Your World Champs; as MKE Area Prospects
We did it. After a half-century hiatus, the Milwaukee Bucks have made it to the mountaintop of the Sports World by winning the 2021 NBA CHAMPIONSHIP. What this means for the city of Milwaukee simply cannot be put into words. In complete transparency; I cried. Tears of Joy. I was emotional for a week straight and still feel like I’m dreaming. As a lifelong native of the city; a kid who remembers the Warehouse Shoes on Oakland that served as the canvas for the larger than life mural of Ray Allen; the George Karl ‘Friends Of Hoop’ AAU programs; I’m from the free tickets from community orgs because we couldn’t give tickets away fast enough era of the MKE Bucks. A peak that seen the league pull a fast one on our ‘Original Big 3’ of Sam Cassell, Ray Allen, and Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson in the 2001 ECF. Since then it’s been 20 long years of disappointing draft picks, 20 years of being the laughing stock of facilities and front office personnel + moves and nearly losing our franchise to Seattle. But we persevere. We took the stairs and deserve all the triumph that is coming our way.
To appreciate this championship is to really understand the fabric and DNA of the city. I wanted to have some fun; an implant to the city wouldn’t be able to provide this insight. I imagined if this Championship roster were High School prospects in the Milwaukee area; what programs would they play for and why that particular prep program prepared them for their Championship role and run this year.
Justin Jackson | Menomonee Falls - Jackson was a key contributor on UNC’s 2017 net-cutting run. A lengthy wing player who seems to fit the 3 & D specialist mold; reminds me of a particular high flying wing from Falls who found himself playing at Chapel Hill (J.P Tokoto). Falls is actually sending another exciting guard to NC in Seth Trimble. No need to go against the “pipeline” here; Falls fans are excited to see Jackson develop into an McDonald’s All American performer out in Menomonee Falls.
Mamadi Diakite | Nicolet - Believe it or not Nicolet just boasted one of the most talented prep teams in Wisconsin history. With the likes of The Johnson Brothers; Jalen who is fresh off his first round NBA selection to the Hawks after a shortened 1-and- done career at Duke and younger brother Kobe is on his way to USC; and with wings/forwards Jamari Sibley (Georgetown) and James Graham III (Maryland); Nicolet became a powerhouse and brought a particular swagger and national attention to the Northshore that was more than refreshing. Mamadi although not as ‘sexy’ as a contributor; I believe he will carve out a high energy rim running/rim protection role; right now it’s more the smile, the dyed hair and infectious energy that makes Mamadi a perfect candidate to walk through the gym doors at Nicolet to build on that momentum.
Sam Merrill | Brookfield Central - We didn’t get a chance to see much from Merrill this season. But the report is a deadly shooter both off the catch and off the dribble. Can you imagine Merrill paired with recent Brookfield Central standout Riley LaChance (Vanderbilt) putting on their best splash brothers impersonation on Wisconsin’s prep landscape?
Jordan Nwora | Dominican - Looking at this roster it seems that Jordan Nwora is the one player expected to take the biggest leap and crack meaningful rotation minutes next season. Those lofty expectations have to be honed at a program known for elite coaching and a history of developing players that can put it on their backs and get it done. Dominican has a rich history of this; spanning across multiple positions as well. J.R. Blount (Loyola), Kwamaine Mitchell (St.Louis) were lead guards who laid the pedigree; decorated duo Duane Wilson (Marquette / Texas A&M) and Diamond Stone (Maryland) as well as the two younger Antetokounmpo brothers have all made huge contributions to their rich history and Jordan would come in and do the same. My guess is Jordan would lead Dominican to adding yet another Division 4 Gold Ball to their school’s trophy case.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo | Marquette High - With the known family connection to Dominican (younger brothers Alex & Kostas both spent their prep career at Whitefishbay Dominican) it seemed like a no brainer to connect the eldest Antetokounmpo brother there as well but being the oldest means setting a different tone and that is why Thanisis lands at Marquette High. Mainly because his role with the team resembles the standout football or wrestling star at the school who just earns an important role on the basketball team out of pure toughness and freak athletic ability. Not saying that is the only prospects Marquette produces but wherever Thanisis would spend his prep career must also have a Lacrosse team. It’s pretty obvious his main responsibility is keep younger brother Giannis upright and feared; Thanasis earns his reputation at MU while also starring in wrestling, or football, or lacrosse, or all the above.
Bryn Forbes | Milwaukee North - This may come as a shocker but in recent years Milwaukee North has hung its hat on premier undersized guards who can fill it up. Think David Hamilton and Darryl Riley of the mid 2010’s. May have to spend more time hiding Bryn on defense as a pro; but Bryn feels comfortable being the City Conference’s hidden gem while more than likely leading the state in scoring; because that is what the Blue Devils do; play to their skilled players strengths and Bryn puts on an offensive show nightly in that yellow ass gym.
Jeff Teague | Milwaukee Riverside - Teague’s best playing days came as an Atlanta Hawk when coach Bud was leading those ATL teams deep into the playoffs. It’s honorable to reconnect with his Point Guard in a reserved role and get each other over the hump. But let’s not forget just how good Jeff Teague was in his prime; a shifty lead guard, speed and change of direction kept defenders off balance; deceivingly strong to be able to finish in a lot of different ways at the rim. There’s a collection of lead / combo scoring guards that came from Riverside that fit that pedigree; James Batemon (Loyola Marymount), Carlos Curtis (East Tennessee State), Tyrone Gordon (South Dakota State), and my personal favorite; the OG Ricky Franklin (UW-Milwaukee). With athletic wings at his disposal, Jeff keeps Riverside hoops alive for a few years before heading to Wake Forest.
Donte DiVincenzo | Milwaukee Hamilton - I can hear it ringing loudly through every city conference gym, “White Donte”. He fits during the Tom Diener run; a good collection of top tier players found their way to Hamilton during a high level run; Kevon Looney (UCLA/2xNBA Champion), Trae Jefferson (Texas Southern), Elgin Cook (Oregon), Danya Kingsby (Bradley), Darnell Harris (Mid Tennessee State) to name a few. Donte DiVencenzo elects to bring his do it all talents to Milwaukee’s south side to sharpen his skills for the Wildcats.
Pat Connaughton | Germantown - Germantown is as tough as they come. No stranger to taking the heralded trip upstate to the WIAA State Tournament; I can recall two consecutive trips in ‘08 & ‘09 before 3-peating as champions from ‘12 - ’14 behind a loaded roster that featured Luke Fischer (Marquette) Lamonte Bearden (Buffalo) and the Showalter brothers. The legend of Zak Showalter dominating in an athletic fashion before going on to have a solid career contributing for the WI Badgers is a very comparable play style to key contributing rotation piece in Pat Connaughton. Easily a fan favorite as it was a beauty to see this Germantown dynasty; Pat would fit here perfectly forming one of the most athletic white backcourts in the country if Pat and Zak crossed paths at the same time.
Bobby Portis | Milwaukee Vincent - Bobby fits the mold; blue collar, hard worker, very team oriented; so much so that it confuses some. Bobby bet on himself and took less money to join our organization; and shocked the world when he decided to re-up for another championship run when we all know financially greener pastures were elsewhere. That’s the same dedication and selflessness that Coach Tom Diener required when Vincent was producing state level teams year in and year out. “Dawgs.” yes; but at the same time versatile bigs with wing skillsets that can keep on the floor as a matchup nightmare. Carl and Marcus Landry (Purdue & Wisconsin respectively) James Wright, Greg Brown have a unique brotherhood that they invite Bobby Portis into; he feels right at home at the Vincent Fieldhouse before becoming a McDonald’s All American. That selfless trait is embraced by VIncent Viking players; because so many of the stars that came through their program both with Diener at the helm and after; all could secure larger roles and responsibilities if they chose to go elsewhere and took what some would call the ‘easier’ route. Not for Bobby.
P.J Tucker | Milwaukee Washington - The heart, soul, and toughness of a championship roster is usually rooted in a type of toughness that can only be developed and honed in the heart of Sherman Park. City Conference teams making the trip to Madison for the state tourney is a feat in itself and Washington is no stranger to that grind. The home of former NBA All-Star Latrell Sprewell, one of the toughest to ever lace them up; but also in more modern times have seen Michael Foster (NBA G League) and former Conference POY Deontay Long team up for back to back state runs. Milwaukee Washington is the perfect backdrop for PJ Tucker’s iconic 1-and done championship run. The whole town would be salivating to see what kicks the sneaker king would pull out each night for Purgolder Purple & Gold.
Brook Lopez | Brown Deer - The history and legacy of BD’s basketball program begins with larger than life legend Steve Novak who went on to have a decorated run at Marquette U before spending time as one of the NBA’s premier sharp shooters. Towering frame; that have committed to becoming a dead-eye shooter. Brook follows in those same steps; an even more dominating and towering frame with a shot just as sweet is exactly why BD fans fall in love with Brook here. The unique sense of humor that Brook showcases whether he is clowning his twin brother or spewing ‘Step Brother’ type randomness into the air is appreciated just as much as his pick n pop shooting or rim protection.
Jrue Holiday | Milwaukee Rufus King - Let’s be honest; if you have the perceived “IT” factor; or there are extreme expectations around a particular player; more chances than not that player makes their name at Rufus King. The epitome of a big shoes to fill type program; Mike Wilks (Rice/NBA), the undisputed GOAT of his era Dupree Fletcher, Troy Cotton (UW-Green Bay), Mitchell Carter (South Carolina / UW-Milwaukee), Jordan Poole (Michigan / NBA), Korie Lucious (Michigan State / Iowa State) are a few names that may resonate depending on your age. But there is no such thing as a down year at King; there is a different standard and you can feel it in the air. Jrue understands the call and the commitment that is displayed on the defensive end of the ball is a requirement if you wear the Royal & Gold. After flirting with the title with a few legitimate runs over the years, they haven’t been able to get over the hump in quite some time. In four swings I think Jrue brings a gold ball back to 18th & Olive.
Khris Middleton | Milwaukee Bay View - Many can argue that Milwaukee Bay View is one of the more underrated programs in the city. Often overshadowed by some of the other guys (Washington / King / Vincent ); whenever there seems to be a ‘down year’, Bay View is usually at the top of the standings. As a unit they produce hard nose kids that know they’re going to be overlooked pretty much. Many can argue that Khris Middleton is one of the more underappreciated players on the planet. The narrative was that his athleticism limits his access to elitism; he’s not a legitimate #2; it was obvious that his limitations would ultimately be the reason we’d lose out on Giannis. Sometimes lightning strikes these overlooked kids end up being the best out there; the legend of Dwight Buycks (Marquette) , Shane Woods, & Johnny Lacy was a scary sight to see for anybody. Khris Middleton embodies that spirit at Bay View making them a dangerous team to match up against.
Giannis “GREEK FREAK” Antetokounmpo | Wauwatosa EAST - No disrespect to Dominican; but Whitefish Bay simply isn’t big enough for the aura that surrounds Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis wants a state title; but he definitely wants a Division 1 state title; Dominican can’t make that happen for Giannis so he buckles down at Wauwatosa EAST and does what he’s destined to do as a Red Raider. They got it done in 2008 behind Tony Walls, Brice Powell, and Eric Williams and just recently sealing the deal as D-1 State champs in 2021. That is the pedigree that Giannis seeks out; he joins an elite company of Jerry Smith (Louisville), Tony Smith (Marquette / NBA) and Devin Harris (Wisconsin / NBA) as the greatest ball players in Red Raider history.
