MLive Detroit boys basketball preview: Top players to watch in 2013-14 season

Detroit Consortium sophomore Josh Jackson is considered one of the best players in the state of Michigan. (Jared Purcell | japurcell@mlive.com)

Here is a look at some key boys basketball performers in the Metro Detroit area that should spend some time in the spotlight this winter.

RELATED: Check out the top Metro Detroit boys basketball teams to watch for this winter

Metro Detroit's Top 5 Players to Watch:

Joshua Jackson, So., Forward - Detroit Consortium

Jackson may only be a sophomore but he is widely considered the best player in the entire state - and with good cause. After averaging 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and four blocks per game last season, the 6-foot-7, 185-pound Jackson should take in plenty of the spotlight this season. Already with offers from Memphis, Louisville, Ohio State and Oregon, expect Jackson's numbers continue to grow after Vince Hunter has graduated.

Detroit Country Day senior point guard Edmond Sumner. (Jared Purcell | japurcell@mlive.com)

Edmond Sumner, Sr., Guard - Detroit Country Day (Xavier)

Sumner had a great season last year, shooting 48-percent from the field while averaging 16 points per game. Signed with Xavier, Sumner is one of the state's top recruits in the class of 2014. Having his college decision taken care of, Sumner can focus on being the leader of a Country Day team with a new coach and a talented but inexperienced team. He is still thin at 6-foot-3 and 160-pounds but he is not afraid to attack and weave his way through a defense.

Darrell Davis, Sr., Guard - Detroit Douglass (Dayton)

It is expected to be a big year for Detroit Douglass, and 6-foot-4, 170-pound Davis is a big reason why. Averaging 18 points last year, Davis has a nose for the basket and can score from anywhere on the floor and keeping opposing defenses off balance.

Yante Maten, Sr., Center - Bloomfield Hills

Maten is the top talent on a very experienced Bloomfield Hills roster. His 6-foot-8, 210-pound frame is a handful for any defense to handle. Maten will likely be attracting the attention of many colleges as he powers through his senior season. Maten averaged 18 points and 19 rebounds last season and is the top talent coming out of the OAA this winter.

Justin Tillman, Sr., Forward - Detroit Pershing (Virginia Commonwealth)

Signed with VCU, Tillman leads a very talented roster. His rangy 6-foot-8, 175 pound frame averaged a double-double last season, despite spending a good portion of it in a medical boot. Now fully healthy, Tillman is going to be a force this season and a sure-fire nominee for the Mr. Basketball award.

GUARDS

Name, grade, school (College/University committed to)

Maceo Baston, Sr., Country Day

Ja’Christian Biles, Sr., Oak Park

Drew Cushingberry, Sr., Romeo

Mory Diane, Sr., Detroit Pershing (Buffalo)

Bakari Evelyn, Jr., Southfield Christian

Leonard Harper-Baker Jr., Sr., Detroit Southeastern

Josh McFoley, Jr., Mt. Clemens

Devon Stewart, Sr., Wyandotte Roosevelt

Akhemji Williams, Sr., Rochester Adams

Cassius Winston, So., U-D Jesuit

FORWARDS

Jordan Armstrong, Jr., Mt. Clemens

Daryl Bigham, Sr., Detroit Southeastern

Aaron Foster-Smith, Sr., Taylor Truman (Detroit)

Kelvon Fuller, So., Oak Park

Mar’Qywell Jackson, Sr., Detroit East English Village Prep

Jordan Nobles, Canton (Eastern Mich.)

CENTERS

Frank DeVos, Sr., Macomb L’Anse Creuse North

Kenny Goins, Sr., Warren Mott

Jeron Rogers, Jr., North Farmington

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