Chi-Town Tip Off: Michigan Standouts
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From the teams to the deep dish pizza I got at Fat Ricky’s (real name) after the games. The Chi-Town Tip Off was about all things Chicago. That did stop a handful of Michigan players from representing the Mitten well. …
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Continue ReadingFrom the teams to the deep dish pizza I got at Fat Ricky’s (real name) after the games. The Chi-Town Tip Off was about all things Chicago. That did stop a handful of Michigan players from representing the Mitten well.
At top of that group are two blue chip national recruits who were arguably two of the top talents in the entire field. Followed by three under the radar names.
The Headliners
Malik Olafioye Malik Olafioye 6'2" | PG Ecorse | 2023 MI 6-2 2023 Ecorse (pictured at top of article) Full disclosure. One of the first camps I covered as a actual “scout” (I’ve been doing this a LONG time in various forms) featured this point guard as a rising eight grader. So we have some history. I remember being struck with how he was almost a fully realized point guard prospect at such a young age. Fast forward three years and familiarity does not breed contempt. Passes the eye test in a major way. Has a thick and well put together, but highly athletic frame. Has a tight handle and is an aggressive penetrator. Rises quickly in the mid range for good elevation on a legitimate jump shot. Not known as an outside shooter at this point. But there is nothing mechanically off to make you think that won’t develop. Missed last weekends event due to an injury and it showed early. But once he got going he was hard to stop. Came off the bench against a good Illinois Elite squad. Changed the complexion the game and finished with 15 points in the three point victory. Didn’t need anytime to warmup in the second contest against GRIII elite. Had 13 first half points and exploited matchups against a squad that was minus its starting point guard. While Team Rose went undefeated. Olafioye only played in the Saturday games. The top 150 national recruit with multiple D1 offers definitely made his mark in a short period of time.
Trey McKenney 6-4 2025 Orchard Lake St Mary’s Like Olafioye only played in one day of action. But more than made a mark. Completely took over the Saturday morning contest with Full Package. A true three level scorer. He had it working from all over the court. I am always impressed by the patience that he plays with for such a young prospect. Speed is not hallmark of his game. But plays at his own pacs and is not going to get sped up. Elite footwork and balance allow him to convert shots that appear difficult or ill advised. Finished with dominating 23 points and had a scout sitting next to me saying “that was just bully ball”. While I have echoed that sentiment before. The next game against Team Rose allowed McKenney to show off the nuance in his game. Moved into more of a facilitator role. Was particularly adept at passing off the dribble with both his right and left hands. In terms of just pure skill level. One of the more complete ninth grade prospects I have seen in quite some time. Well on his way to being a blue chip national recruit in the 2025 class. If you don’t believe me. He was recently name to the MaxPreps Freshman All American Second team.
Under the Radar
Derek King Jr 6-1 2024 Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills While backcourt mate Shane Rykse Shane Rykse 6'0" | CG Schoolcraft | 2024 State MI was doing his thing from beyond the arc on Friday night. King was using his speed to exploit the driving lanes that a good shooter opens up. Got off to a slow start in the opening Friday night loss. But got things going in the second contest. A contest made more difficult by two factors. One they played up an age group by stepping into a hole in the schedule. Secondly they did it back-to-back with virtually no break. Didn’t seem to bother King at all. Finished with 16 points and made plays on both ends of the court. A coach’s son with a basketball pedigree. This is definitely a prospect to watch on the west side of the state in the next two years.
James Phillips Jr James Phillips Jr 6'3" | CG Eastpointe | 2024 State MI 6-2 2024 Grosse Pointe North Speaking of players playing up a division. Phillips did it for the whole weekend with the Detroit Bulldogs 17 U team and did it well. Scored 23 points in one point victory over A3 Athletics. Lanky and plays in straight manner. This makes him appear taller than his listed height. Should be in good spot next year with Grosse Pointe North. Won’t have the pressure to be a scorer with the presence 2023 Adam Ayrault Adam Ayrault 6'4" | CG Grosse Pointe North | 2023 State MI . That’s good as Phillips showed the ability to pick his spots and not force the action this weekend
Dominic Sheena 6-1 2023 Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice Left handed shooter had a good weekend for the Michigan Goonies. Also showed the ball handling and passing ability to play the point. Finished with 13 points in a tough one point loss to close out the tourney to Illinois Drive Elite. His opponent that contest was Bryon Pullen. One of the more underrated guards in the Chicago area. Speaking of competition. This tournament provided a nice platform for this player. Playing time is going to be hard to come by in a deep and talented Brother Rice program. I don’t recall his presence on the team when I saw them this year. If he continues to show the intangibles and heady play that he showed this weekend. There could be a spot for him on a team that returns just about everyone.