverines.
Photo credit – www.miprepzone.comTraveon Maddox (2018, Novi) – Perhaps a football player first, Maddox made it clear with stellar play throughout the entire month that he is a legitimate basketball player. He earned offers both from Oakland and Central Michigan University following stellar play at both teams camps. He also got some buzz when he had a 30+ point game against Michigan State commit Foster Loyer. Everything is in place for Maddox to continue garnering mid major D1 interest and maybe even a bit of high major if the fit is right. Perhaps the only thing Maddox back from a flood of D1 interest is his grades. He did take summer classes to get his grades up, so it seems he’s headed in the right direction in the classroom. If he can keep his grades at a decent level, it will open up a flood of D1 interest/offers.
D’Juan Seal (2018, Pershing) – Seal had a very good end to his spring AAU campaign and continued that into high school ball during June. He’s a great athlete with a high motor, making his impact by gobbling up rebounds and dunking everything he can. He had several good outings in the DC Elite Summer League, one of the best summer leagues in the state. In addition to stellar play, Seal makes this list because he received an offer from Wayne State earlier in June. Look for him to continue his monster spring/summer through the month of July and into this prep season. If he does have a good July, look for him to pick up a low to mid-major D1 offer.