- Michigan
STATE CHAMPS! SCOUT TEAM: Raising The Roof In Ypsilanti — EMU’s Stan Heath continues to mine Mitten for hardwood gems, grabbing Douglass’ Javante Randle
Newly-minted Eastern Michigan men’s basketball coach Stan Heath is feasting on high-ceiling guys in a late recruiting rush he’s pulling off in his first month and a half on the job. Last weekend, Detroit Douglass 6-foot-10 senior center Javantae Randle committed to EMU at halftime of The Great Mitten Classic All-Star Game.
Randle chose the Eagles over U-D Mercy, Northern Arizona and Norfolk State. “J-Boogie” was the best big fella in city of the Detroit this past season, helping lead his Hurricanes squad to a Division 4 state championship. His game is efficient and powerful. His frame his long, lean and mean. Picture if you merged Kevin Garnett with DeMarcus Cousins in a hardwood laboratory.
In 2021, Randle put up 17.4 points, 12.5 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game and established himself as a genuine DI recruit in the front court. And he’s still growing into his adult body. Once he hits the weight room in Ypsi and starts to redefine his body for the college level, J-Boogie has the chance to be a true star in the MAC.
Heath (Arkansas, Kent State, South Florida) was hired by his alma mater EMU in April. He scored a sleeper special at the beginning of the month when Ypsilanti Arbor Prep point guard Malcolm Clements signed with the Eagles. Clements was a first-team Division 3 all-stater. Randle was a first-team selection out of the Division 4 ranks.
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Best two left on the board in ‘21
Keyon Menifield (Flint Beecher, 6-2) — Lightning in a bottle out of the backcourt.
Josh Hines (Macomb Dakota 6-2) — Natural playmaker, the definition of a hard-nosed competitor.
