GLIAC Double Duty: Grand Valley and Ferris Standouts

I'm in my forties now. Unfortunately that means I spend a decent amount of time listening to peers who bemoan how the next generation doesn't “put the work in”. I don't subscribe to that theory. This past weekend. A group players poked a big hole in it.   With AAU over and nice weather. A group of players eschewed the beach and spent their weekend playing in front of college coaches. While there were much more than seven who pulled double duty. I'll give you seven that caught my attention from the elite camps at Grand Valley and Ferris St Universities. I've broken them down by class.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2024 </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1356975' first='Matt' last='Elderkin'] 6-5 Grandville Calvin Christian Popped a little more closer to home at Grand Valley on Saturday. Is a smooth but explosive athlete who plays at his own pace. So much so that I would label him deceptively athletic. Can kind of lull a defense to sleep. Then explode to the basket for an emphatic finish. Did this at both locations. Has the athleticism to finish easily above the rim. Not surprisingly is also a possible recruit at the next level on the gridiron. No inside info. But with his efforts this weekend. I get the vibe he would lean towards the hardwood. Coming off a good grassroots campaign with the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm']. The high academic prospect should have plenty of options beyond high school.   [player_tooltip player_id='1223498' first='Adam' last='Hardy'] 6-7 Grand Rapids Forest Hills Eastern With his older brother watching as counselor on Sunday at Ferris. Unleashed an absolute assault on the Bulldog rims. Every single scrimmage featured a powerful dunk….or two.. or three…. You get the point. Unsurprisingly tied for the highest vertical measured at the camp (32 inches) Has a counter to the thunderous finishes. Displays a soft left handed touch around the basket. The combination of the elevation and different look make his shot very hard to block. Runs the court fluidly for his size. Filled lanes with purpose. Will need gain some weight. As I think he is a post long term. With some development could make a patient coach at the next level happy.   [player_tooltip player_id='1112370' first='Alex' last='Gillum'] 6-6 Flat Rock My first extended viewing of this prospect. Came away impressed with his shooting ability. Particularly from beyond the arc. Wide frame allows him to set good picks. Those combined skill sets make him particularly effective in pick and pop situations. Competed hard at both locations appearing to be well conditioned. Could be a very intriguing small college stretch four prospect.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2025 </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1587857' first='Tarren' last='Calvert'] 5-9 Wyoming (pictured) Leader of very strong Wyoming contingent on Sunday. Was on his own Saturday at Grand Valley. In both places showed his explosive lead guard potential. Went to the basket without fear. Offset his size with an effective float game. Good ball handler. Allows him to get to his spots easily. Coming off a good grassroots campaign with B3 Athletics. Could lead a resurgence for the Wolves in an OK-Green that is slated for some change in the next few years.   [player_tooltip player_id='2725412' first='Tyler' last='Davis'] 5-10 Grand Rapids Christian I don't have many notes from his Saturday play. However really popped on Sunday. Got hot from beyond the arc and didn't really cool off. Played with an infectious energy as well. Like Calvert is a good ball handler who got to his spots easily. Has the double edged sword of playing at a deep and talented program. Is well tested and exposure should not be problem. However will also have some work to do to earn time in a crowded rotation. Good problems to have. Has more than enough talent to solve it.   Carson Daly 6-2 Grand Ledge Turned in a solid workmanlike performance both days. Plays straight up and upright. So much so that I was surprised at his listed height. I would have pegged him closer to 6-3 or 6-4. Versatile showing the ability to play both backcourt positions. Good enough ball handler to play the point. With the size and shooting ability to play the two. Appears more comfortable as a scorer at this point of his development.   [player_tooltip player_id='1438245' first='John' last='Kaul'] 6-2 Clarkston Like Daly, nothing flashy but a solid all around performance. Good shooter who played with a good sense of balance. Was able to stop on a dime and quickly square himself to the basket. Got into the shooting position quickly. Reminds me of the litany of fundamentally sound Clarkston guards I grew up watching. I didn't see a lot point guard ability. That doesn't mean it is not there. If he shows more of that could be in demand as a small college prospect. Coming off a good grassroots campaign with the [program_tooltip program_id='2077028' first='North' last='Oakland Wolfpack'].

I'm in my forties now. Unfortunately that means I spend a decent amount of time listening to peers who bemoan how the next generation doesn't “put the work in”. I don't subscribe to that theory. This past weekend. A group players poked a big hole in it.