Great 8 Showdown: 2021’s To Watch

<p>The Great 8 Showdown is a tournament format event in Ft. Wayne, IN today. There will be a lot of talented players to watch from Michigan. Here are players in the 2021 bracket to keep an eye on:</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="927600" first="Nathan" last="Claerbaut"] (2021, F/C, Zeeland East, West Michigan Lakers 2021)</strong></p> <p>Claerbout’s name has been on the front burner most of the summer. He’s a long big with soft hands and a comfort level in the lane. College coaches at high levels are peeking in on his performances to see if with his thin frame, if he can battle with the bigs.</p> <p><strong>Lucas Doty (2021, G/F, South Lyon, Boyz 17u)</strong></p> <p>Doty has utilized this summer. He’s turned heads as a solid wing prospect. Doty is a versatile scorer that attacks the defense and keeps them moving and rotating. This event could pit Doty against some Grade A wings to prove himself against.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="814584" first="Deon" last="Hayes"] (2021, PG, North Farmington, Storm 17u UA Rise)</strong></p> <p>Hayes is a very interesting prospect. His upside as a college recruit is great. Hayes is a long floor general that seems to be able to play through, around, or above the defense. Hayes has nice athleticism and  plays the entire length of the floor.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="969530" first="Ayden" last="Rutan"] (PG, Leslie, Michigan Triple Threat 17u)</strong></p> <p>I just wrote about Rutan in another article, and I’m looking forward to seeing him match up against elite talent. His game all starts at the defensive end. He’ll have a chance today to match up against some great floor generals.</p> <p><strong>Ausin Van Elst (2021, PF, Middleville, MBA 17u National)</strong></p> <p>Van Elst is another player that has turned heads this summer. He’s a versatile scorer that can get buckets in the paint as well as step out to the mid range. Van Elst has a lot of upside and college coaches have been taking note.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="814656" first="David" last="Wilkerson"] (2021, CG, UTS Elite 17u Gold)</strong></p> <p>Wilkerson has always been a bit underrated. He’s a versatile guard that can be effective playing on or off the ball. Wilkerson is a downhill player that searches for holes in the D.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>