Michigan Playmakers Summer Invitational 17U Under The Radar Standouts
The Michigan Playmakers Summer Invitational is one of the main Michigan AAU tournaments that signals the end to the spring season. This tournament did not disappoint. The high school division featured some of the top teams in the mitten from the top circuits with Michigan Playmakers, REACH, Grand Rapids Storm, M2K Elite, AABA, Michigan Warriors, and many other talented independent teams. In the 17U division, their were many talented players from those circuits and many other talented youngsters from the independent teams. Here are four players who stood out playing for their respective program:
Trevian Puriefoy 6’3 MLK High/Michigan Playmakers 17U- Puriefoy is one of the main reasons why his Michigan Playmakers team was triumphant in a close championship game against Detroit Phoenix Elite. When Wendell Green Jr. was sidelined with a calf injury early in the championship game, Puriefoy stepped up. Puriefoy is a freak athlete who is a strong defender. On the offensive end, Puriefoy does a great job at driving to the lane.
John Ukomadu 6’6 Roseville High/Michigan Warriors 17U- Ukomadu is a legit college prospect. He runs the floor extremely well and is almost unstoppable when attacking from the perimeter. He’s been having a huge spring and is poised for a huge summer. He is a strong rebounder, shot blocker, and rim protector. If he improves his jumper and gains some more strength he could have a blow up senior campaign. Would be a great fit at the GLIAC level.
DJ Zanders 6’1 Osborn High/Detroit Phoenix Elite 17U- Zanders is a type of player with “Detroit grit”. He went up against the top players at the Michigan Playmakers Invitational and he held his own. Zanders is a ferocious scorer who can got hot quickly. He has the talent to play at the next level and should if he finds the right fit.
Daiyon Taylor 6’6 Osborn High/Detroit Phoenix Elite 17U- Taylor, like his teammate Zanders, possesses that “Detroit Grit”. He plays the game with a ton of heart. Taylor runs the floor very well. In the championship game against the host team Playmakers, he even showed that he can take the ball up himself on the fast break. The Osborn big has a nice midrange touch and will make a college coach very happy with his skill and motor.