The Real Green Party

Cast your vote for Mr. Basketball early

7 September 2007

greatlakeshoops.com

The secret to going green isn’t trading in your SUV for a Toyota Prius or switching your light bulbs to compact fluorescents; it’s voting for Saginaw’s Draymond Green in the upcoming Mr. Basketball election.

So far in preseason Mr. Basketball predictions, I am one for two. I went with David Kool in 2005, then followed that prediction up with Darquavis Tucker [right] in 2006. Kool was on the money, while Tucker was a misfire, but an honest one.

Now in 2007, I’m going Green.

This decision came with some admitted reluctance. My initial inclination was to go with Paul Williams [left] of Detroit Renaissance. Williams has been impressive from day one, as a freshman making it to the Breslin and then winning the class B title as a sophomore. He’s a smooth, power guard that can defend and knock down shots while playing for one of Michigan’s most storied programs.

But it was Williams’ championship year that changed my mind. It was nothing he did wrong, but everything a young point guard from Flint Southwestern did right.

During the 2005/06 season I was introduced to Anthony Crater [right]. The cat-quick point guard as a sophomore finally lived up to and exceeded his freshman hype. Crater is the most prolific passer I have seen in the high school game, in addition to already having exceptional skill everywhere else. In Crater I also saw a guy with a lot of upside. He had yet to truly utilize his athleticism, i.e. quicks and hops, and with time would surely begin to add these attributes to his game, making him all the more deadly.

However, after a lackluster junior campaign that saw him playing shooting guard and his eventual decision to attend prep school, Crater was out, setting the stage for Green.

As a sophomore Draymond was a tall, stiff power forward that seemed destined to be a purely inside banger-type. I recall Coach Lou Dawkins referring to him as the top player from the 2008 class, but I didn’t buy it.

Then the AAU season hit.

Green played up with the U-17 Mustangs and did extremely well. His name was in every write up nation-wide and it became evident the city of Saginaw had something special on its hands.

With the 2006-07 high school season, Coach Dawkins declaration rang all the more true. Draymond no longer looked like the stiff power forward, but rather a loose big man that could play any position on the floor. Night in and night out, the 6’7” junior damaged opponents in every conceivable category and made the lives of stat keepers everywhere a nightmare. He was a legit triple-double threat every time he stepped on the court. If the award were open to juniors, he may have won it last year.

His loaded Saginaw team rolled into the playoffs after offing rival Saginaw Arthur Hill for the second straight time and began to make paper tigers out of the best teams the state had to offer. Green led the way with each win finally dismantling Detroit Redford and 2007 Mr. Basketball Corperrayle Harris [left] for the second time on the season.

So good has Green’s play been that when Maurice Joseph left Michigan State, Coach Tom Izzo didn’t hesitate to offer it to the Saginaw High star. That’s saying a lot considering that MSU is now at a point where they can pick and choose between five star athletes nation-wide.

Despite his impressive accomplishments, Draymond will still have a lot to prove this season. Last year he coasted to a state title on a team loaded with three division one recruits and probably a couple more via junior college. This year, if Saginaw High is going to compete for another state title, it will truly be on the shoulders of Green.

If history is any indicator, Green shouldn’t have much trouble this coming season. There is no one in the state that can handle his size and versatility, and he should again lead Saginaw High to a successful 2007-08 campaign. Were Green to win the award, Izzo could boast five out of the last seven Mr. Basketball winners.

If the voters were smart, they, too, would join the Green party.

Rounding out the top five:

Eric Evans 5’10” Detroit Northwestern

He’s already got one state title to his name and one of the greatest highlights as a freshman. And this past summer he’s been one of the most impressive players the Great Lakes state has offered to the nation during the AAU season. Evans really is a dominant player. He’s completely unguardable with his quickness and skill. He should be in the mix.

Brad Redford [right] 6’0” Frankenmuth

I’m not sure if Frankenmuth has ever produced a Mr. Basketball, but in Brad Redford they have their best chance ever. Brad will not be seen playing for a state title, but he is the most prolific scorer in the state. Brad might just be the best three-point shooter in the country; that has to be worth something. But he’s not just a one-trick pony. Redford is highly underrated as a floor general and a defender. He’s far better-rounded than people give him credit for.

Jason Washburn 6’10” Battle Creek Central

He’s had a forgettable high school career, but it may not be entirely his fault. BCC has always struggled to get this guy involved, however if those mistakes can be corrected then he has the ability to produce 25, 15 and five.

Five for next season -- it's a wide-open field:

Demetrius Ford 5'10" Detroit Cody

As the top 2009 player in the PSL, this speedy scorer will have a great chance of winning the award.

Da'Shonte Riley 6'11" Detroit Country Day

He still has a way to go, but with his length, Riley could dominate like no other in his class.

Ben Simons 6'7" Cadillac

Probably the most skilled guy of the group -- great height and touch.

Dion Sims 6'5" Orchard Lake St. Mary's

Plain and simply a beast. Kelvin Torbert-clone that has dominated with his superior physique.

Drew Valentine [left] 6'4" Lansing Sexton

Turned a lot of heads this summer and is starting to show some athleticism to pair with his already exceptional skill-set.