Great Lakes Hoops

Former Lapeer West standout guard Chris Hutton has overcome more in the past couple years than many players will in their entire careers. Hutton, who has returned to play for Albion College after two traumatic injuries, is one of the hardest-working players I’ve ever been around.

If you’re a player and you want to model your game after someone, I’d suggest you look at this man.

From Mlive:

Two potentially life-changing injuries temporarily halted Hutton’s basketball journey but he didn’t allow them to completely block his advancement in life or the sport. Hutton nearly lost three fingers on his right shooting hand in the summer of 2011 and tore his ACL and meniscus in his leg after rehabbing for the hand injury this past summer.

This year, Hutton has played in seven games and averages 8.6 points per game despite missing all of last season.

Albion is currently 4-13 overall, but Hutton has averaged 16 points over the past three games and started in the previous two match-ups. He scored a season-high 21 points on 8-for-11 shooting versus Trine University on Jan. 12. That output was Hutton’s best scoring performance since the 2011 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament when he racked up 24 points as a junior against Kalamazoo.

My friend Patrick Hayes also wrote a great feature on Hutton after his first near careeer-ending injury.

The in-game dunks are actually far better than the practice dunks.

One of the area’s top 10 players, Fenton senior Cory Cox, will play his college ball at Cornerstone University according to Steve Bell (@bankhoops).

Cox, a 6-5 forward who can play inside and outside, will follow in his brother’s footsteps to the NAIA. Nate Cox, similarly sized and skilled at the high school level, is Davenport University’s first and only NAIA All-American (2011).

Having watched both players at the high school level, I’d give Cory a slight advantage in talent when comparing both at the same age. That being said, it’s how to account for how hard a player works to get better in college. Nate obviously put in his time.

Tory Jackson, a tough-as-nails power guard who has been lighting up scoreboards in Flint recently, will return to his alma mater as head basketball coach this year.

From Mlive.com:

For more than 20 years, Tory Jackson found joy on the basketball court.

This year, however, he hopes to find some peace on the sidelines.

Jackson, the former Buena Vista High School and Notre Dame standout, announced Monday that he is retiring from basketball and will take over as the head coach for the Buena Vista boys basketball team.

Jackson is 24.

Check out this new highlight reel of former Mott Community College guard Demetrius “Meechie” Miller at Metro State in Denver.

I never get tired of watching dunks. The University of Detroit is going to be really fun to watch this season.

Saginaw Valley State University head men’s basketball coach Frankie Smith resigned on Monday and the job is already posted. That’s quite an impressive $5,000 salary range. Who wants it?

From HigherEdJobs.com:

To develop, promote and supervise all facets of the University’s Men’s Basketball program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure that all relevant institutional, conference and NCAA rules and regulations are followed, including: player eligibility, recruiting efforts, financial aid, practice schedules, etc.
• Promote a positive academic environment and encourage all athletes to strive for academic excellence.
• Prepare and execute practice and game plans, strategies and alternatives which are designed to bring success to the program.
• Provide moral support and encouragement and ensure the safety and well-being of student athletes.
• Establish and maintain community contacts which enhance the program.
• Assist with the purchase, maintenance and inventory of uniforms and equipment.
• Direct and manage the recruiting efforts of the program within the financial limits of Athletic Assistance Grants.
• Provide supervision of program staff, including hiring, training, performance review and staff meetings.
• Promote in a positive manner the enhancement and growth of summer camps through recruitment, promotions, supervision and operation.
• Serve on committees which promote or pertain to the basketball program or student athletes.
• Prepare and manage the program operating budget.
• Work with the Strength & Conditioning Coach in designing the strength and conditioning program you want implemented for your team.
• Establish and maintain a positive relationship with media.
• Maintain appropriate communications with student athletes and parents.
• Assist in the planning of banquets, fund raising efforts and other activities which promote the program.
• Manage travel arrangements for the team.

Minimum Qualifications:MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor degree.
• Five years of collegiate basketball coaching experience.

Preferred Qualifications:RELATED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to project a positive and professional image in pressure situations.
• Ability to provide leadership to student athletes and staff.
• Physical and mental ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodations.

Additional Information: Salary range $75,000 – $80,000 to commensurate experience