Signature Signings

These JUCO players will be earning a lot of burn this season.

By Gavin Raath

30 August 2007

greatlakeshoops.com

Glen Oaks CC

Jeff Delva  6’8”  Post  Detroit Western

His size is a great asset and his presence on the boards should keep him on the floor.

Demetrius Rouse  6’6”  Wing/Post  Detroit Consortium

A guy with the strength and athleticism to work inside, but a nice developing outside game.

Dujuan Staples  6’4”  Wing  Detroit Consortium

Wicked slasher that should round out Glen Oaks great freshman frontcourt.

Grand Rapids CC

Allen Durham  6’6”  Post  Wyoming Park

Took a year off, but should be a great asset in his first season. He’s a great glass cleaner.

Keithan Jackson  6’6”  Wing/Post  Wyoming Godwin Heights

Nice player that’s comfortable playing inside or out. He’ll get a lot of burn with his versatility.

Jackson CC

Brad Ahler [right] 6’6”  Wing/Post  Leslie

One of the toughest players out of mid-Michigan last season. Brad can mix it up inside with his strength, hops and hard-nosed attitude, but his skill can allow him to go outside. Brad is the gem of Jackson’s inaugural class.

Kalamazoo Valley CC

Jason Cockrell  6’6”  Wing/Post  Traverse City West

A really talented guy with some great bounce. Could turn into something special.  

Andrew Glascodine [left] 6’6”  Wing/Post  Portage Northern

The dunking Scotsman is an interesting prospect. He’s a guy that will flush it any point in a game, but he’s just as potent from three-point range. As he develops and gets more comfortable with life in the US, he should become a serious force.  

Carvelle Smith  6’3”  Wing  Fenville

This guy may be the sleeper of the group. Carville is a sick athlete with some nice accompanying skill. His defensive ability will ensure him plenty of minutes as a freshman.

Kellogg CC

Jonathan Jones  6’5”  Wing/Post  Highland Park

He’s a big, strong kid that is developing some outside skill. He’ll play a lot in his first year.

Devonte Pryor [right] 6’0”  PG  Pontiac Northern

Devonte was a great get for Kellogg. He can play right away and be an impact player with his power guard-style. As he shaves down the body fat and gets used to the point guard position he could end up being the top JC point guard in the state. What makes Pryor great isn’t his athleticism, but his will and ability to adapt to opponents.

Kirtland CC

Dewayne Walker  6’4”  Wing  Carl Sandburg/Chicago Prosser

Big, strong wing that can go inside. Should find his way into a division one program.

Lansing CC

Gerald Busby  6’7”  Post  Ferris St./East Lansing

Gerald’s coming along slowly over at LCC, but there’s little doubt about his talent. He’s got a potentially strong frame, reasonably good athleticism and some great low post moves. He’ll make a big splash in time. 

Muhammad El-Amin  6’4”  Wing  Ferris St./LCC/Holt

I’m not sure what happened with El-Amin this past year, but he’s back to LCC, where he can finish what he started. Muhammad has ridiculous quickness considering his size and strength that I would think would make him low division one at the very least. LCC should be extremely good with this class.

Macomb CC

Brad Balkema  6’8”  Post  Warren Cousino

The good news is that he’s a big body that they can throw in the middle. He’ll work hard and fill the middle.

Mott CC

Deandre Neely  6’6”  Wing  Detroit Central

The next Terrence Watson+. Deandre is already the defensive presence that Terrence was with this strength, athleticism and length, but this lefty should develop into a nice offensive player with time. He’ll do the dirty work inside for now so that Thomas Kennedy can step outside, but his sophomore year will be his turn.

Muskegon CC

Michael McClary  6’5”  Post  Bellaire

His brother made a huge impact in his first-year and most would say that Michael is better.

Schoolcraft CC

Paul Reyes  6’5”  Wing  Taylor Truman

Paul’s athleticism will put him on the floor early and often for Schoolcraft. He’s an above the rim type of player that has a good skill-set accompaniment. He’ll be a division one player in two years.

St. Clair CC

Erving McFadden [left] 5’11”  PG  Flint Southwestern

Erving has always been a smart and efficient player, but is starting to show some athleticism that could make him a go-to-man. If he’s anything like his brother, which he is, then he will be special for St. Clair right away. Former teammate, Jaron Franklin, really made a name for himself at Delta last season and McFadden should be able to that, plus.