Commitment Corner

I greatly enjoy this strange job. I view my primary role as providing exposure to help kids reach their college goals. However, personally I have a tendency to “let up” a little when said players reach their goals.   The last few weeks has seen a flurry of Michigan commitments. Consequently I want to give these commitments their proper due. Following are six Michigan players that have worked hard to reach a goal that many strive for but few achieve. Congratulations.    Class of 2023   [player_tooltip player_id='1077679' first='Hutch' last='Ward'] 6-8 Kalamazoo Central- Wayne St (pictured) Arguably the top Michigan performer on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Ward will be heading down I-94 to the new staff at Wayne St. He is the prototype of the modern stretch four. Is automatic from beyond the arc at 6-8. But he is not simply a shooting statue. Is athletic enough to make plays above the rim and out in transition. Sees the court well and is a good passer out of the high post. I'm not the type of scout that likes to act like an insider. But trust me. This was a high profile GLIAC recruiting battle. Ward was a priority recruit for multiple in state schools.   [player_tooltip player_id='1076027' first='Adam' last='Ayrault'] 6-4 Grosse Pointe North- Wayne St The recruiting momentum did not stop with Ward. The Warriors snagged a player who did not need any help with exposure. Ayrault ran with Chicago based Meanstreets on the EYBL circuit. He played well earning a lot of national exposure in the process. Has a mature and explosive perimeter game. Should form a nice duo with 2024 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1372075' first='James' last='Phillips Jr'] in the upcoming season. Comes from a family with deep basketball roots. Older sister plays at Michigan St. Both parents played at Wayne St and his Dad is a current assistant with the women's program. Undoubtedly played a role in new head coach Bryan Smothers getting this recruiting steal. The new staff also did some work early in securing the commitment of Muskegon point guard [player_tooltip player_id='987274' first='Jordan' last='Briggs'] as well. A point, a wing, and a big. The future of the Wayne St program is off to an impressive start.   [player_tooltip player_id='986883' first='Nino' last='Smith'] 6-0 Warren De La Salle- Lake Superior St From Akaemji Williams to current guards CJ Robinson and Devin Womack. The Lakers have long had success with point guards who fit this physical profile. Smith also has a similar trait to the players listed above that is not as measurable. He is straight up winning basketball player. Stats will never jump off the page. But you will want the ball in his hands in the clutch. Coming off a state championship. Has the banner to back up this assertion. Also has won a fair amount of games on the grassroots circuit with the Michigan Playmakers. Plays with burst and explosion while maintaining contol. Also has a sturdy frame that absorbs contact on drives.   [player_tooltip player_id='1411857' first='Omar' last='Suleiman'] 6-5 Canton- Lake Superior St Like Ward Suleiman was a standout on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Suleiman ran with Top 1 Basketball Club. However this multi faceted forward earned his offer the old fashioned way. He made the trek up to the Lake Superior St campus and showed out at an elite prospect camp. The strength of his game is versatility. Can play inside and out. Is explosive athletically and easily makes plays above the rim. Is a good ball handler for his size. Shows an uncanny knack for operating on the baseline. Should step into a featured role with Canton for his senior season.   [player_tooltip player_id='987644' first='Tyran' last='Thomas'] 6-4 Grand Rapids Northview- Frostburg St (Maryland) A true jumping jack athlete that can play all five positions at the high school level. During the regular season has largely played in the post out of necessity. But his long term position will be on the wing. Excels in transition dunking with ease and flair. Contorts his wiry frame for creative and unusual finishes around the basket. The only thing really missing is bulk and a knockdown outside shot. If that comes. Could be the type of prospect that leaves fans wondering how he got out of the state. Frostburg recently transitioned to the D Il level. This should provide plenty of opportunity for this exciting prospect.   Class of 2024   [player_tooltip player_id='1140922' first='Chas' last='Lewless'] 6-2 Detroit King- San Diego The only junior on this list. Lewless wrapped things up quickly. Point guard has excellent size for the position already. Hard nosed player who does not play with a sense of entitlement. Despite a lofty ranking from a young age. Coming off an outstanding sophomore season where he was primarily a distributor to a big frontline at Detroit Catholic Central. Should become become more of a scorer after transferring to Detroit King. Cue your Ron Burgundy memes. All joking aside. Playing for new head coach Steve Lavin in a beautiful locale is a pretty good situation. Looking forward to staying up late for those West Coast games in a few years.

I greatly enjoy this strange job. I view my primary role as providing exposure to help kids reach their college goals. However, personally I have a tendency to “let up” a little when said players reach their goals.