Season Preview: 5 Dynamic Duos

After highlighting the top frontcourts and backcourts. Let’s wrap up the season preview by looking at the the top duos that do not fit neatly into those two categories. Some are traditional point guard big man duos. Others are a pair of scoring forwards. 

*With a rash of late season transfers this information is current to the best of my knowledge but things change quickly 

*All players are seniors (2022) unless noted 

1. Ferndale The Eagles are a deep and talented squad led by two dynamic top 10 seniors. That experience and tournament pedigree from appearing in the Division 2 semi finals earns them the top spot here. Jason Drake Jason Drake 6'2" | CG Ferndale | 2022 State MI is one of the highest rated uncommitted players in the state. He fit in seamlessly under difficult circumstances after transferring in from Orchard Lake St Mary’s. It’s scary to think what he could look like with a full off season of practices and more acclimation to the program. Drake is scoring guard who simply knows how to put the ball in the basket. The only thing he is really missing is elite size for the two guard position. Treyvon Lewis Treyvon Lewis 6'5" | SF Ferndale | 2022 State MI is bouncy 6-5 swingman. The Loyola-Chicago commit is similar to Drake in that he scores in a wide variety of ways. In addition to their work with in the regular season. Teamed with The Family on the EYBL circuit this summer. This increased familiarity should make this duo even more potent this year. 

2. Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice This is admittedly an article about tandems. I haven’t caught John Blackwell John Blackwell 6'3" | CG Brother Rice | 2023 State #185 Nation MI extensively since his transfer to this group. So I’m going to go with the guys that have been doing it together since they were freshman. The “Fire and Ice” duo of Curtis Williams Curtis Williams 6'5" | SF Brother Rice | 2023 State #93 Nation MI and Xavier Thomas Xavier Thomas 6'6" | PF Brother Rice | 2023 State MI is tough to top. The fact that they are both 2023’s is probably the only this keeping them from the top spot. Williams is a silky smooth perimeter scorer. His combo of elite athleticism and skill make him a top 50 recruit nationally. Thomas is a sturdily built combo forward who can score inside and out. Is extremely light on his feet for his size. With a successful stat stuffing  junior year. I think Thomas could join Williams and gain status as a national recruit as well. 

3. UD-Jesuit Sticking in the Catholic League for this one. As a brief aside if you have been following each entry of this series. You know the conference is going to be very DEEP. The presence of 2023 point guard Sonny Wilson Sonny Wilson 6'0" | PG UD Jesuit | 2023 State #189 Nation MI is what keeps me from listing this tandem as a traditional backcourt. I’m going to choose to highlight the Cubs two senior forwards as a duo. Charles Turner Charles Turner 6'5" | CG UD Jesuit | 2022 State MI (pictured at top of article) was one of my favorite players from the AAU season. Showed off his multi faceted scoring game with REACH against top notch competition all summer. Turner’s sturdy 6-5 frame allows him to score at the basket. Guard skills make him a matchup nightmare on the perimeter. Chris Mutebi Chris Mutebi 6'4" | SF UD Jesuit | 2022 State MI game is all about top shelf athleticism. The multi sport standout uses his long arms to be effective on the defensive end. Drives hard to the basket and is powerful leaper off two feet. As usual Jesuit has a lot of young talent. But I think they will go as far as this senior tandem will take them. 

4. Detroit King This is a traditional point guard big man duo from the always tough Detroit Public School League. Chansey Willis Chansey Willis 6'2" | PG Detroit King | 2022 State MI is a old school point guard who ready to take the lead for the after playing off of Omar Zeigler for a few years. Willis has a full package. He can pull from deep and is an excellent penetrator as well. Stepping into the complementary role this year is Mount Clemens transfer Matthew Coffey. There is nothing small about the 6-8 wide bodied Coffey. But he moves well for size and has good ball skills. I can only imagine the havoc Willis and Coffey will cause in pick and roll opportunities. Not to create my own bulletin board material. But if King is not pleased with their placement on this list they will be able to make a statement on opening night. The matchup against Jesuit should be a good barometer for both squads. 

5. Ludington Going a little of the beaten path for this one. I think this Lakeshore/Northern Michigan version of Detroit King can matchup with just about anyone in the state. Peyton LaCombe Peyton LaCombe 6'8" | PF Ludington | 2022 State MI (pictured left) leads this duo. The 6-8 Michigan Tech commit is extremely mobile and runs the court like a gazelle. Has been a defensive standout since his freshman season but his offensive game has caught up in his senior season. After playing nationally with the Illinois Wolves for most his career. Stuck a little closer to home and had an excellent summer with the Grand Rapids Storm.  The Orioles floor general is 2024 David Shillinger David Shillinger 5'9" Ludington | 2024 MI (pictured right). The pint sized dynamo had a thrilling debut last year. Followed that up by showing out nationally with Bates Fundamentals on the EYBL. Not very big but makes up for it with extreme quickness and elite change of direction. As good as he is offensively his defense is what has always stood out to me. Ludington will have a chance to prove their place with two games at the Motor City Roundball Classic over the holidays.