Lying in the Weeds Wednesday
Going for a slightly different angle this week. Not “under the radar” due to playing at small schools or unheralded programs; these prospects are hiding in plain sight. Meaning for one reason or another they have not been seen by…
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Continue ReadingGoing for a slightly different angle this week. Not “under the radar” due to playing at small schools or unheralded programs; these prospects are hiding in plain sight. Meaning for one reason or another they have not been seen by most casual basketball fans and are ready to become household names with huge senior seasons.
Jayshawn Moore 6-4 2020 Ferndale Cheating a little here. How could the 15th ranked player in the state be hidden? Simple, Moore did not play last year after transferring from Detroit East English Village. Additionally when you first glance at Moore’s Reach Legends AAU team athletes like Colin Golson (Siena) and Tyson Acuff literally leap off the floor to grab attention. But once the ball tips Moore’s smooth and efficient offensive game is readily apparent. Feathery outside touch and scores at all three levels. Additionally has shown improvement as a ball handler this summer. A big season and trip to Breslin Center in Class B will make this a prospect known by everyone and not just college coaches and grassroots basketball followers.
Lucas Lyyski 6-8 2020 Spring Lake Played on a West Michigan Lakers team stacked with good young big men. Lyyski is is 21st century big. A true stretch 5 with deep range that was easy to spot in the AAU season. However really opened eyes at the Ferris State Exposure camp. Started by measuring in at 6-8. In a grouping with plenty of solid out of state and even international (Canada) bigs, Lyyski was the class of the camp. Showed good mobility, ball handling, and the ability to finish above the rim. Particularly off a long lob from Harper Woods standout point guard Curtis Jackson. This play also highlighted his ability to get out in transition quickly. If statistics follow his measurables and outstanding academic profile, college coaches will start calling.
Vernon Nash 5-10 2020 Muskegon Speed, speed, and more speed; followed by wins, wins, and more wins. Teammate Jarvis Walker (Purdue Fort Wayne) deservedly gets a lot of attention, but Nash is the engine that makes the Big Red machine go. Good distributor with deep perimeter range. Showed his toughness with a big game against a huge Grand Blanc backcourt at the Redhawk Showcase in the regular season. Followed up with a good AAU season with 1Nation. Recently picked up an offer from Saginaw Valley State. A big season will see his offer list grow exponentially.
Mac VanRenterghem 6-1 2020 Ann Arbor Pioneer A name you don’t forget with an intriguing game. Out of necessity has played a lot of the 2 in his career. Accordingly has accompanying deep range on the perimeter with a quick release. Formed a strong duo with Trevor Arico (Saline) on the Academy O3 this summer. Showed creative and improved ball handling in this setting. With Drew Lowder (Holy Cross) and Kasean Pryor (Prep) moving on from Pioneer VanRenterghem should have the ability to show a broader skill set in his senior year.
Eli Carlson 5-7 2020 Kent City It doesn’t take an advanced degree in scouting to see the challenges Carlson will have getting to the next level—size. Let’s focus what he has, and that is an excellent level of explosion at a position that demands it. Penetrates extremely hard and is highly competitive. Plays fast but under control. Performed well at the Ferris State Exposure camp. Sports a developed and strong upper body that could offset some size concerns. Has a strong academic profile which will help with the recruiting process as well. Had a good AAU season with MBA National. If he keeps that momentum and produces a deep Class C run, could take a route that a similarly sized prospect Jayden Perry (Manton) took to Lake Superior State.