Bank Hoops Underclassmen Camp: Fab Five Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The long running Bank Hoops Underclassmen camp commenced in Grand Rapids this past Saturday. A quality over quantity 35 person field produced plenty of high level standouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following is a six pack of players that caught my eye.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2276971' first='Seth' last='Hahnenberg'] 6-6 2027 Lansing Catholic (pictured) </strong>Was very impressed with this versatile prospect last year on the elite camp circuit. The physical traits are once again easy to spot with his long and athletic frame. However this time around the circuit, the overall improvement in skill level is what stands out. There really wasn't much he didn't do on Saturday. Kicked off the scrimmage portion with a coast-to-coast drive and two handed dunk. Didn't really let up from there. Showed the ball handling and shooting ability to translate into a wing if needed. Gets to his spots easily and rises over most defenders due to his size. Fluid athlete— there is nothing mechanical about his movement in either the post or out on the perimeter. Probably shades more toward the post at this point of his development. If he adds and a few more inches, could be a special 3/4 positional prospect. If he is done growing, has the advanced skillset that should still get him the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Noah Rose 6-3 2027 Corunna </strong>Similar prospect to Hanhnenberg. A physically advanced Mid-Michigan post prospect, with a versatile skill set mixed in. However is not as tall and has a little further to go out on the perimeter. Down on the block though, not much to improve. Has a wide and powerful frame that he is not shy about using. Created space on the block with both his upper and lower body. Nobody in the camp could match the strength and aggression he played with. It wasn't all “bully ball” though. Ran the court well. Filled lane with purpose and power. Had a confident release on his shot. Although the mechanics could be smoothed out a little. Not a guard at the moment, but is a decent ball handler. Was able to initiate offense out of the high post as a passer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joshua Brooks 6-3 2028 Detroit Douglass </strong>In the middle of Hurricane season— another Brooks is blowing into the Douglass program (that was lame but I just couldn't resist) The younger brother of former Mr Basketball and current Butler forward Pierre Brooks, looks ready to lead a resurgence in the hallowed halls of the former Murray-Wright high school. If you looking for a “mini-Pierre.” That is not this prospect. Has a skinny frame and is a finesse prospect at the moment. But there is nothing wrong with finesse when you are this skilled. Good ball handler and penetrator. Has the athleticism to play above the rim already as a 2028 prospect. Was competitive and did not back down from anyone. With two other players present, both Brooks and his program have a bright future in Division IV. Perhaps starting this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2527369' first='Lou' last='Gressett'] 6-1 2028 Muskegon</strong> Standout member of a [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] 2028 squad that had as good of a summer as you can have. Gressett appears to be more than ready for varsity basketball after transferring from North Muskegon. Plays with a level of confidence and swagger you don't often see from a player so young. Is an explosive athlete on penetration. However is much more than just a straight line driver. Has a deep bag to reach into if he wants. A fake behind the back pass just froze a defender at one point. But also showed an assortment of floaters and hesitation moves that kept defenders off balance as well. Appears to be much bigger and stronger then when I first saw him in Fort Wayne in the spring. A gridiron standout as well. It will be interesting to see what type of role he carves in the deep Big Red program in the coming year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2758275' first='William' last='Whyms'] 6-4 2028 Muskegon </strong>Second Big Red prospect that really popped on the day. Like Hahnenberg and Rose. An elite athlete who just moved at different pace than speed than the other participants. However Whyms is grade younger than the other two. Consequently might have a bit more long term upside. Covered a ton of ground with his lengthy and very explosive frame. Finished well above the rim with power and ease. Got a little sloppy with ball at times. However nothing that can't be fixed with reps and hard work. If he focuses on the defensive end of the court he could really take his game to the next level. Has the lateral quickness to be a major factor on that end of the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140515' first='Major' last='Barnes'] 5-9 2027 East Kentwood </strong>While there were not a lot of “jump off the page plays” in my notebook. Barnes did what was needed on Saturday. Showed steady all around point guard play. Honestly could have been a little more selfish. But there are much worse things you could write about a young point guard. Due to some recent transfers at EK. Barnes has a major opportunity to step up that did not appear to be present a few weeks ago. On Saturday he took care of the ball, didn't force shots, and looked to set up teammates. If he can carry that over to the regular season with a high profile program. It will stand out more than it did on Saturday. He definitely has the ability to be a bit more dynamic. I have seen it in grassroots basketball. If he can balance those responsibilities, he could be in for a breakout sophomore season. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->