Transfers: Same Faces, New Places (Part 2)
In today’s world of high school basketball, transfers are a frequent thing. It is a very controversial topic, which often times leads kids to receive harsh backlash even if they were simply just trying to better their life. Kids transfer for a variety of reasons – it could be something as simple as the desire to win more, or something as complicated as issues with the coaching staff. Regardless of the reasons for a particular kid’s transfer, as well as the differing views on the topic as a whole, it happens and will most likely continue to happen for years to come. With all this being said, let’s take a look at some of the transfers that occurred during the offseason:
Isaiah Jackson (Rochester Lutheran Northwest —> Old Redford) – Next to Thomas Kithier’s transfer, Jackson’s transfer is perhaps the biggest of the off-season. The 6’8″ forward has already received a high-major offer from USC and will pair up with guard Rocket Watts, who has received his fair share of high-major offers as well. Watts and Jackson are top-3 players in the 2019 and 2020 class, respectively, and will be one of the states best duos this year. Jackson’s transfer immediately makes Old Redford a top team in Class B. Jackson, along with the entire Old Redford squad, will surely be fun to watch this season and will look to make a run at the Breslin.
Lorne Bowman (Detroit Western —> Orchard Lake St. Mary’s) – Bowman had a successful AAU season, earning recognition from several different scouting services. Bowman is already an elite defender with all the tools to become an elite player overall – he has size, length, athleticism and skill. His transfer helps deepen Orchard Lake St. Mary’s roster and quietly makes them one of the better teams in the Catholic High School League. Look for Bowman to have a big year this season.
Kaevon Merriwether (Romulus —> Belleville) – Belleville was already loaded before his transfer, but with the arrival of Merriwether the Tigers take it to the next level. The guard is one of the more underrated prospects in the senior class, although he does hold an offer from Western Michigan. Merriwether gives Belleville another legitimate option that the defense must account for and solidifies their spot as one of the top teams in Class A this season.
Anthony Roberts (Detroit Western —> Henry Ford) – The Bryant signee will join the Trojans in what is now one of the better backcourts in Detroit. The 6’3″ guard is a smooth scorer who can be dangerous from all three levels. Roberts will benefit from this move as Henry Ford’s playstyle fits his skill set well. Look for him to have a big year this season.
Connor Bush (Plymouth —> Belleville) – Bush is one of the more promising 2020s in the state and will gain valuable experience with his move to Belleville. As I mentioned earlier, Belleville is loaded, so only time will tell what type of role Bush will carve out in the rotation. Regardless of how big of a piece he is this year, he will benefit simply from competing in practice on a daily basis.