Top Remaining Uncommitted 2018s
Statewide, the 2018 graduating class is one of the deepest classes in recent history. Throughout the month of June and into the first week of July, Michigan saw a handful of it’s top 2018s announce their college decision. Brandon Johns and newly reclassified Taylor Currie chose to take their talents to Michigan, while Gabe Brown and Marcus Bingham chose rival Michigan State. Also, big man Trevion Williams announced he would be attending Purdue. With these players, as well as previously committed Foster Loyer, Dave Dejulius and Thomas Kithier, many of the top 2018s are off the recruiting radar. However, there are still plenty of very talented players available. Here are some of my top available 2018s:
Brandon Wade (Ann Arbor Skyline/1Nation) – Wade is one of the most complete players in his class. He’s capable of playing the point or the two-guard, as he has superb passing and scoring abilities. He’s held of a host of mid-major D1 offers for up to 2 years now, and will no doubt give it everything he’s got in this final month of AAU in hopes of earning his first high-major offer.
Quinn Blair (Divine Child/Reach Legends) – It seems like sometimes people have a tendency to overlook Blair. Perhaps that’s because he doesn’t need to dominate the ball and make all the plays for his team to be effective, which sometimes leads people to think he’s not a star. He stands around 6’6″ with a solid frame and physical inside. A high-level jumper and good footwork allow Blair to be a threat from several feet behind the three point line into the the paint. He is one of the most versatile players in this class and will make an immediate impact if he decides to accept one of his many mid-major D1 offers.
Lamar Norman (Godwin Heights/1Nation) – Norman has been a big time player for awhile now, but the offers haven’t poured in like other high-profile players. He does have a handful of offers, however, from a couple solid MAC schools. He is one of the most explosive players in the state – he has track-star like speed, can touch the rim with the top of his head and has feet quicker than a rabbit. He’s capable of getting hot at any moment and hitting shots multiple possessions in a row. Look for him to receive a couple more offers following a strong showing this July.
Markeese Hastings (Godwin Heights/1Nation) – Hastings has one of the best motors in the state. His true position is the 4, which at 6’6″-6’7″ is undersized. Throughout the spring AAU season, he showed a reliable ability a reliable ability to make plays from the perimeter, whether that be hitting an open three ball or putting the ball on the floor to beat the closeout. Similar to teammate Lamar Norman, Hastings has been elite in terms of production for quite some time, but that production hasn’t translated to a variety of offers. However, if Hastings continues to display that versatility like he has been all spring/summer, look for him to pick up another offer or two in July.
Duane Washington, Jr. (Grand Rapids Christian/The Family) – Washington has had a successful 2017 AAU campaign thus far, earning several more mid-major offers as well as his first high-major offer. With AAU teammate and Michigan commit Dave Dejulius announcing he’ll forego his final month of AAU, Washington will look to take the reins and step up in a big way. If he does, expect more high-major offers to come.
Williams played for The Family this Spring, but is running with REACH Legends this JulyRashad Williams (Wayne Memorial/Reach Legends) – Williams went on a tear throughout the month of June, dropping multiple 30 point and 40 point games. More than just a scorer, however, he impresses with his ability to distribute well while scoring. Recently, he picked up an offer from Kent State, which adds to his multiple mid-major offers. With continued stellar play through July, it’s quite possible Williams could pick up a high-major offer, or at very least a mid-major+ offer or two.
Deante Johnson (Detroit Edison/Meanstreets) – Johnson is a guy who gets swept under the rug too often. While he’s an inch or two undersized for a big, he makes up for it with his length and good mobility. He’s a guy who can positively impact any team given his ability to be effective without having to dominate the ball. He has a handful of mid-major offers currently, but, due to the huge upside he has, more should come with even average performance on the EYBL this July.
Bryce Washington (Southfield Christian/The Family) – Washington will look to continue his string of impressive performances over the month of June into July. He has great size and athleticism for a guard, which he uses to finish around the rim exceptionally well. He already has a plethora of mid-major offers, with more most likely coming. However, similar to Duane Washington (no relation), Bryce Washington will have an opportunity to boost his stock even further with former teammate Dave Dejulius foregoing the month of July. If he steps of big this month, don’t be surprised to see him pick up that high-major offer.
Traveon Maddox (Novi/Michigan Warriors) – Maddox had a stellar month of June, with a noteworthy 30-point game against Michigan State commit Foster Loyer. In addition to that, he picked up a pair of offers from Central Michigan and Oakland following impressive performances at both team camps. Maddox is a super talented athlete, as he has a couple D1 football offers as well. He’s more than just an athlete on the court, however; he has a nice jumper that extends out several feet behind the three point line, as well as a few reliable dribble moves that allow him to penetrate effectively. His recruiting recently started to take off, so look for him to receive a couple more offers this July.