[Tim49461Participant]

 The former Mr.Basketball of Michigan is showing his stuff this summer in hopes for a turn around of last season’s perfect storm.  Keith has always been known as a scoring point guard but this summer he is taking his talents to a new level.  According to Tom Izzo on the ESPN interview "Keith is going to one heck of a special player for us next season."  and in a local interview in the Lansing area. Izzo stated "This kid is in the gym everyday working, his ball handling has improved greatly since the season ended.  He is taking what seems like thousands of shots a day.  I dont know about you but is it to early to throw his name in POTY race?"

  Those who are unfamiliar with Keith Appling he came out the heralded Detroit Pershing High.  A scoring machine every time he stepped on the floor.  He became a house hold name in all of Michigan after his 49 point state record game against the insanely athletic Kalamazoo Central Giants.  Keith will be representing the USA in the 19 and under games this summer.  Everyone there is expecting him to provide leadership and shine as one the brighter stars gracing the floor.

  His showing this season wouldn’t have a person considering him to be a future NBA player.  Yet he has one major believer, Tom Izzo.  Keith’s coach is comparing his game to former Michigan State guard Mo Ager.  This praise may not seem high for people unaware of how much Mo Ager was a headache for every coach in the Big Ten trying to stop him.

   From a personal point of view Keith Appling’s game is coming along fast and steady.  The summer pick up games around East Lansing are drawing attention from everyone in the gym.  Keith’s jumpshot is improving everyday and is expected to handle the point until Freshmen guard Trice takes over.  The Spartans will rely heavily on his scoring ability this season.  A logical projection of his stats are 16.1ppg 3.7apg 3.3rpg.  NBA scouts will become to view his as a legit NBA prospect after this season.  I expect him to leave after his Junior season after hearing he has a 1st round lock.

[JNixonParticipant]

Appling is a probably good scorer for Michigan State and should see a huge role increase with Lucas and Summers gone, but he won’t be viewed as a 1st round lock until he shows he’s more of a PG. He’s small at 6’2 175 or 180, and he plays like a tweener guard right now. He could be a spark off someones bench, but he could just as easily be in Europe too. Small guards who score and aren’t PG’s is a niche in the NBA that has a window is getting smaller and smaller.

[Tim49461Participant]

 As I completely agree JNixon.  But his playstyle resembles that of Russell Westbrook.  Now in no way shape or form am I comparing him to Westbrook skill/athletic wise.  But his style of looking to create first and then pass is exactly same.  He has already had his experiene being point. It was clear he was scared playing that position because he is used to looking to score.  

What you have to understand is, look who his coach is.  Kalin Lucas, Travis Walton, Korie Lucious, Drew Neitzel. All came in as non point guards to the program and grew into good if not great point guards.  So you combine Applings ability to score with the teachings of Izzo and you’re looking at one hell of a guard that is being molded right now.

[Author]

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