Tag: Michigan State

GR’s Top 10: #5 Drew Neitzel

#5: Drew Neitzel Wyoming Park 6′2 G

Drew Neitzel graduated from Wyoming Park HS in 2004 as the All-Time leading scorer (2,462) and in assists (692). He was named Mr. Basketball in Michigan, Class B Player of the Year and named to the Parade All-American 4th Team following his senior season.

He would go on to play for Tom Izzo at Michigan State the next year, playing in 33 games and starting 14 of the last 15 games for the Spartans. Named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, he would help the Spartans reach the Final Four at Ford Field in nearby Detroit. Over the next three years, Neitzel would

become the starting PG for Izzo and be named to the All-Big Ten First Team in his junior year. Neitzel is the Spartans career leader in FT% (.866) and is among the leaders in assists (4th, 582), 3-point field goals made (3rd, 273) and 3-point field-goal attempted (3rd, 684), and points (14th, 1,534).

After being undrafted during the 2009 NBA Draft, Neitzel agreed to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves’ summer league team. After stints in Germany, Portland(summer league) and France, Drew was added to the Dallas Mavericks training camp roster.

Currently, Neitzel is the analyst for the radio broadcast of the Grand Rapids Drive of the NBADL.

Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

GR’s Top 10: #9 Lee Lafayette

#9 Lee Lafayette, GR South High

Lee Lafayette was born in Pointe Coupee, Louisianna but played basketball in Grand Rapids at South High in the mid-60’s. “The Tree” was a 6-6 forward/center with guard-like skills who led South High to a 25-3 record and two City League championships before graduating in 1965. He was named to the Detroit Free Press All-State Class A First Team in both 1964 and 1965. He once scored 54 in a game in 1964. South High School is the alma mater of US President Gerald R. Ford and singer Al Green, who graduated the year following Lafayette. South High opened in 1914 and was closed in 1968. The building now houses the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center.Lafayette went on to play at Michigan State from 1966-1969 averaging 16.8 points and 10.2 rebounds.

In 1969, Lee was drafted by the San Francisco Warriors in the 4th Round of the NBA Draft, but never played in the League.