MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

The Michigan high school basketball season is less than two months away, with plenty of intrigue.

Here are 10 players ready to become household names this season:

1. Kaidon Morning, 6-1, Ann Arbor Huron – Plays with poise and energy, which should help him score consistently this season. Morning will likely take over as the River Rats’ lead scorer and this summer he looked more than up to the task. His recruitment has still be quiet, but I expect that to pick up with a big senior year. He could flurt with 15-20 points per game.
2. Maxwell Muhl, 5-11, AH Avondale – Making the move from Rochester, Muhl should have more college eyes on him this season. He looked stronger and even more confident as a shooter this summer, setting up a potentail potent duo with Ja’Kobie Louris (6-4). Muhl can play on or off the ball. He’s also a fierce defender. He might not have the measurables to play at the upper college levels, but he should become a D3 standout.
3. Sebastian Thrower, 6-1, Cass Tech – Thrower looked comfortable running the point this summer alongside superstar junior Stevie Hall (6-2). Thrower is quick, smart and agile as PG. He has great size for the position and could put up elite assist numbers. His outside shot is a work in progress, but he’s adept at getting to the basket. Has D2 upside by the time his college career is finished. Might start out at an elite JUCO program.
4. Drew Floyd, 5-10, Detroit MLK – Floyd had been a bit passive the last two high school seasons, but he was aggressive getting to the basket this summer. He has a strong build and great body control driving through the lane. He’s the lead guard on a star-studded roster, but has flown under the radar to this point. That could change if he can continue being aggressive on offense.
5. Colin Langdon, 6-8, U of D Jesuit – Transferred midseason last year and never really found his footing with the Cubs. A true 6-8 who can bang in the post or step out and shoot 3-pointers. Has the body to play D2 at the next level, now he just needs to process things a bit quicker. Lots of upside on both ends of the court, and he could take this team on a deep tournament run.
6. Geo Cannon, 6-3, Grand Blanc – Tall, lanky point guard with a smooth game that sometimes appears effortless. Plays hard on both ends of the court – he just needs a little more confident with his shot. Looked focused and ready to lead the team this summer, and he might take the next step into coveted college prospect. He does have a few smaller offers, but the sky is the limit for Cannon if he can become a bit more consistent.
7. Julian Charity, 6-2, GR Northview – Charity has been patiently waiting his opportunity to shine. That time is now. His brother plays at Grand Valley State, and while Julian’s upside isn’t quite at that level, he could be a double-digit scorer this season with his potent outside shot. He started acquiring offers this summer with his increased exposure.
8. Anthony Richardson, 6-5, Grandville – Grew a few inches since last season and looked confident filling in at PG for an injured Carter Wade (6-1) this summer. Solid outside shooter with long wingspan and gliding quickness. He’s starting to pick up college offers and has legit D1 upside by the time his college career is finished, especially if he develops into a true point guard.
9. Xavier Pendergrass, 6-6, Lansing Waverly – Might be one of the most athletic players in the state. He continues developing his skills on offense, but remains a bit of a tweener. He might be a little too short for upper-level college post positions. But he’s also not quite ready for the wing. He could make a big leap in consistency this season and get D2 offers. But he could also start at JUCO and work his way up.
10. Bela Matyus, 6-0, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s – Matyus has been lauded as a top point guard despite getting largely zero minutes per game for the Eaglets through his first three high school years. Now he has the keys to run the show for a team that still very much expects long tournament runs despite losing almost everyone from last year’s team. Matyus is an elite shooter with a high IQ and solid size. He could be the state’s overall breakout player.