Roundball Wrap Up: 2029 Standouts

In its 30th year, the Motor City Roundball Classic further cemented its reputation as the premiere holiday hoops event in Michigan. With plenty of high level play from teams across the state of Michigan. With the blizzard of late 2025 blowing in during the middle of event. I ended up booking an extra night and was able to attend portions of all four days of the stacked four day slate.   Following are five freshmen standouts. As you can see, the future of Michigan hoops is very bright.   **Note I was on the long ride home before Romulus Summit Academy North's Codey Bush played on Day 4. He belongs in the conversation near the top of class**   [player_tooltip player_id='2767770' first='Jordan' last='McDaniel'] 5-10 Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (pictured) For an about a half, this diminutive point guard made a case to be the top player in the state regardless of class. Is simply electric with the ball in his hands. In the first half, no one from the vaunted East Lansing defense could stay in front of him. This wasn't against nobody, as the Trojans are the defending state champions with the prohibitive Mr Basketball favorite. Got to the basket at will with possibly the best ball handling skillset in the state. Showed creative counter moves when his first option was cut off. Finishes well at the rim despite his size. Does this with outstanding footwork that would play well on a post prospect. Keeps defenses honest with the deep range on the perimeter. It's all there except elite size. The package is so complete right now, he might not need it. Reality set in during the second half, as East Lansing appeared to figure him out a bit. There is a lot to be excited about and the national hype is both earned and real.   [player_tooltip player_id='2673543' first='Drew' last='Cabana'] 6-5 Chelsea Unlike the other players on this list (excluding McDaniel) I've seen Cabana play a lot already. I wasn't surprised that his game is seamlessly translating to the varsity well. He moves like a seasoned veteran off the ball. He also has quick release from the perimeter. When you combine this with uncommon size on the perimeter, you see why he is already attracting national attention. I didn't like him as much on the ball this weekend. Seemed to dribble into trouble at times. However he is probably not a point long term and this is a very young player. Like McDaniel, appeared to get frustrated as the game moved away from him in the second half. Still finished with 22 points in the loss to a strong Port Huron Northern squad.   Braylon Newburg 6-2 Grand Ledge This Lansing area prospect really surprised me in the final game from night one of the event. Was more than ready for the competition from Detroit UD Jesuit. Was confident and assertive in driving to the basket. Nothing about him says freshman. As he has a sturdy and athletic frame. Already finished with strength at the rim. The next step is finishing above the rim. With the development his 2027 older brother had taken that should not be a problem. Showed good ball handling ability. Was an advanced live dribble passer with both hands. I haven't dove into the 2029 class in the Lansing area yet. I would imagine Newburg is near the top already.   G'Amir Lyles 6-2 Pontiac Smooth and confident guard that doesn't play like a freshman. Good athlete who played taller than his listed height. Allowed him to compete well with a Detroit Pershing backcourt that was very long. Showed the ball handling ability to play the one. Didn't have to as the Phoenix's starting point guard returned from an extended injury absence. Should be well schooled in the backcourt playing for former Mr Basketball Dion Harris at Pontiac.    Caden Covington 6-2 Pontiac Similar player to his Phoenix backcourt partner in Lyles (see above) Showed the ability and versatility to play both the 1/2 spots already. Has been well tested playing on a deep and talented AAU squad with [program_tooltip program_id='2077030' first='The' last='Family']. Also like Lyles will well schooled in whatever backcourt position he slides into by Harris. Comes from basketball family with deep Motor City roots. Uncle is Division I assistant out of state. The talent and incubation environment is there. Intrigued to see how this player (and program) develops in the next three and a half years.

In its 30th year, the Motor City Roundball Classic further cemented its reputation as the premiere holiday hoops event in Michigan. With plenty of high level play from teams across the state of Michigan. With the blizzard of late 2025 blowing in during the middle of event. I ended up booking an extra night and was able to attend portions of all four days of the stacked four day slate.