Big Eekay Fall Showcase Player Evaluations

By Gavin Raath

greatlakeshoops.com

Mid-Michigan Players     All Showcase Teams      Camp Pictures

Joe Banks 5’9” Senior Grand Blanc

Joe is a real hustler on both ends of the court. He needs to polish his left hand and touch around the hoop, otherwise he’s a real asset to any ball club.

Tyler Bennett 5’11” Senior Lansing Waverly

I’m not sure about his 5’11” listing, but he’s definitely a nice all around point guard. He does everything pretty well, but nothing spectacular.

Devin Brackins 5’7” Freshman Grand Blanc

He’s a quick little guard with some nice offensive skill. He held his own against bigger and older competition.

Andrew Charlesworth 6’5” Senior Flint Powers Catholic

We all knew about his toughness and ability inside. This Saturday Charlesworth seemed interested in showing his perimeter game. He was caught running the point in spots, but it never looked very natural. His shot is accurate, but his mechanics are a little funky – probably an easy fix. He has a great attitude on the floor, which has to be worth something in this day and age. His best fit is probably as a combo forward, like Detroit Renaissance’s Toreau Brown who lacks size, but makes up for it with quickness, hustle and fundamentals.

Brandon Crane 6’10” Freshman Midland

Brandon appears to be just a few coaching lessons away from becoming a real force. Once he learns to hold the ball high and to be patient on the blocks he’ll be on his way to a high division one scholarship; he may already be there with his size. His shot mechanics need a lot of work, but in the three point drill he actually hit with a high percentage.

Jordan Duby 6’3” Junior Birch Run

As usual he got to the basket at will, but Saturday he struggled finishing unlike at the Bankhoops camp. He didn’t get quite the number of touches he probably deserved.

Damon Franklin 6’5” Senior Flint Northwestern

Damon was easily the most physically talented player at the camp. Damon, in both the shoot-arounds and games, was throwing down some ridiculous dunks – athletically, he was head and shoulders better than anyone in attendance. The mechanics on his shot look good, but it rarely found the bottom of the net – he seems to needlessly fade away. Some time in the weight room would help this future division one player.

Aaron Hiday 6’0” Sophomore Jackson Lumen Christi

He might not be his brother, but he showed some nice guard qualities throughout the day.

Adam Hiday 6’1” Senior Jackson Lumen Christi

It was a real pleasure to watch Hiday and Gaedke next to each other. This kid has a great shot and is tough going to the rack. He’s an impact player with or without the ball.

Joel Maybee 6’2” Senior Jackson Christian

Looked a little hesitant at first, but got it going once he got into the flow of things.

Mitch Mulcahy 6’1” Junior Saginaw Nouvel CC

Mitch is a nice player to have on the floor at all times. He doesn’t make many mistakes and always seems to be in the right place at the right time. A pretty a good defensive player as well.

Ricky Rowse 6’2” Senior Flushing

He’ll never blow you away with Franklin-type athleticism, but he’ll cut your heart out with his three-ball. Ricky was arguably the best player at the camp, showing that he can hit on or off the dribble from downtown. He looked sound running the point in spots. He was probably the best pure basketball player in attendance.

Non Mid-Michigan Players of Note:

James Bivens 6’5” Warren Fitzgerald

Big body with deceptive athleticism.

Anthony Bradley 6’5”

Long and efficient inside.

Matt Gaedke 6’4” Senior Edsel Ford

A really tough match-up for whoever was covering him. He’s in the Michael Kebler/Scott Soldan-mold except a better athlete than either – tough at any position with or without the ball. A terror in the passing lanes.

Andy Glascodine 6’6”

Big body with great ups. He was looking to posterize somebody on every possession. Also possesses a reliable three-ball to compliment his inside game. Looks a little awkward with the ball, but is generally successful with it.

Sammy Hines 5’9” Junior

Aggressive little guard that plays with a lot of passion.

Abner Kamps 6’7” Junior Grand Haven

The second tallest player at the camp has a lot to improve on, but plays hard and contributed when called upon.

Darius Keller 6’1” Senior West Bloomfield

Drew a foul almost every time he touched the ball. Tough kid with some skill in the lane.

Anthony Manno 6’2” Sophomore Divine Child

Impressive and confident youngster with few flaws. His three-ball is a little flat, but he's a constant factor on the floor.

Casey Pratt 5’7” Sophomore Portage Northern

Cerebral little guard that should have been trusted running the point.  Unfortunately, he was stuck on a team with a few black-holes.

Devonte Pryor 6’1” Senior Pontiac Northern

He’s a real difference maker. He has a nice touch going to the basket and is an exceptional passer.

Kyle Randall 6’0” Sophomore Kennedy Catholic [OH]

He’s a fantastic little point guard that gave opponents fits on offense.

Justin Reyes 6’1” Junior Cesar Chavez

Passionate guard that called his own number too often.

Jamaal Shabaaz 6’1” Senior Oak Park

Great slasher and a money player in transition.

Josh Whalen 6’4” Senior Taylor Kennedy

Smart player who sees the court well from his position.

Jacob Wilde 6’3” Sophomore Hanover-Horton

He has a funky Kiki Vandeweghe game, but did a lot of damage from downtown.