2020 Players to Watch
Note: Players on this list are players that I’ve seen play live. If you believe there is a player that deserves more recognition on this site, please feel free to email me at zachary.tyler.manning@gmail.com and I will be glad to get that player more exposure.
Maliq Carr (Oak Park)
Carr is a two sport athlete that is receiving Division I interest in both football and basketball. The 6-foot-6 forward is an absolute nightmare to guard. He’s a great rebounder, active defender and a great scorer from all three levels. Carr is great at using his big frame to create the space he needs to get shots off and grab rebounds. I could easily see him playing football and basketball for a Division I program in the future.
Connor Bush (Belleville)
Belleville was loaded with talent this year, so Bush didn’t get a ton of recognition. However, I believe that he was one of the Tigers’ most important players. He wasn’t much of a scorer, but you could count on him grabbing 10-15 rebounds and playing intense defense. He is Michigan’s No. 18 prospect for the 2020 class, but with an expanded role in 2019, I could see him making a jump into the top 15.
Noah Pruitt (Okemos)
Pruitt stands just 5-foot-9, but he plays bigger than his size. He is one of the best on ball defenders that I have seen and he is very good at attacking the basket and finding open teammates. He needs to develop a consistent three point jumper, but his mid range game is solid. Like Bush, Pruitt will see an expanded role next season, which should allow him to put up big numbers.
Devon Forner (Wyandotte)
Forner didn’t play a ton of minutes this year for the Bears, but when he was in the game, he made an impact. The 6-foot-7 big man is a great rim protector that is working on a consistent post game. Forner should get a ton of playing time next year, and I believe 2019 will be his coming out party. I wouldn’t be surprised if he averaged around 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks per game.
Didier Ngambo (Kennedy)
Ngambo is a freak athlete that excels on the defensive end of the floor. The 6-foot-4 forward is one of, if not the best rim protector in the Downriver League. He needs to work on becoming a more consistent offensive threat, but he has a variety of post moves that he uses to score around the rim. Like Forner, I expect him to have a breakout junior season.