Michigan boys HS basketball: 10 players with NBA potential

Being able to play college basketball is an incredibly difficult accomplishment that few are able to enjoy.

The NBA is even more unlikely for most great high school basketball player. However, Michigan has done a good job producing NBA talent in recent years.

So who is next? Here's a breakdown of 10 players who should have a chance to play basketball at the highest level.

James Martin, 6-3, Muskegon

Elite athlete and one of the best dunkers the state has had since Jason Richardson in the late 90s. Martin will have to become a full-time point guard to reach these kinds of heights, but he displayed that ability this summer. Vastly needs to improve as a shooter to make the NBA, but he has plenty of time to develop. The NBA loves elite athleticism, and Martin has it in spades.

Brady Swartz, 6-7, GR Northview

Fresh out of the Nik Stauskus and Duncan Robinson school. A mixture of an elite athlete and tremendous outside shooting. Swartz looks like a future college star who could one day reach the top level. Michigan gets some late bloomers who start out as mid-major college players and end up in the NBA - Bryn Forbes and Ryan Rollins come to mind. Swartz and teammate Cameron Ryans should put on a show this winter. Signed with Western Michigan.

Cameron Hutson, 6-5, East Lansing

One of the state’s best shooters and tremendous in transition. Signed with Saint Louis and the son of a former Michigan State star, so pedigree is on his side. If he can add some strength and speed, he could find a home on an NBA roster.

Macari Moore, 6-3, Ann Arbor Huron

Strong, determined guard who can run the point. He’s a score-first guard and will have to become more of a playmaker at the next level. He has some Kyrie Irving to his game as a good shooter and slasher, though a bit undersized for an NBA guard. Signed with Iowa State.

Leroy Blyden Jr., 6-1, UD Jesuit

Lightning quick plays at every level, and Blyden is a blur in the open court. His 3-point shot is dangerous and he’s a tremendous passer and leader. A bit undersized both in height and strength, but he’s a fighter who still hasn’t reached the height of his powers. Signed with Toledo.

Trey McKenney, 6-4, OLSM

An obvious pick as a top-25 national recruit and future Michigan Wolverine. A lock for Mr. Basketball and one of the most versatile scorers the state has seen in the last three decades. McKenney uses hsi strong frame to bully defenders, hit mid-range shots and create space from beyond the arc. Tremendous all-around athlete who will one-day have to prove he has the speed to play guard in the NBA.

Stevie Elam, 6-2, Adrian

A slighter shorter version of McKenney, Elam is a strong, physical guard who prefers to play off the ball but will have to move over to the point to reach the NBA. Elam is signed with Milwaukee and could push for 30 points per game this winter in his junior season.

Eden Vinyard, 6-7, Ferndale

Freakishly athletic with a nice bevy of post moves and mid-range jumper. He’s still just a sophomore in high school, so he could still grow. At his current height, he’d have to become better at creating hsi own shot and long-range shooting as a wing prospect.

Stevie Hall, 6-2, Cass Tech

Smooth athlete with a long wingspan for a point guard. Great first step; explodes to the basket before his defender can ever get set. One of the best shooters in the state as only a sophomore. Hall needs to add more strength, but he has plenty of time for that.

Carl Thompson, 6-4, Grand Rapids Christian

Maybe not known as one of the state’s best players…yet. Thompson is a lean, long wing with a tremendous outside shot. He shares some similarities with Klay Thompson in both feel for the game and demeanor. His college recruitment hasn’t even picked up, but I still think he has NBA upside with the right college fit.