Prep Hoops Sophomore ID Camp: Floor Generals

In its first iteration the Prep Hoops ID Camp produced plenty of high level play from players representing Michigan's emerging 2027 class.   It was a deep and talented field. However it title suggests— it was a young. That's why I was mildly surprised how many good “floor generals” there were. I use the air quotes because I don't just mean point guards. I mean guards who now how organize, distribute, and initiate offense amongst players who were possibly meeting for the time on Saturday.   Following are nine that stood out   [player_tooltip player_id='2140490' first='DJ' last='Banks'] 6-1 Orchard Lake St Mary's Another standout guard from the exceedingly deep St Mary's program. Balanced playmaking and scoring well in my viewing. Was explosive and aggressive going to the basket. Did not seem to mind contact and finished through it often. Has good size already for the position. Interested to see how much time he earns this year in the deep St Mary's rotation.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140520' first='Marrion' last='May'] 6-1 Lansing Everett I continue to be impressed by May's overall skill level every time I see him. One of the more naturally talented lead guards in Michigan's emerging 2027 class. Has a tight handle and no fear going to the basket. I wasn't crazy about the shot selection on Saturday. However he gets a pass due to the setting and nature of the camp. If he can obtain the knack of balancing playmaking and scoring— has a chance to be near the top of the 2027 class. The talent is simply that good.   [player_tooltip player_id='1974621' first='Kaelin' last='Tate'] 6-0 Paw Paw In a camp setting that can get a little loose and sloppy at times. You never have to worry about competitiveness or effort with this Kalamazoo area guard. Always seems to be around the action and is very aggressive defensively. Might be the “purest” point guard among this grouping. Is a pass first player who knows to set up and initiate offense. Not the biggest prospect but makes up for it with strength and a low center of gravity. Continues to keep defenses honest with deep range from the perimeter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140521' first='Max' last='Zichterman'] 6-1 Grand Rapids South Christian (pictured) In my notes, one of the biggest risers of the day. Before Saturday, I would have tabbed Zichterman as an undersized guard with a solid skill set who needs to add strength. On Saturday played with obvious increased strength and was not shy offensively. Additionally looked taller than what I remember from AAU. Speaking of AAU, formed a real nice backcourt with [player_tooltip player_id='1974621' first='Kaelin' last='Tate'] for Northcoast Premier (see above) In that setting played more off the ball. On Saturday showed the ball handling and passing ability to toggle between both backcourt positions effectively.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140476' first='Cameron' last='Crowder'] 6-0 Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern Crowder played well last year at the Prep Hoops Freshman showcase. The skill level then was clearly evident. I was taken by the grit and toughness he showed. As he was one of the smaller players in the camp. While I still wouldn't label him as a “big” guard. He has filled out noticeably. Plays with sudden quickness and good change of direction. But also with good pace. Doesn't get rushed and makes sound decisions. The development curve continues to be pointed up for this Grand Rapids area guard.   [player_tooltip player_id='2531255' first='Leo' last='Sotiropoulos'] 5-10 Saline Battled with [player_tooltip player_id='1974621' first='Kaelin' last='Tate'] for the title of best natural point guard in the camp. Handled the ball like seasoned veteran. Seemed to have an innate ability to get his team organized. Directed traffic while maintaining his dribble and played with his head up. Really excelled in pick and roll and two man situations. Was patient and waited for plays to develop. Not very big but attacked and was able to finish at the basket. Lot of change coming to the Saline program. With this player around, the point guard spot will be in good hands.   [player_tooltip player_id='2440449' first='Matthew' last='Waito'] 5-10 Marshall This was my first time catching this prospect and I came away impressed. Not very big, but competed hard on both ends of the court. Had a crafty drive that he finished off with a reverse layup. Led by 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2055727' first='Austin' last='Burns'] there is a sold nucleus developing in the upcoming year at Marshall.   [player_tooltip player_id='2539880' first='Toriano' last='Adams'] 6-1 Ferndale Adams might be the best natural scorer among this grouping. I have him listed him as point guard because he has those skills. Extreme quickness, decisive ball handling. However, at this point of his development he is wired to score. Went to his left very naturally despite appearing to be a right handed player. Earned a Division 1 offer from Alcorn St after the camp.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140518' first='Marcel' last='Brown El'] 6-2 Orchard Lake St Mary's Started with a St Mary's player, and we'll end in the same spot. Of the players listed in this space. This is the “power” guard of the bunch. Has a thick and sturdy build that you don't often see on a point guard. Absolutely pounds the ball into the court while dribbling. As you would expect by that description. Absorbs contact well on drives. Isn't going to get knocked off his spot.

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