2029 Rankings Update: Stock Risers Pt 2

After actively evaluating prospects during the high school season, we now have nearly 200 freshmen listed, with 25 ranked heading into the AAU season. Height, size, speed, athleticism, fundamental skill development, the position a player is projected to play at the next level, and performance in different competitive settings are all taken into account. Our goal with every class is to accurately group prospects into the correct categories of college potential/projection. By the end of senior year, each class breaks down into clear categories: Power Four D1+, D1/D2+, D2/NAIA+/D3+/JUCO+, NAIA/D3/JUCO, and NAIA/D3 reserve. As I've written many times, the levels of college basketball intersect, cross, and differ in competitive ability throughout all the divisions. All high school classes do not have the same size, talent, or level of college talent. However, based on my tracking of commitments the past three years, there appears to be a predictable trend in Michigan.   Taking data from the 2024, 2025, and 2026 classes into account, there could be approximately 410 prospects per grade who can play some level of college basketball. There will always be multisport athletes who don't play travel basketball or play in towns where we just don't get the opportunity to identify them for our rankings, despite our best efforts. Using averages from the past three classes, there could be anywhere from 10-20 D1 commits, 20-30 D2 commits, and 125-140 NAIA/D3/JUCO commits in a particular class. Applying that understanding to our rankings basically means that, depending on the class, the top 20 ranked prospects project as D1/D2+, 21-50 D2/NAIA+/D3+/JUCO+, 51 and beyond could range anywhere from NAIA/D3 varsity, NAIA/D3 reserve, or JUCO, depending on the college program.   Here are seven of Michigan's 2029 prospects who moved up in the latest rankings update.    Kaelyn's athleticism, quick feet, lockdown defense, aggressive downhill scoring ability, and developing perimeter game give her a high ceiling as a guard prospect. Her muscular build and two-way impact made a great impression at our Freshman Showcase, while she continued to stand out for East Kentwood in her first high school season.     Remmi is fundamentally sound, aggressive, competitive, a dynamic scorer off the dribble, and a dangerous three-point shooter. She has x-ray court vision, precision as a passer, sprints after 50/50 balls, rebounds, and is a determined defender. Remmi is physically solid with a compact build and creates space with a burst. She's been an All-Showcase First Team selection at two straight P2W Headliners Invitationals, while playing against older age groups. Her advanced skill set, scrappy demeanor, high IQ, and everything she brings on the court add up to a top 20 prospect with D2 upside as a point guard.     Sienna has shifty handles, a smooth stroke from three-point range, is active on the defensive end, and penetrates gaps with a burst to score off the dribble. She's strong enough to finish through contact and has the quickness necessary to be a highly recruited guard at the next level. Sienna averaged 13 points per game and received all-conference recognition for Traverse City Central. Her first travel tournament with MBA UAA at the PGH Great Lakes Kickoff made a loud statement about her potential as a college prospect.     Taylor had a terrific freshman season for Central Montcalm, receiving All-Conference First Team recognition. She frequently hit double-digits in the scoring column with several games of two or more threes. Taylor anticipates passes and generates steals on the defensive end. Her shooting proficiency, length, vision, and multidimensional impact have impressed us during multiple evaluations.     Olivia was a co-captain for East Lansing as a freshman, which speaks to her character. She ranked 7th in assists and 8th in steals in the Lansing area, receiving All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition. She was consistently one of the best point guard prospects in the gym at showcases during the fall. Olivia has a high passing IQ, slashes to the rim, crashes the glass, has the ball on a string, switches hands with ease, and gets after it on the defensive end. She's a two-way point guard prospect who can do it all.     Karsyn dominated the interior for Cass City, and her impact led to a very successful season. Her potential as a college post is high with a 6-foot-2 frame and a multidimensional set of skills. Karsyn contributed in every category, averaging eight points, 12.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.2 steals, and one block per game. She received recognition as All-Conference and could keep climbing the rankings as she continues to develop her fundamentals and physical strength.     Presley made an immediate impact at Powers Catholic as a freshman and was a key contributor during their run to the State Semifinals. She has a high basketball IQ on both ends of the court. Presley doesn't force what isn't there. She shoots the ball confidently from the outside, distributes accurate passes to open teammates, uses her length to cause deflections on the defensive end, and can handle the ball under pressure. Presley runs the floor well and has a ton of potential as a guard at the next level.

After actively evaluating prospects during the high school season, we now have nearly 200 freshmen listed, with 25 ranked heading into the AAU season. Height, size, speed, athleticism, fundamental skill development, the position a player is projected to play at the next level, and performance in different competitive settings are all taken into account. Our goal with every class is to accurately group prospects into the correct categories of college potential/projection. By the end of senior year, each class breaks down into clear categories: Power Four D1+, D1/D2+, D2/NAIA+/D3+/JUCO+, NAIA/D3/JUCO, and NAIA/D3 reserve. As I've written many times, the levels of college basketball intersect, cross, and differ in competitive ability throughout all the divisions. All high school classes do not have the same size, talent, or level of college talent. However, based on my tracking of commitments the past three years, there appears to be a predictable trend in Michigan.