Hoops Recruitin' Battles with the Big Boys
So I’ll be around MGoBlog in an official capacity with scouting analysis and recruiting updates. Brian and company were gracious enough to bring me aboard and I’m fortunate to work with an excellent crew. Hopefully they can tolerate me for the foreseeable future. I’m not the most charismatic guy around, so that’s it for the intro stuff. Let’s get to actual recruiting news.
Since being hired in May, Coach Howard has not shied away from direct battles with the likes of Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky and Kansas. While that approach has yet to produce a commit, it hasn’t served as a deterrent despite a few prospects coming off the board to the aforementioned pool. With multiple prospects slated to visit Ann-Arbor over the next month and the early signing period during November, the early results will be in soon.
Holding Steady
Michigan is in solid position for 2020 five-star combo guard Nimari Burnett after hosting the Chicago native for an official visit two weeks ago. He recently dropped Louisville from his final five. A collective gasp ensued when news broke that Memphis would conduct an in-home visit last week. Burnett promptly said thanks, but no thanks, to Penny Hardaway and staff. In the aftermath, the entire Michigan staff was on hand for a September 17th home visit. A longstanding relationship with Howard, opportunity for early playing time, and the desired on-ball role are all factors in favor of the Maize and Blue.
Oregon was originally scheduled to receive an official visit last weekend, but that has been pushed back to October 26. Alabama, perhaps the stiffest competition to Michigan, will host Nimari and family in Tuscaloosa this weekend for an official visit. As of now, the plan is to wait until December-January to make a commitment.
[Hit THE JUMP for more battles against blue-bloods.]
On to the Next One
With Walker Kessler off the board to UNC, the Wolverines are likely to intensify pursuit of Top-40 overall center Hunter Dickinson. The DMV area big man made his way to campus for an early September official and came away with praise for Howard’s approach.
“I think I’d met him in person twice but being able to really talk to him and get to know him was cool,” Dickinson said. “He’s honest and he’s not a salesman. He’s got a really good personality. He loves his school too.”
Dickinson said he’s been a fan of Howard “for a while,” especially since watching ESPN’s Fab Five documentary a few years back. “I always thought it was cool what they did and how they did it at Michigan,” Dickinson said.
In addition to Howard, Dickinson said the strength and conditioning program “really stood out.”
“The strength coach really knew what he was talking about,” Dickinson said. “It was one of the better visits that I’ve had, I’d say. It gives me a lot to think about with it being the first official of my senior year.”
A final 7 composed of Michigan along with Purdue, Notre Dame, Louisville, Providence, North Carolina and Florida State seems less daunting with UNC likely out of the race with the Kessler commitment. Dickson visited Florida State last weekend and may cut his list to five in the coming weeks.
“I want to narrow it down as much as I can,” Dickinson said. “I will probably cut it before I make a decision; maybe to five if not more. I’ll do that in the new few weeks. I don’t really have a timeframe for a decision right now. I’ll just take these visits and go from there. I would say Michigan set a high bar for the visits. I had a good time there.”
Kessler has a visit scheduled to Purdue for October 19th, and the expectation is he will make a decision during the early signing period.
Top-30 VA center Mark Williams recently cut his list to Duke, Michigan, Ohio State, Stanford, and UCLA. With Duke losing Kessler to UNC, you can expect Coach K to put the full-court press on Williams. Duke already controlled the crystal ball prior to the Kessler news, and insider tea leaves seem to indicate Williams to Durham is the safe bet.
More 2020 Visitors on Deck
Michigan is set to host consensus 5-star Isaiah Todd and Top-50 wing Moses Moody for official visits this weekend.
See you next week Michigan ...
— Isaiah Todd (@zaytodd) September 19, 2019
Todd has a final five of Kansas, Kentucky, Memphis, Michigan and North Carolina. Kentucky is the presumed favorite here and has made the wing/forward a priority.
“It definitely showed me that they [Kentucky] really want me and made me feel special,” Todd said. “To come to me on the first day was big. Not to say that if the other schools didn’t come today that they don’t feel the same way. It was just cool to see them.”
While Michigan is in tough against the bluest of bluebloods, you simply do not pass up the opportunity to host a prospect of Todd’s caliber. A puncher’s chance is the expectation here, with Howard’s personality and NBA resume hopefully making an impression.
Moody has Michigan alongside original home-state Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Ohio State, Oregon and USC. With Kansas facing potential sanctions and Ohio State possibly out of room with the commitment of top-100 wing Eugene Brown, the Wolverines may be able to make up a ton of ground here despite being late to the offer party. Moody doesn’t necessarily possess the physical tools or skill set often seen from typical one-and-dones, and the crystal ball indicates this one may be wide open.
A source indicates Ohio State and Oregon are out of the picture, leaving the two SEC schools as Michigan's main competition.
File These Under Unlikely
Michigan made the final five for VA forward Henry Coleman in early August. After a home-visit from Duke on September 16, the top-40 forward immediately set a 9/27 announcement date. This will end the way we think it will.
Composite five-star guard Jaden Springer made an official visit to Ann Arbor in late August and subsequently placed the good guys in a final three. But it has become universally accepted the physically developed guard will ultimately choose Tennessee, as evidenced by 100% of the crystal picks in favor of the Volunteers.
Howard hasn’t really prioritized Waterford Mott F/C Isaiah Jackson. Assistant Coach Saddi Washington dropped in on the top-40 prospect a few weeks back, but Alabama, Kentucky and Syracuse are the programs most heavily involved here, with Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide the current favorite.
Josh Christopher is another five-star type that listed Michigan in a top five list. Kentucky recently broke up with the CA guard after the Terrance Clarke commitment, which would presumably place Michigan in a better position considering the remaining options. Not so fast, with his brother at Arizona State and family on staff at Missouri. It looks like UCLA may be the landing spot.
The Not So Distant Future
After talking to Coach Howard I’m blessed to be offered by The University of Michigan I will also be adding them to my final list of schools! #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/sN31M4g85I
— Paolo (Paul-Oh) (@Pp_doesit) September 21, 2019
Michigan offered 2021 WA five-star Paolo Banchero on Saturday, and immediately entered his top ten (previously a top nine). While that is certainly noteworthy, both of his parents were former athletes at Washington. In tandem with the other nine finalists, this one probably won’t gain much traction.
Howard was in for NV guard Jaden Hardy last Thursday and extended a scholarship offer. Originally from the Detroit area, the top-ten prospect is originally a 2020 that reclassified upon his brother’s (Amuari Hardy) commitment to UNLV in 2017. History has it that the elder Hardy reached out to Michigan about their possible interest under then-coach John Beilein while still a HS prospect, but nothing serious materialized. It will be interesting to see how this recruitment unfolds on many fronts. Will Hardy reclass back to 2020? Is Michigan working with a clean slate under a new regime?
Fast-rising local products Jaden Akins and Kobe Bufkin were both on campus for the Army game.
September 24th, 2019 at 10:52 AM ^
Jumping in with an MSU question!
Did MSU stop recruiting Jackson? I heard a while back he was a long shot after seemingly being close to Watts and Terry. Could that have anything to do with playing at SPIRE? With Watts needing an extra class to get eligible for MSU I wonder what the academics are really like there.
September 24th, 2019 at 11:24 AM ^
Might want to check your coordinates mate.
September 24th, 2019 at 2:20 PM ^
He/she has been a respectful and intelligent poster in the past. Nothing wrong with the question posed.
September 25th, 2019 at 6:02 AM ^
There's nothing WRONG with it in terms of ethics or discourse. It was a fair ask and nicely done. Just not very mindful of place. Like asking bystanders how to get from North Campus to the Big House, when you're in San Antonio.
September 24th, 2019 at 10:52 AM ^
On Todd, fwiw unc 247 site says despite the visits to unc, he will not be going there. Supposedly he is just friends with some unc players. I have also read from some reputable people that uk is not a factor for todd(calipari has yet visit him during this eval period). Memphis insiders also say the communication between Todd and the coaching staff has been lukewarm. Of Todd’s final 5, juwan and self are the only coaches to do in homes. With kus ncaa issues, um’s biggest competition there could be overseas(word is Todd is heavily considering that).
September 24th, 2019 at 10:54 AM ^
My hope is JayGup comes along and brings his buddy Jalen Green with him! *fingers crossed*
September 24th, 2019 at 11:50 AM ^
Certainly wouldn't get my hopes up here.
September 24th, 2019 at 6:15 PM ^
One can dream ?...but do you think Christopher at least follows through with his visit?
September 24th, 2019 at 10:59 AM ^
Juwan is going to unlock Chicago which should be exceptionally fertile ground. Lots of Chicago's best have been going to the big powers or random one offs - hardly any of them are going Big Ten as Illinois has totally botched recruitment efforts there.
It's the most basketball-rich talent base in the country and Juwan will own it.
September 24th, 2019 at 12:00 PM ^
I hope you're right but my understanding is that Chicago bball gets dirty, and Michigan won't play that game.
September 24th, 2019 at 12:20 PM ^
Agreed.
September 24th, 2019 at 12:37 PM ^
Traditionally, the money flowed to certain individuals that would then grant access to the players. That was the Chicago method. I don't think Juwan needs that to get the access and could be the one guy that could break through it.
September 24th, 2019 at 1:09 PM ^
Again, I hope you're right, but that means someone isn't getting the money they otherwise think they deserve. So they'll get it elsewhere.
September 24th, 2019 at 4:10 PM ^
So every high level player that comes out of Chicago was paid by the school he went too? What game is it Michigan won't play?
September 24th, 2019 at 4:39 PM ^
Yeah, I'm not sure I'm ready for the irony of a Fab Five member possibly being involved in the less savory side of Chicago recruiting.
September 24th, 2019 at 2:00 PM ^
I think the FBI trial should let you know about the random one offs.
Chicago is dirty. Plain and simple.
September 24th, 2019 at 4:12 PM ^
Wasn't the basic message of the FBI trial that this is an agent and shoe brand thing more than a school thing?
September 24th, 2019 at 9:23 PM ^
A lot of it, yes. But a lot of those "one off" schools were offering more than the big schools.
September 24th, 2019 at 11:13 AM ^
Man, I hope we can land 1 of these guys. Seems like Burnett is our best hope and some national guys on 247 think he is heading to Bama.
September 24th, 2019 at 11:15 AM ^
big ups for having matt D join mgoblog in an official capacity!
September 24th, 2019 at 11:52 AM ^
Thanks, much appreciated.
September 24th, 2019 at 11:36 AM ^
Do you think that Dickinson contributes much in a first year if he comes to M, Matt? Glad you're becoming a regular here.
September 24th, 2019 at 11:52 AM ^
Thanks. And yes. A legit 7 footer that is physically developed, with good hands, soft touch and a lethal jumphook over the right shoulder is very likely to be Day 1 contributor at the college level.
September 24th, 2019 at 1:33 PM ^
Especially under Howard. This is like, melt in your mouth kind of goodness
September 24th, 2019 at 4:33 PM ^
This is one i disagree with you on. Howard will have to put a lot of work in with him, but this type of player/skillset is probably most like how Howard played. You cannot teach 'frame' though, and this kid is huge.
I don't think he contributes much at all early though.
September 24th, 2019 at 6:09 PM ^
He looks awkward, like he assumed his present form yesterday. But his passing and shooting--at least as featured in the video--are quite accomplished. That's why I was curious about Matt's opinion.
September 25th, 2019 at 4:59 PM ^
Theres rumblings Notre dame and Purdue are now out for Dickinson, have you heard anything Matt d?
September 24th, 2019 at 11:45 AM ^
I'm excited about the future of Michigan Basketball with Juwan Howard leading the way.
Beyond his track record as a player and assistant coach, I really love his joy and enthusiasm.
He can be a great ambassador for Michigan.
September 24th, 2019 at 11:46 AM ^
Was anyone else as happy as I was to see a basketball recruiting post on the front page?
I mean, we are a basketball school, right?
September 24th, 2019 at 12:28 PM ^
Wait. I thought we were a baseball school? What did I miss?
September 24th, 2019 at 1:28 PM ^
You missed the call for Backich's firing...
September 24th, 2019 at 11:49 AM ^
This is great! Glad you've joined the staff.
September 24th, 2019 at 11:51 AM ^
Thanks. Definitely excited to be on board with such a great crew that produces quality content for all things Michigan-sports related.
September 24th, 2019 at 11:59 AM ^
Hold me Matt D
September 24th, 2019 at 12:28 PM ^
Good stuff - looking forward to more. Welcome aboard.
September 24th, 2019 at 12:43 PM ^
i'll be interested to see what affect the looming Kansas sanctions will have, assuming that they ended up getting some kind of penalty from the NCAA
September 24th, 2019 at 1:03 PM ^
Great update, Matt. I hope Juwan is also targeting some lower rated players too as backup plans. Without a college track record yet, it has to be a concern with some of the top recruits.
September 24th, 2019 at 1:07 PM ^
Great to have you aboard Matt.
Could you handicap Michigan's chances with Dickenson in your opinion?
September 24th, 2019 at 1:22 PM ^
Almost impossible to speculate at this point, because the Kessler situation just unfolded. Let's see the level of interest put forth by the staff in the coming weeks first. I assume it will certainly increase, but how much remains to be seen.
September 27th, 2019 at 9:47 AM ^
Well why don't you just marry him?
September 24th, 2019 at 1:12 PM ^
I love basketball season! Woo!
September 24th, 2019 at 1:19 PM ^
Matt, do you have any idea what this class may end up looking like? At this point it seems like Michigan isn't on track to fill the 2020 class. Do you think Howard will start putting more offers out there for lower ranked guys if he can't fill the class or do you think he'll just try and save those scholarships for 2021? Also congrats on joining the staff
September 24th, 2019 at 2:32 PM ^
They’ll have to. They have 1 commit for 4 open spots (likely 5 if Davis leaves after his 4th year). Even if you are extremely optimistic that we get 2 from this bunch, they will need at least 1 more spot to fill.
September 24th, 2019 at 8:34 PM ^
I mean Jace Howard is basically a given imo. Don't think he should get a scholarship, but not my choice
September 24th, 2019 at 1:45 PM ^
How far into the season do you guys think we will get the first "Fire Howard" post?
September 24th, 2019 at 2:20 PM ^
Louisville is stacked. I'm guessing we play a not so pretty game against them and it comes out then
September 24th, 2019 at 2:22 PM ^
First loss. Especially if it comes to a mediocre team... Maizen will be in here telling us that Howard sucks at recruiting because he didn't prioritize the only basketball players in the country (you know, the ones that Maizen thinks are 5-starz). After that, somebody will say we over-reached in desperate fashion by grabbing an available non-head coach who needed a job because 'Michigan Man'. Then, some guy will say we foolishly blew off available coaches like Rick Pitino when we could've gotten them for a song.
Other people will complain that Pitino is a scumbag and the school wouldn't touch him. Then more will say they don't care so long as he wins championships.
At this point, Howard's team will win its next game...
September 24th, 2019 at 2:12 PM ^
Thank goodness we have some legit hoop talk!! Can't wait Matt D.
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