Day After The Draft: Who Could Be Next?

The NBA Draft took place last night and the dreams of some young athletes came true. There were thrills and excitement for basketball players who had worked their entire lives for that moment. A native of Michigan, Miles Bridges, saw his dream become real last night. That begs the question:  Who could be the next kid from Michigan to see his name on an NBA Draft board? We’ll take a look at 8 players and 2 sleepers from the classes of 2019 and 2020 that could one day hear their name called at the NBA Draft.

Carrington McCaskill  (2019, 6’7, F, Detroit Renaissance)

McCaskill is a high level offensive rebounder and always a threat for out back dunks. He’s at his best in the open floor and is a big time finisher.

Donovan Moore (2018, 6’3, CG, West Bloomfield)

Moore recently committed to the University of Toledo. He’s a good athlete that can play on or off the ball. Moore excels in transition, either leading with the ball or running on tbe wing. He’s known for his work ethic and dedication to improving.

Rocket Watts (2019, 6’2, CG, Old Redford)

Watts has had one of the top spring performances of any prep player in the country. He averaged 25ppg for The Family in the Nike EYBL. Watts is a high scoring and explosive guard. He’s a threat to hit a shot from anywhere on the floor and has no limits to his range. Watts was recently named to the USA U18 roster.

Romeo Weems (2019, 6’6, SF, New Haven)

Weems was named to the USA U17 team and recently committed to DePaul. He has the ‘look’ of a professional, carrying the strength and physique to play at any level. There is nothing that he can’t do - score, pass, rebound, defend - all at an elite level.

Wendell Green Jr. (2020, 5’11, PG, Detroit Country Day)

Green is the definition of a leader. He has the work ethic needed to be special at any level. Green has excellent handles and body control that allow him to get to the rim and finish in traffic.

Isaiah Jackson Isaiah Jackson 6'9" | PF Waterford Mott | 2020 State #27 Nation MI  (2020, 6’8, F, Old Redford)

Jackson is one of the top shot blockers in the country. He’s simply elite defensively on a national level. Jackson has a ton of athleticism that he uses on both ends of the floor. He is a highlight reel finisher and a walking double-double.

Matt Nicholson Matt Nicholson 7'0" | C Clarkston | 2020 State #221 Nation MI  (2020, 6’11, C, Clarkston)

A 6’11 skilled big man from Clarkston? Of course he’s on the list. Nicholson can play through contact and finish. He gets to the free throw line and shoots at a high percentage when he does.

Jalen Terry Jalen Terry 6'1" | PG Flint Beacher | 2020 State #86 Nation MI  (2020, 5’11, PG, Flint Beecher)

Terry is an explosive and athletic point guard. He has one of the quickest first steps in Michigan. Terry has an outstanding vertical leap, which allows him to play above the rim and be an elite finisher.

SLEEPERS

Luke Maranka (2019, 6’9, PF, Hoops For Heaven Homeschool)

Maranka has good size and can shoot the ball from deep. He’s athletic and is a big time finisher. He’s one of the better dunkers in Michigan. Maranka has the looks of a stretch 4 at a higher level.

Steve Pearson Steve Pearson 6'2" | SG State MI  (2020, 6’2, SG, Detroit Northwestern)

There may not be a better pure athlete in the state. Pearson has strong legs that help him jump through the roof. He’s a powerful finisher who plays with an edge.