Hudson brings high energy and a nonstop motor. He’s constantly cutting, finding soft spots in the defense, and creating quality looks at the rim—where he’s quick to clean up.

Hudson has the shooting ability to spot up on the perimeter and wait for kick-outs, but that would be a waste of the rest of his game. McLean loves the baseline drive, either taking it all the way to the rim or, if cut off, making a smart read with a jump stop, reverse pivot, and a kick-out to the open shooter. In transition, he stays under control, slowing down to let defenders fly by and finishing with ease.

I’ve heard and read different people raving about Hudson during his freshman season up on varsity for Traverse City Central. However, I always like to see it in person, to believe it. Needless to say, I’m buying all of the stock. He was the best 15u shooter I saw this weekend and is a nightmare for opposing defenses. Despite shooting frequently, Hudson shoots a high percentage, particularly from beyond-the-arc and doesn’t take bad ones. I’m always impressed, especially with younger players, who are clearly aware of their shot selection. It will be interesting to see how Mclean develops on the defensive end of the floor over the next few months.

Hudson McLean has been playing above his pay grade for many seasons. He is a strong, athletic kid who always shows up ready to play and ready to give 110%. Hudson usually plays the PF/C position, but one of the things that impresses me about his game is his ability to play all positions on the floor. This will transition well to the varsity level as now he may not be the tallest kid on the floor anymore. He will be tasked with coming in and playing solid minutes in the forward position, which I think he will more than excel at. Hudson plays smart basketball and is able to grind it out in the paint. He is also able to pivot and add a lot of touch and fitness to his game; paired with a great opposite hand, this makes him lethal within 15′ of the basket.

Hudson McLean has been a force to be reckoned with since I first watched him when he was in 6th grade. Traverse City Central is loaded with talent this year, so we’ll see if first-year TC Central coach Luke Johnson will give Hudson the nod to compete on the varsity level. My hunch is a resounding yes as Hudson brings many levels of talent across all positions on the floor. He has always been heads and shoulders above his competition in the size department, so we’ll be eager to see how he’ll transition from the 7th/8th-grade position of center/PF to the high school role of small forward. I watched him at Morey Courts earlier this spring and his play as a multi-positional player was nothing short of a reflection of his talents. He is a very solid ball handler and his work with his opposite hand is top-notch. We will keep an eye on his development as he transitions to a winger and a deep shooter.

– Catch and shoot triple

– Has the look of a combo forward – will be fun to watch and see where his game and frame takes him