MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

Summer basketball has showcased just how deep and talented boys high school basketball is in Michigan right now.

Players have been receiving D1 and D2 offers almost daily, as they torch nets throughout the Midwest.

Although we still have some time before the 2023-24 boys hoops seasons begins, summer ball has offered a great preview of what to expect.

One of the great things about summer ball, is we get to see the development of certain players. Guys who are now seeing more minutes after graduation and scoring at impressive levels.

Based on some of the play this summer, here are some former role players ready for a major breakout this winter:

Luke Salkowski 6-7 Sr. Brother Rice – Long and lanky, Salkowski has had a terrific summer, and recently announced an offer from Saginaw Valley. He runs the floor like a guard and has versatility to defend all five positions, while also showcasing impressive touch around the rim. Brother Rice will be young, athletic and tall this winter, so Salkowski’s senior leadership could be pivotal as they look to make a long postseason run.

Daniel Smythe 6-3 Sr. Orchard Lake St. Mary – Smythe would have pushed 1,500 career points had he suited up for almost any other school throughout his prep hoops career. He is one of the top-3 shooters in the state and impressive on defense. Yes, it will be very difficult to have a breakout season on a crowded and stacked OLSM squad, but Smythe has added the ability to create his own shot, which makes him even more dangerous and difficult to defend.

Montrel Oliver Jr. 6-4 Sr. Muskegon – Bafflingly, Oliver barely saw the court during the state semifinals and finals last season. Muskegon had a deep backcourt, but it still seemed like an oversight not finding room for Oliver. Enjoying a terrific summer, Oliver recently picked up an offer from Grand Valley St. Oliver can handle the ball, slash to the rim and hit mid-range jumpers. Muskegon has three players who could be on this list, but I expect Oliver to be the Big Reds’ leading scorer this season.

Brady Swartz 6-5 Jr. GR Northview – Swartz has impressed me more than almost anyone this summer. Already a knock-down shooter at 6-5, Swartz has really been aggressive getting to the hoop, finishing through traffic at or above the rim. Swartz was maybe the fourth or fifth scoring option for Northview last year, but he looks poised to push for 20 points a game this winter.

Justin Latham 6-6 Sr. Ann Arbor Huron – The ball will run through super junior Macari Moore at Ann Arbor Huron this season, but he needs a running mate to take some of the pressure off him. Latham is big and strong. He’s athletic in the paint, where he uses his frame to create space. He can also do damage on the perimeter as a passer and shooter. Huron has been nearly unbeatable at times this summer, and Latham’s development is a big reason why.

Isaiah Theodile 6-7 So. Kalamazoo Central – Already with a Division 1 offer from Western Michigan, Theodile looks poised to dominate the west side of the state as just a sophomore. K-Central graduated three college-bound hoopers, including Wayne State signee Hutch Ward, so scoring opportunities should go to Theodile, who showed as a freshman he’s not afraid to mix it up in the paint.

Donnie Huddleston 6-2 Jr. Grand Blanc – Huddleston looked like the best player on Grand Blanc’s team at times against Cass Tech in the state semifinals. Silky-smooth with a fantastic outside shot, Huddleston plays with a calm ease that allows him to be efficient. Huddleston has had a new coach every year, but I still think he will find his offensive rhythm early this season and turn heads with his offensive prowess.

Kimari Barden 6-6 Sr. Warren Lincoln – Barden showed flashes of offensive potential last season, but I expect him to become a more consistent presence this season. Already an elite defender, using his size and athleticism to lock-down the other team’s top perimeter scorer. Lincoln has an abundance of talent, but Barden’s offensive development might be what pushes them into state title frontrunners.