The Adidas Spring Classic, an NCAA Certified Event, in Indianapolis, Indiana featured some quality talent from the State of Michigan. As the only Live Recruiting Period of the Spring AAU circuit, it was important for players to compete at a high level in order to gain recognition from colleges.
6’3″ Detroit Renaissance guard Justin Turner is quietly raising himself to the top in Michigan’s Class of 2016 running with the Michigan Mustangs 16u – Carson. Turner is one of the most dynamic scorers in the Michigan as a state, as he displayed at the tournament all weekend. Justin had his three point shot going, attacking the rim in transition with some sweet moves to the basket finishing with both hands on either side, and scoring with his always solid transition mid-range game. For as much as he is a scorer, Justin is an improved passer, and playmaker as a true point guard. Turner is a good athlete on defense, and has a solid IQ for the game of basketball. Turner received his first collegiate offer at the conclusion of the tournament, coming from Central Michigan.
A teammate of Justin Turner is 6’9″ forward/center Austin Davis on Onstead High School. When you’re the tallest and strongest player on the court, you’re almost guaranteed to dominate the game in some fashion, which Davis did in the victory over MBA Select. Davis was unable to get a consistent offense game going on offense, except for a dunk or two, but made up for it on defense. His long arms allow him to challenge or block shots in the paint and haul rebounds at the highest point, to go along with his solid frame allow him to dominate shorter opponents on the block. Davis has the potential to increase his athleticism and agility, which would then bring about a higher motor to effect a greater amount of plays.
Walled Lake Western’s Jerald Booker continues to enjoy a terrific Spring AAU circuit for his 17u Michigan Playmakers squad, who captured the Bronze championship this weekend. Known more as a distributer in the high school season, Booker has repeatedly shown he has the potential to score for himself. Jerald contributed quality games throughout the tournament, including a 20 and 19 point performances in pool play. Jerald is an inside out scorer, he got to the rim and finish at the rim absorbing contact from taller defenders and finishing with either hand, hit a few pull-up jump shots, and was hard to stop from three point land when he saw one go through. Overall, Booker has a nice feel for the game, he can handle to ball against opposing team’s press defense, and made limited turnovers throughout the weekend. Never gives up on plays, and is also a good defender on the opposite side of the floor, he senses and slips picks well. Nearly all GLIAC schools will be on this guard in the upcoming months.
Other standouts:
Darryl Porter, Walled Lake Western, Michigan Playmakers 17u: The 6’0″ shooting guard Porter shot the three point ball relatively well throughout a good majority of the tournament, connecting on four three pointers in the teams first game coming off screens. But also made some nice drives to the basket when his shot wasn’t falling. Plays with toughness, his defense is also a work in progress, he has a tendency to get out of place when the team plays zone.
John Flowers, Walled Lake Western, Michigan Playmakers 17u: Another Walled Lake Western guard, John throughout the tournament came in and provided quality minutes for his team off the bench on both ends of the guard. His best game being a 17 point performance against Indy Force Black. Flowers likes to attack the rim off the dribble and finish on either side of the rim when he is on offense. But when John is on defense, he is hard to get around upon for opposing teams guards. Plays fearless, and is primed to have a big summer if he continues to play his role on the team.
Grant Gilbert, Birmingham Groves, Michigan Playmakers 16u: Grant’s best game came against DSO Sports where hit had 16 points, and dished out a few assists for his team’s victory. Although his mechanics might need a little work, he was effective when he let it go nailing three or four. He also showed the ability to put the ball on the floor, and create plays for himself or for his teammates on the drive. High IQ defender, and rarely is found out of place on the court.
The Prep Ball Report 
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