Run N Slam: Friday Night Lights Michigan

Jonathon Gilbert April 30, 2022 @ 11:30 AM

The Bill Hensley Run N Slam tournament is one of the premiere AAU events in the midwest. The usual deep and talented field returned to Fort Wayne. Surrounded by elite blue chip recruits. Where does one start? I’ll start with what I know best. Following are five standouts from the great state of Michigan. [player_tooltip player_id="985658" first="RJ" last="Taylor"] 5-11 2023 Grand Blanc The highest ranked 2023 Michigan player in the field. Lived up to it and then some. “Point Guard Perfection.” It’s nice alliterative phrase and while it might be a little over to top. It is what comes to mind when I watch Taylor play. Simply put doesn’t do much wrong when it comes to the mechanics of the position. Doesn’t over penetrate or dribble into trouble. Is an elite look ahead passer and doesn’t let the ball stick in his hand. His transition defense was outstanding. Forced a charge and a travel while on a island in the open court. Cleverly drew contact near the end of the first half to get to the line. Had to step into more of a scoring role for his high school team this year. So it was a welcome sight to see him move back into a distributor role. His Meanstreets unit fell to a good GRIII squad. As one of the winngest players in recent Michigan history. I know he would have rather had the win. Plays with that type of competitive fire. Going forward the only thing really missing from the Northern Iowa commit’s game is elite size. With AJ Green exploring options in the transfer portal. Taylor could be moving into a good situation in the next few years. [player_tooltip player_id="987644" first="Tyran" last="Thomas"] 6-3 2023 Grand Rapids Northview (pictured at top) The last time I saw this prospect he was making explosive plays in the open court to for Northview in the state semifinals. Playing with Northern Indiana based 94 Feet Elite. Thomas continued to make these types plays. But he also showed increased efficiency in the half court. Hit a timely late step back to three as game was starting get away against All Ohio Red EYBL. Struggled at times passing against All Ohio’s length. But had good enough ball handling to get to his spots on the perimeter. It was nice to see Thomas in that position. Last year with 94 and Northview he often played down low out of necessity. As the results show he has the length to pull that off. But long term his role will be on the perimeter. The rest of this grassroots season and his senior year will go a long way in his recruitment. If he can show himself to be a skilled two guard offensively. He could become a coveted recruit. He already has the defensive chops to cover just about anyone. [player_tooltip player_id="1213127" first="Javion" last="Otten"] 6-4 2023 Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills Saw this wing last year with the Grand Rapids Thunder. I remember him as a skilled player for one of the better 2023 squads on the Prep Hoops Circuit. What I did not remember was the aerial athleticism that he showed Friday night. Simply flew threw air with force and creativity. Now playing with the Grand Rapids Storm. Came off the bench and charged the tenor of the game in their Friday victory. If henwas near the rim on the break or in the half court it was going down. Wasn’t always successful but it sure was fun to watch. If he can harness that athleticism into a big senior season. Has the the skill and athletic upside to become a fast rising recruit on the west side of the state. [player_tooltip player_id="986245" first="Triston" last="Nichols"] 6-3 2023 Warren De La Salle The “what” of Nichols game Friday night did not surprise me. You generally know what you are going to get. A physical but skilled offensive game. With more substance than flash. What impressed me was that Nichols began the game essentially running the point. Got the Storm into their sets efficiently which set the tone for the victory. As the game progressed began to look for his shot offensively. This basically entailed him going into full bully ball mode in the post. This is where his physical advantages really shine. Just simply too strong for a guard near the basket. But also too quick and explosive for a big to switch onto him. His recruitment should be an interesting one to watch. Doesn’t fit the mold of a typical two or possibly one guard prospect, But he is a very good all around player who simply wins games. Has the state championships in more than one sport to prove it. [player_tooltip player_id="1352909" first="Jotham" last="Nweke"] 6-6 2023 Detroit Loyola The breakout performer of the night for me. Made plays all night at the rim for DTO Elite. Two that stood out were a pair massive dunks. One was off a follow. The second was an eye opening catch and finish off a lob. This showed not only his elevation but also his length in getting his hands on the pass. Did all this against a very long and talented Mac Irvin Fire frontline. As you would expect has an athletic and bouncy frame. I did not see much evidence of a perimeter game. But that doesn’t mean it’s not there. Based on what I saw Friday night. This could be one if better players Division 3 players in Michigan next year. A lot of athletic upside.