The final evaluation period of the summer for college basketball coaches wrapped up Sunday afternoon.
Central Michigan coach Andy Bronkema and his staff did all they could to get St. Laurence’s Markese Peoples on campus immediately. The big-bodied guard, who became one of the hotter prospects in the state over the course of the spring and summer, didn’t hesitate, taking an official visit on Monday.
Peoples arrived in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, at noon, spent the day watching practice, touring the campus and facilities and hanging out with the team before his departure Tuesday morning. It was all he needed to see.
“They made me feel like a priority,” said Peoples, who committed to the Mid-American Conference school on Tuesday. “The fit and opportunity was perfect for me. They made me feel at home. I bonded with the team. There is a team culture there. I liked how the staff operated, and I loved the school.”
Word started to spread this spring about the St. Laurence guard and how much he had improved. While he was fresh off a season where he put up 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists a game, he still remained somewhat of an unknown.
There were questions regarding his position at the next level and overall offensive game. But his productive play with Young and Reckless on the club basketball circuit in April and May started to generate more interest.
The devastation Peoples causes with the ball in his hands, due to the punishing power he plays with in getting to the basket, became his calling card. The 6-2 guard is the type of player who puts an entire transition defense in panic mode, often attacking and finishing at the rim through helpless defenders.
Defenses couldn’t stay in front of him or keep him out of the paint. As a result, he kept producing, scoring the ball in bunches.
“They want to use me in a similar way, telling me they want me to be aggressive, get in the paint and use my strengths,” Peoples said of his future college coaches.
Peoples carried that spring momentum into June with St. Laurence. He led the Vikings in scoring and to a 8-0 record during the two big “live” weekend events at Riverside-Brookfield and Ridgewood. That led to several mid-major offers, including one from Central Michigan in mid-June. He then finished off a strong summer with big performances again in July with Young and Reckless.
“The biggest thing with Markese is he took it upon himself to get in better shape,” St. Laurence coach Roshawn Russell said of his star guard. “That led to improved athleticism, becoming quicker at both ends of the floor. That allowed him to go to another level and it really became a separator for him.”
Russell points out that Peoples is the type of player who brings those around him together, which is another added plus for the Central Michigan basketball program.
“Markese is a gem,” Russell said. “Everyone enjoys playing with him. He has charisma while wanting what’s best for everyone. If you are someone who doesn’t enjoy playing with him or coaching him, then the problem is probably with you.”