Run N Slam: Michigan Next Generation

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I clean out my notebook from the Run N Slam tournament in Fort Wayne this past weekend. I noted an interesting trend. In past years I have been mostly interested in the big names within the upper age divisions. This past year most of my notes gravitated towards the talent I saw in the 2027 class (sometimes younger)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So you have to follow the notes. Following are a group of standouts from Michigan's still emerging 2027 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1974621' first='Kaelin' last='Tate'] 5-10 Paw Paw (pictured) </strong>In the midst of a very solid campaign for Northcoast Premier. Highly competitive point guard who gets in the middle of seemingly everything. Is a consummate point with excellent court sense and vision. However he picked up the scoring slack for his squad that was down one of their better performers this weekend. Keeps defenders honest with extremely deep range on the perimeter. Doesn't have a ton of elevation at this point of his development. However the aforementioned competitiveness and creativity allow him to finish effectively at the rim. Part of a group of young players that led the Red Wolves to their first district championship in 20 years. Along with 2026's [player_tooltip player_id='1588172' first='Truman' last='Brennan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1588156' first='Aydn' last='Roth'] the “town so nice they named it twice” has a bright future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ken White Jr 5-10 Ypsilanti Arbor Prep</strong> Not very big, but that's about all I could ding him for. Has an extremely tight handle that he keeps low to the ground and near his body. This is not the type of point guard you are going to turn over a lot. Is very quick but plays in a controlled manner. Gets his shot off fairly easily despite a slight frame. Does it with a variety of step backs and combination moves that have clearly been well practiced. Also displayed a lethal hesitation that kept defenders on their heels. More than just a scorer though. Plays with his head up and showed good court vision. Good live dribble passer with just the flick of his wrist. With a lot change coming in Division III within Michigan. White could eventually become one of the top players in the state's second smallest classification.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2381130' first='Samuel' last='Makuag']</strong> <strong>6-4 East Kentwood </strong>Has the three “L's” that you like to see in a young prospect Long, lean, and left handed. Makuag excelled in the open court for Swish Athletic Club. Got to the rim easily with long strides and a huge euro step. Also covered a lot ground with a bounding power dribble. Already plays easily above the rim. Will need to improve as a ball handler and shooter to take the next step in his development. However is in an excellent development program in the East Kentwood. Should not be rushed at one of the deepest programs in the entire state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ismail Hatibu 6-3 Grand Rapids Northview </strong>The Wildcats have been pumping out next level prospects the past four years. Hatibu is the next one up. Very slender build that got the best of him at times against Northview's gauntlet of a regular season schedule. While still quite skinny appears to be playing with more strength this spring. Already has elite vertical explosion. Gets off the ground as quickly as any player I saw at the event. Regardless of class. As you would expect, has some eye opening length to go a long with his frame. Uses it to be effective on the defensive end. Especially as a short blocker both at and well above the rim. However needs to channel his aggression at times. Got into foul trouble in a Saturday morning overtime loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2140507' first='Kesean' last='Hobbs'] <strong>6-4 Benton Harbor </strong>Speaking of programs that produce prospects. Few in the history of the state can match the history of Benton Harbor. After heavy graduation losses. The versatile Hobbs is up next. Is an above average ball handler for his size. Gets to the basket easily. Did not appear to favor a side, driving equally to the right and left. Definitely looked to score. However slid over to the point and initiated offense when his team needed it. Also showed the ability to stick a three when defenders sagged off him. Seemingly plays bigger than his listed height already. Interesting to see how this prospect develops in the next three years. Has the opportunity blossom in the coming year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->