Tip Off Classic: Top Prospects (2018s)
The Tip Off Classic took place nearly two weeks ago, and while many recaps of the games have already been written and posted, this article will focus on specifically college prospects. This tournament featured some of the state’s best in terms of both teams as well as college prospects, so there was plenty of talent on display. Here are some of my top prospects from the event:
D’Juan “Toodles” Seal (2018, Detroit Pershing)
Seal has long by considered under-recruited by a variety of scouts. While he is a bit undersized for his position as he’s a 6’4″ wing, or a bit too raw to be a true 2-guard, he makes up for it with elite athleticism and a high motor. Toodles was huge in his squad’s win over Southfield Christian. Offensively, he did a great job getting to the rack and finishing or drawing fouls. Defensively, he was very active, racking up multiple steals and blocks in addition to great on-ball defense. Toodles is one of those players who seems to simply just make plays in every game. Also, he’s not one to shy away from the big moment – he had a couple huge buckets in the 4th quarter/overtime in this game.
Charles Brown (2018, Detroit Pershing)
Brown is an interesting prospect as he stands around 6’6″, give or take an inch, with long arms and good athleticism. In addition to this, he has good skills and makes an impact on both sides of the ball. Despite this, Brown doesn’t have nearly as much recruiting buzz as a player of his caliber should. Regardless, Brown has the ability to be a solid D1 or a really good D2 player. In Pershing’s win over Southfield Christian, he showed he has the ability to do just about everything on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he showed an ability to score from beyond the arc as well as attack and play above the rim. He also showed a really good passing ability – several times hit made a perfect pocket pass off a pick and roll. Defensively, he bothered opponents with his length on the perimeter, rebounded and contested shots at the rim.
Omari Duncan (2018, Flint Carman-Ainsworth)
Some had known Duncan before the start of the season, but now, however, many know Omari Duncan. He made a statement stringing together a series of stellar performances to start the season and continued that at the Tip Off Classic. He stands 6’4″ and uses his athleticism to make plays on both sides of the ball. Duncan excelled at deflected or stealing passes which he used to create easy offense for himself or teammates. Offensively, he showed off his hops with multiple dunks in this game. Additionally, he buried a couple trey balls – a skill it seems he’s improved over the off season. Duncan will definitely be a player to keep an eye out for this season.
Khari Adams (2018, Hazel Park)
The 6’5″ forward had a big game in Hazel Park’s win over East English Village. I was impressed with his combination of motor and athleticism, something of which allowed him to play much bigger than he is. He was key in winning the rebound battle. While he excels at this role, Adams showed he can be more than just an energy player with a couple nice moves that resulted in buckets. Also, he was just as good defensively, tallying multiple steals and blocks to go with his rebounding. Adams was a huge difference maker against a super talented Hazel Park squad.
Ja’Kavien Lewis (2018, Flint Carman-Ainsworth)
Lewis has long been known as one of the top guard defenders in the state, but he’s really taken his offensive game to the next level over the past few months. Defense goes without saying – he’s elite. Offensively, however, he’s needed some work and it seems he’s done just that in the off season. Lewis showed in this game his much improved jumper as he buried multiple threes. He hit shots both off the catch as well as off the dribble. Recently he picked up an offer from Saginaw Valley State, a solid D2 program.