MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

It appears some of Michigan’s Division 1 universities have finally figured out there is elite basketball talent in the mitten.

Central Michigan and Western Michigan, as well as Ohio’s University of Toledo, have extended a flurry of offers to some of Michigan’s top prep hoops stars.

Muskegon’s Elija Langston (6-8) and James Martin (6-3) recently picked up offers from CMU, while Warren De La Salle’s Phoenix Glassnor has picked up offers from nearly ever local MAC school. Whitehall’s Camden Thompson has picked up D1 offers in both football and basketball.

Grand Rapids Christian star Jaylan Ouwinga (6-9) received an offer from CMU, and Warren Lincoln brothers Marcus and Moses Blackwell have also joined in on the recent D1 offer bonanza. Recent Brother Rice transfer Trevor Smith (6-8) also picked up an offer from CMU. And that’s not even the full list.

Even with the recent flurry of D1 offers, some eligible players remain hopeful. There are a number of top talents still seeking their first documented D1 offers, and are surely just moments away from receiving one.

Here are some of the state’s top players deserving of D1 offers:

Shane Rykse 6-3 Sr. Schoolcraft – One of the best pure shooters in the state, Rykse can also lead an offense if called upon. Won a Division 3 state title with Schoolcraft as a sophomore. Now a senior, Rykse looks poised for a breakout. Rykse is a smooth athlete who, to me, would be a perfect fit at Oakland University, where he could torch the nets in Rochester like former sharpshooters Erik Kangas and Travis Bader.

Chris McLavish 5-10 Jr. Flint Carman-Ainsworth – McLavish burst onto the scene as a freshman, when he ignited crowds at some of the state’s premier showcases. He has the ball on a string as a ball-handler and he has a terrific outside shot. He’s grown and added muscle the last couple years. He could add getting to the hoop to his game. It seems only a matter of time before he sees a huge boon in recruiting activity.

Layne Risdon 6-9 Sr. Zeeland East – I don’t know what schools are waiting for here. I’ve seen Risdon play a couple times. He demands the ball in the paint and has a plethora of post moves. He can move outside and hit 3-pointers, and he can even handle the ball. Defensively, he moves his feet well and is a commanding presence around the rim. Teammate B.J. Walker, a 6-3 Jr., should also be mentioned here. They both look like D1 college athletes and should get the recognition they deserve.

Uchenna Amene 6-2 Sr. Detroit Catholic Central – Electric point guard who can also shoot. Despite playing in the state’s toughest conference, he’s been a bit underrated since transferring from Southfield Christian. Smooth athlete who scores in a variety of ways. New head coach Tory Jackson could be a good fit for Amene’s recruiting profile.

Leroy Blyden Jr. 6-1 Jr. U of D Jesuit – Blyden has patiently waited his turn on the Cubs’ loaded lineup, getting a great mentor in Sonny Wilson. Now, it’s Blyden’s turn to run the offense. The state hasn’t seen much of Blyden, but they will soon know his name from Monroe to Marquette. Electric guard with a great feel for the game. It seems like Jesuit churns out D1 point guards every year, and Blyden will be the next.

Mason Parker 6-1 Jr. Troy – Just looks the part of a D1 guard. Phenomenal shooter and leader with lanky athleticism for a guard. Savvy beyond his years and treacherous out in space or in the halfcourt. One of those athletes you just know will be successful at the next level.

Carson Vis 6-3 Jr. South Christian – A nasty wrist injury kept him out of the state finals last season, but Vis is already back on the court. Vis excels at getting to the rim. He effortlessly glides past defenders and finishes at or above the rim. Vis also has a great outside shot. He possesses sneaky speed and athleticism, which he uses to his advantage on both ends of the court.

Jalen Kampen 6-4 Jr. Parchment – Some may not be familiar with this prospect, and D1 offers would mean he really took his game to the next level over his final two high school seasons, but he certainly has that potential. Reminds me of former Spartan Durrel Summers. Has the same athleticism with a solid 3-point stroke. Kampen looks the part, and has just scratched the surface of his full potential.