Prep Hoops Sophomore ID Camp: Fab Five Performers

In its first iteration the Prep Hoops ID Camp produced plenty of high level play from players representing Michigan's emerging 2027 class.   Following are five of the top standouts from my viewing. It was a deep and talented field. So this is by no means meant to be comprehensive. Just the five best from what I was able to catch   [player_tooltip player_id='2140508' first='Kingston' last='Thomas'] 6-4 East Lansing Same setting, same gym, and same result. Last year at the Freshman Showcase, Thomas was one of my favorite players. Rinse repeat as a sophomore. One of the first things that always strikes me is simply how hard he plays. Let's be honest, he fits the prototype of player that might be a little entitled. Plays at a high profile program in the shadow of the biggest college program in the state. Dad was player at said program, and he already has a Division I offer in tow from Toledo. You wouldn't have guessed that if this was your first time seeing him. Really gets after it defensively and plays with an intensity few in the camp could match. The elite effort level is matched by versatile skill set. At 6-4, can effectively play, and more importantly guard all five positions at the high school level. Does a little bit of everything well. Plays with athletic explosiveness and finishes easily above the rim. I didn't see much of him last year with an extremely deep Trojan squad in the regular season. That should change this year. I am curious to see what type of role he can carve out.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140468' first='Anthony' last='Willis'] 6-1 Grand Rapids Northview (picture) The Northview program has a glaring four year “EJ Ryans-hole” to fill in their rotation next year. After coming off the bench last year as a 9th grader, Willis looks ready to fill it. I was impressed with the maturity and composure he showed in the two man game. Was very patient and waited for plays to develop in the post and dunker spot. Has the ability to score and get to the basket. However on Saturday was a pass first, second, and even third option point guard. Has good size already for the position. Additionally has a lanky frame that helps him play bigger than his listed height. After a good grassroots season with the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] he should be in line for big sophomore campaign.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140503' first='Jaylen' last='Perry'] 6-6 Grand Rapids Northview Perry continued to show the skill set that has earned him early attention. Simply put, you don't see players with this height and length that also have legitimate guard skills. Has enough ball handling ability to get to his spots on the perimeter. Once there has the size and high release point to get his shot off against most defenders. The shot can be a bit streaky, but there is nothing wrong it mechanically. I've seen it fall in the EYBL and it was falling on Saturday. Is going to have to add strength and weight to his frame to take the next step in his development. These attributes will also help him become a more efficient finisher at the rim. Along with fellow camp participant Ismail Hatibu (6-4) the Wildcats are going to have some serious sophomore production on the wing.   [player_tooltip player_id='2381130' first='Samuel' last='Makuag'] 6-5 East Kentwood Another day, another gym, and another [player_tooltip player_id='2381130' first='Samuel' last='Makuag'] assault on the rim. I'll go out on a major limb posit this statement. Makuag might be the best finisher at the rim in the state. Gets up with such ease. Once there finishes with forcefulness you would not expect from his slender frame. Didn't just do it out in transition. Dunked off of drop steps in the post. Dunked off of tips. Dunked with both hands. Dunked with— a think you get the picture at this point. Now about the rest of his game. Still has some development needed out on the perimeter. However the outline is there. Isn't too loose with his handle and the perimeter shot looks like it could be easily smoothed out. Will have the reps available to do that. As the Falcon program is in a bit of a transition. Makuag could be the top player from what is a deep and talented 2027 class at EK.   [player_tooltip player_id='2446082' first='Devin' last='Brown'] 6-3 Detroit Old Redford Brown is a unique but tantalizing prospect. The uniqueness is found in his frame. Let's get the obvious question out of the way first— no he does not play football. If you have seen him in person you know why the question is asked. He is a thick and well put together prospect. Notice I did not say stocky or stout. The broad shoulders and upper body are all muscle. However this is not some bully ball prospect. Is a skilled and legitimate back court prospect. Plays with an extreme level of bounce that you would not expect from his build. Finishes well above the rim and gets off the ground as quickly as many of the long limbed leaders in the camp (see above) Should be in line for breakout season with a Raven program that is coming off a state finals appearance.

In its first iteration the Prep Hoops ID Camp produced plenty of high level play from players representing Michigan's emerging 2027 class.