It could not have happened to a better kid, as Sunnyslope High School's rapidly developing and talented 6-foot-10 senior post prospect Michael Humphrey saw his college recruitment, and even his life ultimately, change in last week's Reebok Breakout Camp in Philadelphia, PA. Humphrey had a monster performance for himself in the annual camp - earning an all-star selection. As a result, Humphrey saw college offers begin to pour in for himself.
Of the five Arizona prospects in participation for the camp last week, no player had more of an impact in the event than Humphrey. In fact, no other prospect in the camp went from complete obscurity to national recognition as Humphrey did.
Top-rated national scout Clark Francis of HoopScoopOnline stated during the event that he believed Humphrey was the top overall sleeper at this year’s camp, and that he plans to give Humphrey his vote for the McDonald's game this year.
Humphrey missed the spring evaluation period as a result of an injury to his thumb, but he returned in super fine fashion for his first event of the 2013 off-season – the Pangos All-American Camp held at Cabrillo High School in Los Angeles, CA. In the event, Humphrey would have a coming-out-party, as he would gain serious national attention for his play in the camp. As a result, Humphrey would receive the vote as the camp’s Sleeper of the Event, and also as the player from the camp that should have received a Top 30 All-Star Game selection – after his performance in the Top 60 All-Star game.
In both the Reebok and Pangos camps, Humphrey would block shots, score the basketball in the paint and from the perimeter, run the floor, rebound hard and finish strong around the rim - showcasing his versatility and productive ability to get a lot done.
While college coaches were not permitted to attend the Pangos All-American Camp, since it was held during the NCAA's dead period, last week's Reebok Camp was flooded with college coaches. As a result of his performance in the event, Humphrey would garner the attenton of many college coaches in attendance and also earn scholarship offers throughout the camp, and after the camp.
Humphrey would reel in scholarship offers from UCLA, Texas, Oklahoma State, Iowa, Virginia, Washington State, Vanderbilt, Oregon, USC, Gonzaga, Tulsa, San Diego, Loyola Marymount, PENN, Utah State, Grand Canyon and Weber State during the Reebok camp, while Indiana, Arizona, Duke, Stanford, Georgia Tech, Miami, Nebraska, San Diego State, UNLV and Notre Dame also look to be nearing scholarship offers soon to the talented post prospect. Humphrey also possesses offers from Nevada, Northern Arizona University and Columbia.
Humphrey has now developed into a long, athletic and very skilled low post talent that is capable of scoring from almost anywhere on the floor. Humphrey has grown physically a full 3 inches over the past year of high school – an intriguing attribute which shows that he is still growing a great deal. His fluidity as a player is most intriguing as he is able to make plays from the post or from the wing position, and out to three-point distance. Humphrey possesses a sweet shooting stroke with a soft touch and also has nice footwork inside the painted area, where he also has a nice jump hook and gets off the floor quite easily. Humphrey dunks the basketball with ease and is able to finish strong over defenders in the paint, an aspect of his game that will only continue to strengthen for him as he adds more size and strength to his thin frame.
Humphrey is also an excellent shot blocker with excellent length and very good timing. He keeps balls in play and is capable of playing much bigger than his size suggests. He also runs the floor like a guard and is a very good finisher in transition.
As a member of the state’s very loaded 2014 junior class, Humphrey is one prospect that has flown well below the recruiting radar until now. Look for Humphrey to continue to develop a great deal over the next year.
Humphrey is such a great kid with an infectious smile and a humble attitude that you want him to do well. In an age where so many kids have a ridiculous sense of entitlement, Humphrey is the exception. His sheer improvement as a player has come from his hard work and dedication to the game of basketball. He does not cheat the sport with a lack of intensity and selfishness, but rather plays hard and seems to always be enjoying his craft.
Humphrey was previously selected as our 2013 Arizona Preps Most Improved Player of the Year. Humphrey developed into one of the state’s most gifted post prospects last season.
Humphrey will finish his summer while playing for his club program, the Arizona Magic Elite. Humphrey will travel with his team to the Great American Shootout in Texas (July 17-21) and then finish off the month in Vegas at the Fab 48 (July 24-28).
Humphrey is also an impressive student and carries a 4.6 CUM GPA. Humphrey has never finished with less than an A grade since entering high school. An impressive student-athlete with loads of potential.
