The Gatorade State Boys Basketball Players of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 fall season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

For the complete list of Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Cassius Winston

THE BASICS

School: University of Detroit Jesuit (Detroit, Mich.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Point guard
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 180 pounds

Athletic achievement: At the time of his selection, he had led the Cubs to a 24-0 record and a berth in the Class A regional final. Winston averaged 23.6 points, 6.7 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting 87 percent from the free throw line through 24 games. A 2016 Michigan Mr. Basketball finalist and a 2016 Jordan Brand Classic game invitee, he has helped University of Detroit Jesuit to a No. 6 ranking in the USA TODAY Super 25 Expert Rankings.

Academic excellence: Winston has maintained a 3.56 GPA.

Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally on behalf of a soup kitchen and as a peer mentor and in association with the Black Awareness Society for Education.

THE PRAISE

“Cassius Winston has revitalized our basketball program,” said University of Detroit Jesuit High head coach Patrick Donnelly. “He is a tireless worker that is constantly looking to perfect his craft. His leadership skills are second to none.”

THE FUTURE: Winston has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on scholarship at Michigan State University this fall.