High school and AAU teammates Nick Perkins and Latin Davis of Milan High School have both risen on the Michigan’s 2015 rankings list over the past few months during the summer playing for The Program Elite 16u. Now, heading into their junior season’s, scholarship offers from colleges are starting to roll in.
Perkins, a 6’8″ forward who already has offers from MAC schools Toledo and Buffalo, recently received an offer from Kent State after the Golden Flashes stopped in at Milan for a workout. Nick is a big bodied 4 that is hard to contain down low in the post once he gets in a rhythm offensively. He has a beautiful left handed hook shoot, moves well horizontally and fights well for position on rebounds, and competes hard on both sides of the floor. Perkins brings a high motor and intensity, and will become harder to defend when his right hand gets as developed as his left.
Latin, the 5’10” point, received his first offer from Kent State after receiving interest from several Horizon and MAC schools. Davis is another competitor for Milan that plays bigger than he looks. The shifty, unselfish point guard is a coaches dream on the floor. He is always looking to set up other teammates, whether it be on the break or in the half-court set. But Latin can score as well. He is not afraid to drive the lane against bigger players down low, likes to score in bunches, and has a quick first step to get around defenders. Improved his jump shot tremendously over the Summer which kept defenders honest.
The Big Reds fell to Romulus last year in the regionals, but look for Perkins and Latin to both have big seasons and potentially lead Milan to the Breslin Center to compete for a Class A championship.
Canton High School. Michigan Warriors. Class of 2014 (senior).
• Players you try to model your game after?
Players that I try to model my game after are Kevin Durant, Tracy McGrady, and Carmelo Anthony. I think I have the same body type as Durant and T mac so I watch how they use their bodies to their advantage. I love how physical Carmelo is in the low post area. I try to duplicate their games when I play.
• Important Stats
I need 65 blocks this season to be the all-time leader at Canton. I averaged 11 pts., 6 rebs, and just about 3 blocks a game last season.
• Most memorable game in your career so far?
Most memorable game was by far the triple overtime game vs. John Glenn last year. I played my best game of the season that night and it was just a fun game to be a part of and of course winning helps.
• Colleges that you would like to attend?
I don’t have target school. I just want to go somewhere that I feel is right for me on and off the court.
• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?
U of D, UMass-Lowell, LIU Brooklyn, Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Youngstown St, Central Connecticut, Grand Valley St.
• What makes you unique from other players at your position?
I think what makes me unique from others at my position is that I bring a different skill set. I can play & guard the 3 spot down to the 5 spot. I can bring the big guys out to guard me on the perimeter and take the little guys down under the basket. Also I have a need for competition. I won’t back don’t from a battle.
• Strengths and areas you are improving in?
The main thing coaches have been saying to me is that I have to put on weight. So I have been in the weight room trying to get bigger. I’ve also been working on my ball handling skills a lot this summer.
• How did the offseason go?
I had a pretty good first half of the summer circuit. I was playing really well and more and more coaches were starting to gain interest. The second half of the summer circuit, I fell off a little. I had a sprained ankle for most of the month of July. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to play in the big tournaments in Milwaukee & Las Vegas so I tried my best to play through the injury.
• Goals for the upcoming season?
Goals for this season are to go beyond what we did last year. We had one of the best seasons in Canton basketball history last year. At one point of the season we were on a 13 game win streak. We won our division, Conference, and our district. We also went 5-0 over our rivals Plymouth & Salem. Last season was great, but I want more this season.
• What role do you see yourself having this year for your team?
I have the lead role on my team this season. I’ve been on the team the longest, I’ve played the most games and people look up to me. This is my last year of high school basketball, I have to show the younger guys how to do what needs to be done. I accept all responsibility for how we do this year.
• What will a coach be getting out of you at the next level?
He will get a savvy, hardworking player with a great motor and the will to win, and even a better person.
• What will will go into your decision about choosing a college?
Things that have gone into my college decision are class size. I tend to have a better time learning in a smaller environment. Also the campus lifestyle. I have to like where I plan to be for the next 4 years or more. And of course a winning basketball program with a great coaching staff.
• Most influential person in your life? Why
My brother is the most influential person in my life. He’s 7 years older than me and he’s been through this recruiting process before. He played for Detroit country day and won a state championship in 2007, his senior year. He’s played college basketball and teaches me a lot of things on and off the court. I know when I need someone to talk to or if I’m stuck in a situation, I can call my brother and he’ll also be there for me.
• Legacy you want to leave at your school?
I go to a “football school” so the thing I would love to leave Canton with is for the school to be recognize for its basketball program.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Class of 2013. Score Academy (Post Grad). Michigan Warriors.
• Players you try to model your game after?
Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Russell Westbrook
• Important Stats:
18 ppg, 7 rbg, 8 apg.
• Most memorable game in your career so far?
Regional championship games sophomore and junior year against Catholic Central.
• Colleges that you would like to attend?
Mid-major Division One.
• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?
ECU, St. Bonaventure, Old Dominion, Southeast Missouri State, Grand Valley, LIU Brooklyn, Kent State, Bowling Green, CMU.. More to follow.
• What makes you unique from other players at your position?
My size and strength helps out a lot. I’m a lot bigger than many guards that I play against and also my athleticism.
• Strengths and areas you are improving in?
I’m looking to get stronger, improve my ball handling, and develop a more consistent jumper.
• How did the offseason go?
What offseason?
• Goals for the upcoming season?
To gain more interests and offers. To showcase my talent on a bigger stage.
• What role do you see your self having this year for your team?
A leader. Being a coach on the floor, scoring and getting teammates involved.
• What will a coach be getting out of you at the next level?
A hard worker. Someone who is always looking to get better and make people around me better. An unselfish teammate who can help the team in any way needed.
• What will will go into your decision about choosing a college?
Academics, past success, coaching staff, location.
• Most influential person in your life? Why?
My mother. She’s always been there for me through my highest and lowest points of my life.
Westside Christian Academy, Michigan Playmakers, 2014.
• Players you try to model your game after?
Isaiah Thomas (From the Bad Boys) Gary Payton.
• Important Stats
I average a lot of assists, I only score when needed, and I like being a true point guard.
• Most memorable game in your career so far?
This summer in summer league…We had no big tallest guy was 5’11 and we still won by 30.
• Colleges that you would like to attend?
I would like to attend a HBCU I love the feel everyone college is like a family.
• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?
Hillsdale College, Northwood, a couple of Juco’s.
• What makes you unique from other players at your position?
Nobody will outwork me… Ever.
• Strengths and areas you are improving in?
I see the floor well. I can score when needed and I have a a high IQ. I can improve in my defense and being a vocal leader on the court.
• How did the offseason go?
The offseason went well but I was disappointed that I wasn’t able to play July session. My high school team had a great summer league. I got stronger,faster, and my handles are better.
• Goals for the upcoming season?
My goals are to be a leader, average a double-double and stay healthy.
• What role do you see your self having this year for your team?
I have a big role this year I was captain last year but I didn’t have the confidence I have this year im ready to take my team to the top.
• What will a coach be getting out of you at the next level?
A coach will be getting a dedicated point guard that refuses to be outworked. I know how to get my team in the game and I can keep their confidence up.
• What will will go into your decision about choosing a college?
Whether or not I will actually play and contribute to the team and help get wins. Also whether or not my coach has my back and won’t give up on me.
• Most influential person in your life? Why?
The most influential person in my life is my Dad because he gets it by any means. He is a Christian and the hardest worker I know that’s where I get my work ethic from.
• Legacy you want to leave at your school?
I want to be the first Student Athlete to attend a Division 1 College. Somebody that has the grades, skill, character, and integrity.
• Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
In 15 years I see myself in the NBA or overseas a lot people probably don’t think I can but I have faith in myself and God.
• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?
Western Michigan, Penn State, UC Davis, University of Dayton.
• What makes you unique from other players at your position?
I feel I can shoot better than most players at my height and can handle the ball when needed. I am also a pretty good passer.
• Strengths and Weaknesses?
My strengths are shooting, ball handling and passing. My weaknesses are that I need to get stronger and faster.
• How did the offseason go?
The offseason went very good, I got to work on my weaknesses alot and got to work on various things to help me prepare for my junior season.
• Goals for the upcoming season?
My goals for this season are to make All-State, average a double-double and to win a state championship.
• What will a coach be getting out of you at the next level?
A hard working self-motivated leader willing to do anything to help his team win.
• What will will go into your decision about choosing a college?
The academics and making sure it’s the right fit for me and a great atmosphere
• Most influential person in your life? Why?
My dad and grandfather, my grandfather worked at Chrysler for 38yrs and my dad works there now, they showed me you have to work hard to achieve the things you want in life
• Fun/ interesting fact about you?
On my off time I enjoy playing video games and fishing with my grandfather.
Riverside Academy West, Hype athletics AAU team & an overseas summer team in Belize. Class of 2016.
• Players you try to model your game after?
Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook.
• Important Stats
Approx. 15 points 6 rebounds and 5 assists per game.
• Colleges that you would like to attend?
Indiana and One that tests my ability the most.
• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?
As of now, none.
• What makes you unique from other players at your position?
Trash talking to me only allows me to play better.
• Strengths and Weaknesses?
Strengths: Lockdown defender- Tight handle – great finisher – great court awareness-streaky shooter- quick first step and can always find an open team mate, one bucket gets me going and I don’t disappear under pressure.
Weaknesses: Everything’s a weakness until it matches up against the best.
• How did the offseason go?
Amazing I worked out about every single day got stronger, faster; I’m a better shooter and defender. Everything’s improved
• Goals for the upcoming season?
Receive an offer.
• What role do you see your self having this year for your team?
Center Piece.
• What will a coach be getting out of you at the next level?
A Hardworking athlete who only wants to get better and become the best at what he does, easily coachable.
• What will go into your decision about choosing a college?
If I receive a scholarship from that place or not, how far away from home I am, if my playing style fits to it and how well I think we can win.
• Most influential person in your life? Why?
I’d say Drew. He’s a great guy, he’s played ball at a college level and he knows what to expect, he pushes me , and he’s not afraid to tell you what your doing wrong and most likely wont tell you what your doing right as much.
• Fun/ interesting fact about you?
Haha , I play a mean game of 2k.
• Academic Information
I’ve never been off the honor roll or had below a 3.6 GPA which was probably the lowest.
• Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is the only D1 but I have a lot of D2 schools.
• What makes you unique from other players at your position?
I am a big guard that can handle the ball and play the off the ball really well. Also very athletic for a point guard.
• Strengths and areas you are improving in?
Need to get better at everything. Basketball is a game were everything needs to be great to be dominate.
• How did the offseason go?
Well honestly I have no offseason, I’m in the gym everyday no matter what but it went well during the summer. I worked on my game everyday and developed a lot. I also got some college interest this summer at camps.
• Goals for the upcoming season?
Definitely a state championship.
• What role do you see your self having this year for your team?
Being a leader on the floor as a senior and being a primary scorer.
• What will a coach be getting out of you at the next level?
He will be getting someone who loves the game and is ready to work and do what ever he needs me to do.
• What will go into your decision about choosing a college?
A school with a great education and good basketball program. Also I want to go to a place were it feels like home.
• Most influential person in your life? Why?
My dad because he has believed in me since day one. I’m very under the radar and he tells me keep working and your time will come. I feel this year I will breakout.
• Legacy you want to leave at your school?
First team to win a state championship and to be known as a great person on and off the court.
• Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
Have either played overseas or in the NBA and have a college degree.
No we did not go through the drive through at McDonalds, but the state of Michigan had a pair of 2014 combo guards commit to division one schools in a span of two days. Muskegon’s Deshaun Thrower says he will be attending Stoney Brook, and Frederick Douglass’ Darrell Davis gave a verbal commit to the Flyers of Dayton.
Darrell is a tall, long, lanky guard that saw his recruiting stock rise during the July live period of AAU basketball. The 6’4″ 170 pound Davis is truly an explosive offense weapon. Darrell can flat out score the rock from anywhere on the floor. You name an offensive skill he probably has it. Whether it be the mid-range, three point range, pull-up jumpshot, attacking the basket with either hand, but more importantly, he has great court vision for a lead guard. Darrell is always looking to find an open teammate and drops a beautiful pass in the process. Darrell took an official visit down Dayton over this past weekend and committed on site to the Flyers. Davis can now turn his attention to the high school regular season with his Hurricanes, who are one of the favorites to win the Class B crown.
Deshaun Thrower hails from the Big Reds of Muskegon High School. Thrower is also the starting quarterback from Muskegon who could very easily win the division two football crown. Although Deshaun will play basketball at the next level, don’t think he will not use the skills he used on gridiron on the hardwood at Stoney Brook. Deshaun is one of the most competitive kids in the State of Michigan. Nothing ever seems to phase him, whether things are going his team’s way or not, he keeps a calm and cool quarterback’s poise out on the floor. Thrower’s individual skill set can be compared to Flint’s and Michigan State’s own Mateen Cleaves. Similar to Mateen, Thrower is a strong and explosive guard that brings it on every play during the game on defense and offense. He can lower the shoulder and get to the basket at anytime on a defender, likes to push the ball on the break, and has great court vision for a guard. He also has tremendous lateral foot speed on defense which can be accreditied to him playing defensive back on the football team as well. UIC, Northern Michigan, and Stoney Brook were the only schools to offer Thrower a scholarship, who decided on the Seawolves at a visit over the weekend as well.
Detroit Southeastern High School, Michigan Hurricanes, 2014
•Players you try to model your game after?
Carmelo Anthony/ Dwayne Wade
•Important Stats
15pts, 7 rebs, 2blks, 4ast
•Most memorable game in your career so far?
The Cass Tech Vs Southeastern in the city semi finals.
•Colleges that you would like to attend?
Syracuse or Oklahoma
•Colleges that have shown interest in you so far?
Ball State, Miami (OH), UofD, Little of EMU
•What makes you unique from other players at your position?
My ability to block shots and to defend the post as an undersized opponent. Offensively my ability to score in space and slashing to the basket.
•Strengths and areas you are improving in?
Vertical, quicker Feet , also shooting and free throws
•How did the offseason go?
The offseason was very good. I feel I improved in areas.
•Goals for the upcoming season?
Become a better teammate and to not LOSE.
•What role do you see your self having this year for your team?
The leader, the role model and also the go to guy.
•What will a coach be getting out of you at the next level?
A hard worker and a great competitor. Also goes hard only if its 2 mins.
•What will will go into your decision about choosing a college?
Which place best suits me far as education wise and playing wise.
•Most influential person in your life? Why?
Two people my mother and grandfather. My mother because she’s always believed in my no matter the sport and my grandfather because he’s the one who taught me the game and how to be a man.
•Legacy you want to leave at your school?
One of the best to walk through those doors, On and off the court.
Perkins, a 6’8″ forward who already has offers from MAC schools Toledo and Buffalo, recently received an offer from Kent State after the Golden Flashes stopped in at Milan for a workout. Nick is a big bodied 4 that is hard to contain down low in the post once he gets in a rhythm offensively. He has a beautiful left handed hook shoot, moves well horizontally and fights well for position on rebounds, and competes hard on both sides of the floor. Perkins brings a high motor and intensity, and will become harder to defend when his right hand gets as developed as his left.
Latin, the 5’10” point, received his first offer from Kent State after receiving interest from several Horizon and MAC schools. Davis is another competitor for Milan that plays bigger than he looks. The shifty, unselfish point guard is a coaches dream on the floor. He is always looking to set up other teammates, whether it be on the break or in the half-court set. But Latin can score as well. He is not afraid to drive the lane against bigger players down low, likes to score in bunches, and has a quick first step to get around defenders. Improved his jump shot tremendously over the Summer which kept defenders honest.
The Prep Ball Report 