The 2014 class is loaded with quality talent at the forward position. The Metro Detroit area contains big men that can shoot, reb0und, defend, and pass. The majority of these kids all ready have offers, so it is not like they are sneeking up on anybody.
1. Jaylen Johnson (Ypsilanti/ Dorians Pride) 6’9″ 210 lbs- Mr. Johnson’s stock has risen to another level this offseason. Coming into the high school season, only regional schools knew about him. But after dominating the Spring portion of AAU and the highly prestigious Pangos All-American Camp, Jaylen has hauled in offers from Oregon, North Carolina State, Iowa State, and Maryland, just naming a few. The smooth moving forward controls the glass with outstanding athleticism, but what makes college coaches drool is his ability to control the paint. Look for Johnson to gain in more high-major offers as the Summer goes on.
2. Justin Tillman (Detroit Pershing/ Reach Legends) 6’8″ 190 lbs – Justin missed more than half of the high school season due to a foot injury. But looks to be making up for the missing time this past Spring. Justin is super athletic, finishing above the rim with highlight reel dunks are put back tip ins, and can step out to the perimeter to make a couple of jump shots. On the defensive end, Justin makes opponents think twice about putting the shot up, and hauls down rebounds in bunches. Justin so far has received seven mid-major offers, including the likes of Bowling Green, Toledo, Oakland, and Indiana State.
3. Jamal Poplar (River Rouge/ Michigan Mustangs) 6’8″- Jamal transferred from Willow Run this past season so he had to sit out the first portion of the season. But came back strong, which has transitioned nicely into the AAU season. Poplar has the ability to play all five positions on the court. Jamal can shoot up to the three point arch, get to the basket off the dribble from the perimeter, handle the ball in the open court, and finish through contact at the rim. Jamal will be a solid high major prospect by the time high school season get under way.
4. Yante Maten (Lahser/ The Family) 6’8″ 210 lbs- Yante has a variety of skills on the basketball court he can use to beat a defender. Maten can stretch you to the three point line, use his athleticism to go over you, or seal you off creating angles to use with his back to the basket. Yante so far has offers from Oakland, U of D, Kent State, and Eastern Michigan.
5. Isaac Bowles (Cass Tech/ Judges Court) 6’7″ 215 lbs- Simply put, a rebounding machine. Isaac, before transferring to Cass Tech the second semester from Cezar Chavez Academy, had 38 rebounds in a game, good enough to be put in the state record books.
6. Andre Frederick (Detroit Douglass/ Michigan Hurricanes) 6’7″- What stands out to me about Frederick’s game is that he is a very active defender with quick footwork that is used to block shots. Even if you are a guard on the perimeter, you better watch out for Frederick. Andre is very good around the basket finishing with either hand, and uses his big body to carve out space down low. Andre has a couple MAC offers as of now.
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