Five Michigan Standouts from the Grassroots Showcase
In this most unusual grassroots season, one of the premier events of the summer took place over Labor Day weekend in Indianapolis. With top 5 national recruits in Patrick Baldwin Jr and Paolo Banchero in attendance some Michigan players stood out…
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Continue ReadingIn this most unusual grassroots season, one of the premier events of the summer took place over Labor Day weekend in Indianapolis. With top 5 national recruits in Patrick Baldwin Jr and Paolo Banchero in attendance some Michigan players stood out in this star studded field.
Jacob Wallace Jacob Wallace 6'4" | CG Williamston | 2022 State MI 6-4 2022 Williamston Every once in a while a player you have seen a lot can really surprise you. I have seen Wallace with three different squads this summer. While he always been good he was outstanding this weekend. Playing with a talented REACH squad, simply put he was a bucket. If you are looking for fancy scouting terms with this young man you’ve come to the wrong place. Just a pure basketball player. A three level scorer who also facilitated well. Strong and aggressive, finished through contact on multiple instances. Along with facilitating Wallace showed a much tighter handle than I remember. Was able to get wherever he wanted on the court. It will be intriguing to watch how this skill develops as his deep and talented Williamston team lost its point guard Mason Docks in a move to Texas. Could Wallace be an lead guard with his size? We have two years to figure it out.
Chansey Willis Chansey Willis 6'2" | PG Detroit King | 2022 State MI 6-1 2022 Detroit King I’m pushing 40, so when I say a good old fashioned Detroit PSL point guard— well if you know you know. Cut from that mold. Not the quickest or most athletic of guards but tough as nails. Played up a grade level for this weekend. Standout game was Sunday afternoon against fellow Michigan team Mid Michigan Boyz. This big time Motor City point guard battle with Linden Holder Linden Holder 6'0" | PG De La Salle | 2021 State MI ended with Willis’ CTM Select pulling out a 73-67 victory. Has deep range on the perimeter and a very tight if not overly flashy handle. Fearless in going to hole. Will form one of the most dynamic duos in the state at King with Omar Ziegler Omar Ziegler 6'5" | CG Detroit King | 2021 State MI .
Will Smythe Will Smythe 6'4" | SG Orchard Lake St. Mary's | 2021 State MI 6-4 2021 Orchard Lake St Mary Full disclosure, I have been holding off on mentioning this young man for a while. The reason, I wanted to save it for my end of summer skill wrap up. Was going to dub him the best shooter of the summer. But his play has forced my hand. Keeps firing away from deep, but also has shown the ability to keep defenses honest by scoring in the mid range. Not just a scorer plays with his head up and can find open teammates. Good size for the two position. Uses this size well to get his shot off against quicker defenders. It will be interesting to see his fit in the deep guard rotation at St Mary’s next year. I’ll guarantee you one thing. Whatever it is he’s going to drain some threes.
Jalen Charity Jalen Charity 6'4" | Guard Grand Rapids Northview | 2022 MI 6-5 2022 Grand Rapids Northview Like Smythe this is a bit of cumulative award. High flying wing has played well with UTS in Fort Wayne, Wisconsin, and now finally Indianapolis. Had perhaps the dunk of the weekend at the NY2LA Session 3 in Wisconsin. That’s saying something considering the caliber of players that weekend. Uses combination of length and athleticism to excel on the defensive end. Went up to the top of the square to get a huge block in a Sunday afternoon loss to a good Ohio Hoopsters team. Is an excellent developmental environment at Northview. Fellow 2022 Kyler Vanderjagt Kyler Vanderjagt 6'4" | 195 lbs | SF Northview | 2022 State MI can shoulder much of the offensive load while Charity can continue to refine and expand his offensive game.
Drew Barrie Drew Barrie 6'4" | SG Midland | 2022 State MI 6-4 2022 Midland Like Willis was playing up a grade level in a very competitive 2021 field. Type of prospect that doesn’t pass the initial eye test. But once the ball tips uses his sturdy frame to score in the post and create space in the mid range. Playing with Parallel 45 Green used a powerful spin move on multiple occasions. Also showed explosiveness by making a plays in transition and finishing at the rim. Has a smooth and easy release on his perimeter shot. Moves well off the ball and knows how to get open. Next step is tightening up ball handling to get to his spots on his own in the half court. Bright future for this mid Michigan prospect.