Michigan Invitational Day 1 Roundup

The D Zone commenced coverage of boys grassroots basketball today at the annual Michigan Invitational sponsored by the good folks of REACH Legends AAU club. It was an exciting atmosphere with non-stop action on five courts. Quality play from multiple age groups made for a great day of hoops. Let's take a look at some of the noteworthy performances from Day 1 of the event.

2019

Eddie Colbert (6’5/M2K Elite)

The lengthy wing from Toledo was the best shooter in the gym on Saturday, knocking down three triples while displaying range out to 28 feet. Colbert's shot mechanics are good, with a fluid release, no extra movement and nice arch. While catch and shoot prospects are generally plentiful, Eddie hit one from the right wing off the dribble after receiving a ball screen that provided a glimpse of what he can be with some additional development. At 6'5 with a nice wingspan, the upside is very high for Colbert and we look forward to watching him this Spring and Summer.

Carrington McCaskill (6’7/REACH Legends)

McCaskill is the most exciting prospect in Michigan right now, whenever he takes the court its a near certainty that he will provide a jaw-dropping play. Saturday was no different, as Carrington electrified the crowd with several dunks in transition that were simply at a different level than anyone else in the gym. His athletic ability is what stands out, but he also did a great job on the defensive glass, pulling down several contested rebounds in traffic.

2020

Kip Clark (6’6/Michigan Playmakers)

Kip continues to build on a solid high school season, as he really showed off an expanded skill set. In the afternoon matchup against Detroit Showtime, Clark knocked down a corner triple in the first half and also had a dribble drive plus the finish from the top of the game and looked comfortable putting the ball on the floor. In the second half he went to work on the block, backing his defender down before using a spin move and finishing with nice touch. Kip is developing at a rapid rate and he's going to be very good with continued refinement of his body.

Ryan Rollins (6'4/Detroit Showtime)

Ryan was likely the best long term prospect at the gym on Saturday. He has prototype measurements for a lead guard at 6'4 with excellent length and broad shoulders. Rollins showed a really nice handle and changed direction with the ball while playing at different speeds to keep defenders off balance. He was extremely effective getting separation off the dribble before finishing at the rim. Ryan also displayed a very good midrange jumper after getting high ball screens. He has the look of one of the very best 2020 prospects in the Midwest.

Mason Wojtusik (6'2/REACH Legends)

Really solid outing for Mason on Day 1, as he was one of the best shot creators of the entire event regardless of class. Wojtusik does a great job with changing direction off the bounce, his shiftiness never allows his defender to get comfortable. He used that space well to get clean looks for a lethal midrange jumper that he hit at a good clip. Mason isn't limited to creating shots for himself though, as he had several impressive dimes to teammates for easy looks once the help defense collapsed.

Lorne Bowman (6’2/REACH Legends)

The athletic improvements for Lorne were noticeable as soon as stepped on the court Saturday. Bowman was blowing by his man off the dribble with consistency and the opposition was forced to foul on several occasions. In terms of skillset, Lorne displayed an improved handle as he was able to get to his spots on the floor with crossovers and hesitation dribbles. His jumper is never in question, as Bowman has been a high-level perimeter shooter since his freshman year and he lived up to that reputation as well.

Wendell Green Jr. (5'11/Michigan Playmakers)

Wendell was in constant attack mode on Day 1, breaking down the defense all day as nobody could stay in front of him. Green used that advantage to good use by setting up teammates for lobs and transition layups repeatedly. As a scorer, Wendell is a good finisher for a smaller guard, using great body control to contort his body and create good angles to utilize the backboard on layups. As a shooter he simply has no fear, Green buried shots from beyond 27 feet on a few possessions when the defense sagged off of him.

Tyson Acuff (6'2/REACH Legends)

The sophomore guard out of Detroit absolutely dominated in transition. Acuff played with pace as he forced the ball down the opponent's throat before finishing at the rim or finding wings in stride for easy layups. Tyson has good size at 6'2 and showed a solid shot when knocking down a catch and shoot triple from the top of the key. His acceleration was impressive as well, as his first step was good enough to get by defenders on a few plays.