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It is easy to forget elite players in Michigan’s class of 2016 when they are overshadowed by a top ten nationally ranked player. However, nobody should ever overlook Saginaw 6’6″ forward Algevon Eichelberger. Algevon took the state by surprise last year by becoming one of the best shot blockers in Michigan, as a freshman. Eichelberger has nice footwork and techniques that are unfamiliar for most big men and low post players at such a young age. He is the definition of a blue collar worker, fighting for rebounds on both sides of the ball until he hears a whistle or has the it. On the offensive side of the ball, Algevon in AAU has shown soft hands, and improving mobility compared to the high school season. 2-3 more inches in growth would do wonders for Eichelberger and make him a national prospect by the time senior year comes along.
Jeron Rogers is a 6’7″ 195″ wing forward who attends North Farmington High School, and competes for the Michigan Warriors AAU team. Jeron is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. He is too tall to put a smaller guard on him, but he is too quick to put a bigger post defender on him. Jeron already has offers from the likes of Toledo and Oakland. But has Michigan State, Iowa State, and Xavier very interested in his skills.
Justin, a member of the Reach Legends AAU Team, has seen his basketball recruitment blow up over the last couple of months. The Pershing forward holds eight division one offers as of now, most of them being mid-major schools. But Justin has also caught the eye of programs like Michigan State and Iowa State. Justin will no doubt haul in more offers during the Live Period during the month of July. In this interview, Justin discusses how the June Team Camps went, skills as a player, and recruiting.
University of Detroit Jesuit’s Cassius Winston has cemented himself as one of the top point guards in the Class of 2016. Cassius was a major factor in the Cubs winning the Catholic League Championship for the first time in over 20 years, averaging 18 point and eights assists per game. And the success has translated nicely for Cassius into the EYBL, one of the most competitive leagues of youth basketball in the country. As far as recruiting goes, Winston already has offers from Iowa State, Michigan State, UMass, and Colorado. But also has the likes of Georgetown, Missouri, and Xavier quite interested in his talents.
Interview with Algevon Eichelberger
27 JulInterview with Jeron Rogers
10 JulCatching up with Justin Tillman
8 JulInterview with Cassius Winston
7 JulInterview with Janeau Joubert of Ypsilanti
16 Jun
Janeau, the nephew of former Southwestern Prospector and Michigan Wolverine, Antoine Joubert, is a 6’0″, 155 pound, point guard who attends Ypsilanti High School, and competes for Dorian’s Pride in the AAU circuit. Joubert averaged 13 points, five assists, two rebounds, and one steal a game last for the Phoenix, good enough for All-Conference [Southeastern], and All-Area.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some athletes you model your game after?
Janeau Joubert: I think I model it between Jason Kidd and Steph Curry.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are skills and some intangibles you have as a basketball player?
Janeau Joubert: Good ball handler, can hit the open shot, see the floor well, and can run a team.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some areas of your game that are up and coming?
Janeau Joubert: Shooting off the dribble, and finishing in crowds.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: How has AAU been going and what are some goals you have set for the team and yourself?
Janeau Joubert: To win every tournament we play in, and to try and get nationally ranked.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: How much an impact does your uncle, Antoine, have on you both as a player and a person?
Janeau Joubert: A huge impact, he teaches me things about the game and also shows me how I should act off the court.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some schools that are looking at you right now?
Janeau Joubert: Toledo, U of D, Kent State, NIU, Central [Michigan], Drake, Cleveland State, Penn, Robert Morris. And I plan to visit all of them too.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: For you, what are some attributes you look for in a school?
Janeau Joubert: Just how they treat the basketball players, they have good academics. Also their style of play.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What will a team/coach in college be getting out of a player like you?
Janeau Joubert: A great leader, teammate, player, and a student athlete.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What makes you unique as a point guard? What separates you from the rest of the competition?
Janeau Joubert: I’m a true point guard, and I know when to pass and when to shoot, and it doesn’t bother me to score six points and when everybody else is in double figures.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Expectations for next high school season?
Janeau Joubert: As a team to win states, and individually to make All-State
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What is a fun/interesting fact about you?
Janeau Joubert: Many people don’t know I ride horses, and I have four of them.
Follow Janeau on Twitter: @neaubasketball5
Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics
Interview with Ricky Watson of Grosse Pointe North
8 May
Ricky is a 5’10”, 165 lbs junior poing guard who attends Grosse Pointe North High School and competes on Team Indiana for AAU.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some athletes you model your game after?
Ricky Watson: Trey Burke, and Keith Appling.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: How do you feel your high school season went?
Ricky Watson: My high school season was alright, (10-11) [record]. We took a bitter first round loss to Lakeview in the first round of districts but we battled a lot of injuries this season including myself.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some skills you have and areas of your game that are coming up?
Ricky Watson: My best asset is I’m very crafty, I can get to the basket whenever & I have a strong mid range shot. My jump shot extended out to the three-point line is getting better & my ability to react quickly to what the defense gives me.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: How do you think this AAU season is going to shape out for you?
Ricky Watson: I think it’s going to shape out good. I hope I can rack up some more interest and hopefully an offer.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some goals of your this off-season?
Ricky Watson: Just to get stronger and more explosive.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What can scouts expect out of you and your team this summer?
Ricky Watson: They can expect me to play hard, and give my all every possession. And to win a lot of games.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some schools you dream of playing for?
Ricky Watson: Michigan State. Growing up that is the only school I watch.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some intangibles you have?
Ricky Watson: Just very intense competitor, and I hate losing!!
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What schools have shown interest in you so far?
Ricky Watson: Northwood, U of D [Mercy], Iowa State, has sent me mail. Findlay and Bowling Green.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: How do you see your skills translating to the college game?
Ricky Watson: I play pretty fast up temp pace. I think it would translate pretty well.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What makes you different from other point guards with similar skills of yours?
Ricky Watson: I ‘m fearless! I’ll never back down from any challenge.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What will go into picking a school for you?
Ricky Watson: Atmosphere, how the coaches treat me, and will I be successful the next four years.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What will a coach and a program be getting out of a player like you?
Ricky Watson: Hard work and dedication. Knowing I will give my all every time I’m on the court.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Expectations for next high school season and remainder of AAU season?
Ricky Watson: To win a district title, and make all state. And hopefully get an offer from a good mid-major school.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What role do you see yourself playing in college?
Ricky Watson: Hopefully I can come in as a staring PG, but if not just play my role until it’s time.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What is a fun/interesting fact about you?
Ricky Watson: I like to ski.
Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics
Follow Ricky on Twitter: @SlickRick_
Kyle Kuzma of Rise Academy
2 May
Flint born Kyle Kuzma is emerging as one of the state’s top players but the funny thing is that Kyle does not attend school in Michigan, Kyle attends Rise Academy in Philadelphia (PA). With that being said however, Kuzma still does play for one of Michigan elite basketball AAU teams, Dorians Pride. Kuzma is a good combination of size and length with a jump shot that has a soft touch. Also has good moves to take defenders of the dribble and finish at the rim. Working on ball handling will a key for him this summer.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: List name, height, weight, position, AAU team and school team?
Kyle Kuzma: Kyle Kuzma, 6’8″, 200 lbs, wing, Dorians Pride, and Rise Academy.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some athletes that inspire your game?
Kyle Kuzma: I try to trace my game as Klay Thompson or Kevin Durant.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some skills you have as a basketball player and some up and coming areas of your game?
Kyle Kuzma: Some skills I have: being a good shooter, good court vision, great basketball IQ, rebounding. Up and coming: defense has picked up, and working on my ball handling.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: How would you say your high school season went this year?
Kyle Kuzma: Went really well. Averaged about 15 [points], and 8 [rebounds]. Helped my team win a lot.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What will be some keys to this AAU season to be sure scouts see the total package of your game?
Kyle Kuzma: Just to stay healthy, keep playing consistently, and just show coaches what I’m capable of doing.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What can scouts expect out of you and Dorians Pride this summer?
Kyle Kuzma: That when I’m on the court I will do whatever it takes to win and produce. Whether it’s points rebounds etc. And you can expect Dorians pride to be in the championship game of most tournaments every weekend.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Now what are some schools that have offered or showed interest in you?
Kyle Kuzma: Offered: Manhattan, Detroit, Oakland, Tennessee Tech, Bradley, Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois, UC Irvine, Rhode Island, Utah, and Texas A&M. Interest: Missouri, VCU, Villanova, St. Johns, Boston College, USC, UAB, Iowa, and Cincinnati.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some dream schools to you?
Kyle Kuzma: Don’t really have one. But I really like how Michigan plays.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some things you want out of a school that will go into your decision?
Kyle Kuzma: Being able to contribute as a freshman, a coaching staff that’s going to help me get to the next level, and a good education.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What will a coach be getting not only out of your skills, but also your intangibles?
Kyle Kuzma: He will be getting a good basketball IQ, solid defense and rebounding, and good leadership skills while I’m on the court.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Why should a coach take you over a similar skilled athlete?
Kyle Kuzma: Because I can out smart opposite players, and some maybe be more talented than me but won’t outwork me.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Goals for the AAU circuit and off-season?
Kyle Kuzma: AAU: wins as many tournaments as we can. And off-season goals are to get better and put some more weight.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What can fans and scouts expect out of you in the upcoming months?
Kyle Kuzma: More muscles added to my body and production on the court.
Metro Detroit High School Athleics: What is a fun/interesting fact about you?
Kyle Kuzma: That I’m a very out going person. And I play a lot of video game!
Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics
Follow Kyle on Twitter: kkuzma35
Player Profile: Redford Thurston’s Ray Croon
23 Apr
Big, athletic scorer that can go off at any time for double digit scoring night. Creates mis-match problems for smaller guards when playing the point. Nice bounce and rebounding ability.
With a big summer in the EYBL, Ray could very well turn into a highly ranked prospect. Right now with interest coming from MAC schools. Ray expects an offer to come really soon.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Name, AAU team, weight, height, position, and graduation year?
Ray Croon: Ray Croon, The Family, 6’5″, 170 lbs, SG, 2014.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Athletes you model your game after?
Ray Croon: Jamal Crawford, and Kevin Durant.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What was the best game you had this year?
Ray Croon: I had 38 points against Lake Shore in three quarters and sat the fourth quarter. Also had six dunks that game.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some strengths you have to your overall game?
Ray Croon: I have a high IQ, I shoot really good and I’m very athletic. I can also create a shot very easy.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some up and coming areas of your game?
Ray Croon: Me playing more of the point guard because I can handle the ball very well now. Also I’m quick on my feet for rebounds.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some goals you have set for this off-season?
Ray Croon: Get some high major offers, move up in that ranking list, go to all of those exposure camps.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: How much does playing with The Family going to elevate your game playing the EYBL?
Ray Croon: It will a lot because it’s a high level game that I like to play. And it makes me wanna work harder and it makes me more hungry.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Could you describe your relationship with some your teammates like Edmond Sumner, Yante Maten, and Aaron Foster-Smith?
Ray Croon: We have a great relationship. We are learning each others game and are building our chemistry. But we are like brothers already.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some dream schools for you?
Ray Croon: Michigan, Syracuse, or Baylor.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some schools that have shown interest in you so far?
Ray Croon: Kent State, U of D (Mercy), Eastern Michigan, a ton of d2 schools. Also Akron.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What do you think you can bring to a team at the next level?
Ray Croon: I can bring them someone who will be a lockdown defender, put points up, rebound and get WINS. I’ll sacrifice my body when needed. I’m also a great leader I learn fast too.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What would you say to a college coach on why they should want you for their team?
Ray Croon: I would tell them that I will do whatever it take. I’ll always give 110% and I will improve.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Lastly, what is a fun/interesting fact about you?
Ray Croon: No comment.
Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics
Follow Ray on Twitter: @D1__Prospect
Player Profile: Lorenzo Collier
9 Apr
Lorenzo was sometimes the forgotten piece that helped lead Pershing to a Detroit Public School League championship this season. Lorenzo is a quality shooter that has some range to his shot. Effective when both feet are set. Developing an all around game, such as ball handling and ability to create for himself, to become a complete player. Has better athleticism than most people give him credit for. A decent finisher in transition as well. Interest is coming from Division Three schools.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Height and position?
Lorenzo Collier: 6’3″ shooting guard
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Best game for you this year and why?
Lorenzo Collier: Flint Beecher. It was a high level of competition, and I felt like I dominated my match up.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Players you model your game after?
Lorenzo Collier: James Harden and Ray Allen
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: How do you think this season went for Pershing?
Lorenzo Collier: It was a great season, I just feel we didn’t accomplish our biggest goal.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Is there added pressure being a Pershing Doughboy?
Lorenzo Collier: I wouldn’t call it pressure, it’s just something that expected. Like working harder on and off the court.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some strengths and weaknesses to your individual game?
Lorenzo Collier: Ball handling is my weakness, shooting and ball pressure defense are my strengths. I plan to get better at all of that this summer.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some schools that are interested in you and did any offer so far?
Lorenzo Collier: Earlham and Albion offered. I won’t know the rest until after I take the test.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Eastern [Michigan], Ball State, and the Division Two Notre Dame are looking.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Any visits taken or planned? And when do you expect to make a decision?
Lorenzo Collier: I plan to make my decision before April is over, and I will take a visit after I get accepted to Earlham and I hope Ball State comes along.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What will go into your decision about a school such as academics and a potential major?
Lorenzo Collier: Engineering.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What role would you like to have once you are on a college team?
Lorenzo Collier: Handling the ball when I have to. Also the big thing is knocking down shots, and playing defense.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What do you see as an ideal freshmen season?
Lorenzo Collier: As a freshmen, if I work hard as I can, I think I have the ability to have a great freshmen season.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What would a team and coach be getting from a player like you?
Lorenzo Collier: Someone that plays hard and never gives up, also someone who plays solid.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What is a fun/interesting fact about you?
Lorenzo Collier: I have a good personality on and off the court.
Follow me on Twitter: @mdhsathletics
Follow Lorenzo on Twitter: @lorenzocollier
Interview with Sam McClendon
26 Mar
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: How do you think your season went this year?
Sam McClendon: I thought I had a solid senior season. I averaged about 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and four assists. I believed that we had what it took to make a deep run in the State Playoffs, but we got beat in the district championship by a miracle shots. All in all, my teammates and I came a long way from December-March.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What is your favorite memory throughout your high school career?
Sam McClendon: I have many great memories, but my favorite this season had to be upsetting U of D in OT while they were a top five team in the state. Easily one of my most memorable wins throughout my careers. We ended up being the only Catholic League team to beat them.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What are some players you try to model you game after?
Sam McClendon: I think I have the leadership of Chris Paul and the athleticism of Russell Westbrook.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What skills do you have as a basketball player and what are some areas of your game that are up and coming?
Sam McClendon: I’m more of a bigger guard, which allows me to be a great rebounder. I have great court vision, I’m a great teammate/leader and can score. I plan to polish every aspect of my game during the off-season and get stronger.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics; What are some schools that have offered you or have showed hard interest in you?
Sam McClendon: Central (Michigan), Cleveland State, Grand Valley (State), Lake Superior State, Wayne State, Southeast Missouri State are the standouts with various prep schools and smaller junior colleges.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What do you look for in a school as far as academics and a potential major?
Sam McClendon: Academics always come first to me. I’ve always took pride in my education. I plan to major in computer engineering.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What would a college be getting in a player like you?
Sam McClendon: They would get a hard worker, and one that could lead the team by example. They will also get a player who is always striving to be the best I can be and make my teammates around me better. They will lastly get an unselfish point guard who does what it will take to win.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What role would you like to take on of a team?
Sam McClendon: I’m willing to take on anything the coach thinks the team lacks. If he needs me to rebound, I’ll do that. If he needs me to score/distribute, then I’ll do that. I’m very coachable.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What legacy or standard do you think you set at OLSM?
Sam McClendon: I think I had a great legacy that’ll live on. I’ll never forget after our district championship loss my coach said to me, “You’ll go down as one of the best I’ve ever coached.” It means a lot to me because of the reputation of OLSM hoops around that state and how long my coach has been coaching. (Coached Kalin Lucas)
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: Any shoutouts you would like to give?
Sam McClendon: I would just like to shoutout and thank everyone who has supported me throughout these four years. It’s truly been a blessing to have the opportunity to be apart of such a prestigious basketball program. I’ll never forget the memories. More importantly, my mom. She’s been there for me since I was a little freshman on varsity.
Metro Detroit High School Athletics: What is a fun/interesting face about you?
Sam McClendon: I can secretly sing but no one will ever get a chance to hear me.
Follow us on Twitter: @mdhsathletics
Follow Sam on Twitter: @Just_Doubt_Me_1
The Prep Ball Report 