SEC Red: 8 Future College Guards
The SEC Red has proven to be home to some strong teams in 2017-2018. Some of these teams are highlighted by exceptional guard play. This season has shown us that the conference is loaded with guard talent that schools at the next level should be watching. Below is a look at some of the guards in the SEC Red that we will or should be watching on a college basketball court in the years to come.
Brandon Wade (2018, Skyline)
Wade’s next step in basketball has been decided, as he is committed to Duquesne. The Dukes have a special talent coming their way. Quite simply, Wade can be considered one of the best basketball players to ever play in Ann Arbor. He’s explosive with the ball showing off elite ball handling skills combined with a quick release on his jumper. Wade isn’t just a scorer. He’s a force on defense and keeps his passes on a string.
Jack Ammerman (2018, Skyline)
Ammerman is the definition of gutsy. He’s a great shooter and is never afraid to take the big shot. He is an incredibly smart player who rarely makes a mental mistake. One of his greatest assets is his confident leadership. Ammerman knows that he and his team will be successful, and his teammates buy in to that belief. He’s a Division 1 talent who would be an absolute steal for a Division 2 team.
Lewis Willis (2018, Huron)
Willis is off to a great start to the season. He’s proven to be an explosive scorer who can shoot the three off a screen or the dribble. He has a quick release and has the ability to catch fire (like his 21 point first half against Woodhaven). Willis is also very strong on the defensive end. He thrives in the team defense that Huron basketball is known for. His recruitment should pick up, especially considering the way he played in December.
LJ Dewolf (2018, Huron)
Dewolf is a steady and hardworking guard who can be counted on to handle the ball in clutch moments. Dewolf has a nice jumper and can’t be left alone behind the three point line. He’s another Huron player who loves to play strong team defense. Dewolf is one of the top perimeter defenders in the area. Both his jumper and his defense are skills that he can carry with him to the next level.
Drew Lowder (2019, Pioneer)
Lowder will be considered one of the top senior prospects in Michigan next year. He’s fast and shifty making it nearly impossible to keep him away from the rim. Lowder has a nice shot off the dribble. He has the ability to create space and get his shot off cleanly. A pass from Lowder is always crisp and accurate, making him especially dangerous if paired with another scorer (Deric Murray in 2017 and Kasean Pryor this season). Lowder is a Division 1 recruit.
Ryan Wade (2019, Skyline)
Wade is off to a nice start in 2017-2018. He has elite guard skills and is showing it off this season. Wade shoots at a high percentage and is equally dangerous getting to the rim. He has a long wingspan which he uses to get in passing lanes on the defensive end. Wade is developing into a defensive stopper. He already has multiple Division 1 offers and that list will grow.
Christian Knox (2019, Skyline)
Knox is quick and athletic. He is very effective in the open floor, wether leading the break or finishing at the rim. Knox shoots the three at a high percentage as well. One of his best assets is how he uses his strength and athleticism on the defensive end. If an opposing team has a high level athlete, Knox can be counted on to guard them. We should expect his recruitment to gain steam this year and into next season.
Griffin Yaklich Griffin Yaklich 6'4" | CG Saline | 2020 State MI (2020, Saline)
Yaklich is smooth as smooth can be. As a sophomore he can be counted on as a primary ball handler. He has a very low turnover rate and can put defenders on the floor with his ball handling and body control. Yaklich always finds a way in the lane and can finish at the rim, with a floater, or by drawing a foul. He has the potential to be one of Michigan’s top players in the class of 2020.