Michigan Peview- Top 5 Backcourts

As the high school season fast approaches my ranking of the top backcourts. No advanced metrics, just my eyeballs. Tried to limit it to the strict old school definition of a backcourt i.e traditional point and off guard. No stretch fours or versatile wings. We’ll leave them for the froncourt rankings. I’m sure some will disagree. Please let me know on Twitter @jgilbertsport. I am all ears. <ol> <li>Orchard Lake St Mary- The Eaglets take the top spot checking all the boxes in terms of both the quality and quantity of talent. Senior Lorne Bowman (Wisconsin) is the type prospect that you do not need a program to identify. His frame screams Big 10 guard before the ball even tips. Once the game starts his varied and skilled game becomes readily apparent. He will be joined by Country Day transfer Julian Roper this year. Roper is not as physically imposing as Bowman at first glance, but is just as skilled. The junior has a smooth and seemingly effortless offensive game. After snagging Bowman, Wisconsin has made him a priority as well. The three headed monster is completed by sophomore Kareem Rozier. The pint sized floor general is an excellent passer and already has plenty of big game experience. You might have seen him setting up AAU teammate Emoni Bates in many internet highlights this summer. All together you have arguably one of the top backcourt prospects in the 2020, 2021, and 2022 classes. When you have a prospect like 2022 Jason Drake possibly coming off the bench you have an embarrassment of riches. </li> <li>Detroit Class Tech- In a non St Mary’s world a backcourt with two D1 recruits would be difficult to top. Tyson Acuff is a four year player in the PSL so you know he is battle tested. The strides he has made in his game in both skill and physical development from his freshman year to the present have been impressive. Had an excellent summer on the AAU circuit with a loaded REACH squad. He was the best guard prospect in a deep Brawl for Ball field in July. He is going to keep repping the old English D (kind of) as he recently committed to Duquesne. Check the logo if you don’t get the reference. Kyle LeGreair (Detroit Mercy) runs the point for the Technicians. LeGreair is going keep it in the D for real after snagging an offer from Mike Davis following a good AAU season with the Michigan Playmakers. Davis knows good guard play when he sees it and did not allow this young man to leave the city. This dynamic and experienced duo should make Cass Tech the favorite in the always tough PSL. </li> <li>Muskegon- Whatever cliche you would like to use “Fire and Ice”, “Thunder and Lightning”— that would apply to the differing skills of this explosive backcourt. Jarvis Walker (Purdue Fort Wayne) should be more comfortable in his surroundings after sitting out the first semester due to transfer rules last year. Walker is the definition of a power guard possessing big broad shoulders and a well developed frame. Don’t misinterpret this to think that he just plays bully ball as he is highly skilled as well. Team colors and body type bring to mind the late Brent Darby (Ohio St) Vernon Nash III (Saginaw Valley St) provides the speed portion of the duo. The lightning quick point guard is a steak shooter who can heat up very quickly. He is highly competitive. Like most Muskegon point guards he has played in plenty of big contests and does not shy away from the moment. Lest we forget all signs point to Cameron Martinez (Ohio St) suiting up for the Big Reds in his senior season. If you don't know that name you have some true basketball tunnel vision. Martinez is considered one of the top football prospects in the state. Ryan Day is waiting for him in Columbus with helmet in hand. When you can add one of the best overall athletes to the duo mentioned above you have something special. Don't forget the kids, 2022 prospect Maurice Sain Jr and 2023 prospect Jordan Briggs. Briggs had a good summer playing with Bates Fundamentals. This backcourt is loaded. </li> <li>Saginaw- The assembly line keeps churning out tough as nails Saginaw guards. Freddie McIntosh (Saginaw Valley St) runs the point for the Trojans. Just a straight up gamer. Does not blow you away with any one particular skill, but when the ball tips you know who he is. Penetrates hard but under control. Has deep range on the perimeter. Not very tall but makes up for it with aggressiveness and a thick well put together frame. The Ryder Center is going to be the site of some epic battles with the afforementioned Vernon Nash III at Saginaw Valley. Sir'Real Smith mans the two guard. Big time athleticism makes up for being slightly undersized at that position. Elevates extremely well and has a solid overall floor game. These young men know how to play together as they also teamed up for The Program AAU this summer. If Saginaw takes umbrage with being ranked below Muskegon, the score can be settled when the two teams matchup in February at the RedHawk Showcase in Grand Rapids. </li> <li>Forest Hills Northern- The youngest backcourt of the bunch. Two 2021's who could lead this list next year if they keep improving. Trinidad Chambliss provides the speed. Chambliss was extremely impressive at the Prep Hoops 250 Showcase at Cornerstone. Signed up late, and proceeded to show out against a field of equally quick guards. Seemed to be moving at a different speed throughout the day. Did I mention he was fast? I first saw Ethan Erickson at the IPS Winter Breakout. He had a solid game but I wondered if he had the athleticism to succeed at the next level. That question has been answered in resounding fashion as I honestly did not recognize him with the Grand Rapids Storm this summer. He had simply developed that much. More of a distributor in that setting but will get to slide back into his more natural two guard position with Chambliss at the point. Coming of an undefeated regular season the Huskies are in good shape for the next two years. </li> </ol>