Indy EYBL: Michigan Next Generation

After watching along with the rest of the basketball paparazzi (LeBron, Melo etc) at the 17U gym Saturday night. I decided to make the trek to Lebanon (Indiana that is) to check out 15 and 16U division.   A strong contingent of players from Michigan played well. Following are six that caught my eye. Four from the class of 2026 and two class of 2027   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2026 </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1588161' first='Cameron' last='Ryans'] 6-4 Grand Rapids Northview Having long been one of my favorites in this class. Ryans continues to expand his game and find new ways to stand out. The size and brute physicality have always been his defining characteristic. However he is adding a perimeter skill set to the equation. Showed it early with a smooth and confident pull up three in transition. Probably couldn't do that last season. Has also improved as a ball handler in the past year. Uses it to his get to his spots easily and score. The next step is using the handle to improve as a playmaker. Already has the court awareness to be a playmaker. Showed it with a shot clock beating corner three. With his older brother moving onto the MAC and Western Michigan next year. He will a chance to flex his possible point forward muscle next year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1793649' first='Trevor' last='Smith'] 6-8 Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice Is an “old school”post prospect with “new school” tendencies. An early bloomer in regards to size. He plays like player who is comfortable with his girth. Meaning he is fluid in his movements and does not mind contact. Does the dirty work down low and does not float out on the perimeter. That is the where the “old school” part ends. As a 21st century big. Has advanced ball skills. Is a good passer and can initiate offense. Especially out of the high post. While he knows he is a 4/5. At times showed a nice touch from the perimeter when he ventured out there. Uses his wide frame to control the glass on both ends of the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='1796744' first='Isaiah' last='Theodile'] 6-7 Kalamazoo Central Theodile really popped for Indy Heat two weekends ago in Fort Wayne. He started off that way once again on Saturday morning. Scoring eight points in a opening close victory against Team Final. Continued to show the lane agility and above the rim athleticism that make him a next level prospect. The question with his development will be positional fit. He is a traditional back to the basket post. Albeit a very athletic one. Can that vertical burst make up for the fact that are not a ton of 6-7 centers. Watching him against elite competition this weekend. I think the answer is yes. As a lefty with a soft touch. He gets his shots off from unique angles. He also excels at establishing deep position. Catches difficult passes with a condor like wingspan.   Keandre Burtin 6-8 Warren Fitzgerald (pictured) Like Theodile I was throughly impressed with this rising prospect at the Run N Slam in Fort Wayne a few weekends ago. I was curious to see how his play would hold up transferring from a regional to national field of competition. In a word— just fine (I guess that is two) Burtin is an athletic rim running big who knows what he is. Isn't going to try handle the ball or take needless threes. Plays well in pick and roll situations. Is very athletic and mobile. Plays well above the rim with effortless elevation. Seems to be well coached. As he walls up properly on defense to avoid fouls.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2027 </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2276654' first='Quincy' last='Wright'] 6-7 Orchard Lake St Mary's This a important grassroots campaign for the Lansing area prospect. He did not get a ton of time in his freshman year. Played for an Orchard Lake St Mary's squad that had one of the deepest rosters in recent Michigan memory. Running with Chicago area Meanstreets. Wright looked as you would expect from someone who has not had extensive game action. The physical potential is striking and easy to see. An extremely fluid 6-7 athlete who runs the court like a guard. Nothing about his frame says 2027 prospect. Seems to still be figuring out what he wants to do offensively. However his length around the rim keeps him a factor offensively. Scored nine points in buzzer beating loss to Team Thad. Lives on the offensive glass and elevates to the rim quickly. The length and dexterity also make him a plus defender already. That was readily apparent in the afternoon victory against Team Griffin. If Saturday's play is a harbinger. Should be in line for a bigger role for one the higher profile programs in the Midwest next season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140503' first='Jaylen' last='Perry'] 6-5 Wyoming Like Wright (see above) this is an important grassroots campaign for Perry.,Due to injuries and a rocky general adjustment period. Perry did not have the smoothest inaugural campaign. This spring he is beginning to show growth for a Family squad that is struggling to win games at the moment. Perry got hot in a Saturday afternoon defeat to Drive Nation. Had the three “L's” that a slashing wing needs—long, lanky, land left handed. Despite a very slender frame. Seemed to be able to get to the basket whenever he wanted. Plays heavily to the left side. However showed a a nice counter move the right when defenses adjusted. Also shows surprising wiry strength. Finished through contact more than once on Saturday afternoon. Also showed a smooth and easy three release on perimeter. With range extending beyond the three point line. Finished with team high 8 points in the Saturday afternoon loss.

After watching along with the rest of the basketball paparazzi (LeBron, Melo etc) at the 17U gym Saturday night. I decided to make the trek to Lebanon (Indiana that is) to check out 15 and 16U division.