Moritz Wagner: Current Coach and Teammate Endorsements
Nice writeup from the Daily with quotes from Wagner's coach at Alba Berlin, who says that Moritz will be ready for the NBA Draft in two years:
“I predict two years for him, to achieve even a good position in the NBA draft,” said Alba Berlin coach Saša Obradović following his team’s 78-74 win over the Phoenix Hagen on April 15.
Also quotes from Wagner teammate and former Villanova player Reggie Redding, who played in the 2009 Final Four:
“I think (Wagner’s) going to have to make some adjustments, because learning how to play over (in Europe) is a little different than how they play back in the states. But he’s got the skill, he’s got the attitude and the hunger to be good so I think it’ll happen pretty quickly for him.”
http://michigandaily.com/sports/wagner%E2%80%99s-coach-teammates-endorse-his-commitment-michigan
Often agree with your comments Erik in Dayton, and certainly do so here. My hope is for Wagner to provide us a season that is a mix of the good things we saw from Chatman (flashes of so much more), MAAR (some big contributions in big games), and Dawkins (consitent improvement and good 3 point shooting). Wagner's not going to be in the top 6 or 7 core rotation but he could be a fringe player who provides a bench spark before stepping into a bigger role in '16-17.
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Haha, I wonder how much that quote is based on what he expects of Wagner vs. knowing that Beilein like to focus on a player's shot and defense in year 1 and then creating shots for themselves and others in year 2. Of course it's the former, but the thought is amusing.
Those aren't exactly ringing endorsements... And personally I wasn't that impressed with his film. His shot is very slow and he's going to be playing against much better athletes who will block those shots in the US. I do fully trust Beilein though so I'm sure he'll whip him into shape.
fans and players for the last 30 years. . . as the NBA filled up with players from around the world.
Yes, 'he'll be in the NBA in 2 years' IS a ringing endorsement, at least where most of us are concerned.
I mean, the talent is just better here plain and simple. Obviously many European guys do well here and he's a very good player, but even his own teammate says he has to change his game, and if you watch his film there's no way you can argue against his shot taking a long time to get off.
Every freshman has to adjust when they get to college. That's not something unique to Mortiz. The bigger adjustment will be in terminology and style of play IMO. Not in terms of quality of competition since most players deal with that, though admittedly maybe not as stark as his but there's still an adjustment from high school/AAU to one of the best conferences in the country.
Wagner's sounds high compared to HS.
Wagner's sounds high compared to HS.
yeah most guys are playing for milk money in euro, its def a different game. its not nba but theyre still pros. the styles different, as is the culture / attitude.
and while dudes know how to play the game, majority of the athletes lack the upside and elite potential of major high school and aau ballers here. but comparable enough.
the main difference will be those years when like 4-5 big ten teams have legit pro prospects on the wing - his game must be refined (and physically ready) when dueling 10-12 times per year vs great athletes with bounce.
havent seen him play but im sure his individual game will require adjustment, just as he must adapt to different culture and style of play (but something all freshmen must do when jumping levels)
Speed of the shot can be addressed and is not as big of a deal when you're 6'9". That's more important for guards. GRIII's shot wasn't quick by any means and he never struggled to get it off. College coaches help guys adjust their shots all the time and Beilein is one of the best at that. Just look at how Stauskas quickened his release from year 1 to year 2. Very noticeable. I wouldn't worry about it.
that getting shots off fast is more important for guards vs. forwards. I'm impressed with Wagner's coordination and agility, so I think Coach B and staff will help him make great strides.
April 19th, 2015 at 11:56 PM ^
How many guys are going to be blocking his jump shot? Sure, around the hoop he's going to have to battle, but college isn't exactly filled with guys who are blocking the jump shots of 6' 9" guys. We aren't playing Kentucky every week.
April 20th, 2015 at 11:26 AM ^
I don't know why people down voted you for this. I too was surprised that the quotes weren't a bit more positive. The coach's quote sounded like he was tempering expectations, saying he won't be at that level for at least a couple years. It sounded from both quotes like they were saying "lower your expectations a little".
His coach is no Fred Jackson, that's for sure.
I think he will bring a new dimension to the team. I have high hopes, at least in year 2.
Beilein mentioned that LeVert can play the 1 through 3 positions. We could put a pretty good zone defense out there.
1. LeVert 6-7
2. Irvin 6-6
3. Robinson 6-8
Wagner 6-10
Doyle 6-9
That wouldn't be a bad team on offense either. Which still leaves you with Dawkins 6-6, Chatman 6-7 and Wilson 6-9.
Pretty sure Chatman and Wilson have longer arms than Wagner or Robinson.
April 20th, 2015 at 11:27 AM ^
I don't know if this is based on a first hand observation or just a tad bit racist lol
but quickness is still more important than height, even in a zone. And length is more important than height. You want both, obviously...
I suspect when going to a zone that Michigan would be better of defensively using Walton instead of Irvin for example, and Wilson and Chatman over Doyle and Robinson. The nice thing about the zone is it can mitigate some of the speed athleticism issues with length, which could be a significant help for a guy like Robinson. But good defense is good defense
Used the zone a lot last year, but in the past you are right, it was a pure change of pace.
Morgan was a plus defender. I think Trey, GR3 and THJ were a little underrated as defenders as well.
My point was just that height doesn't equal good zone defense. Beilein is always going to be more offensive-focused.
April 19th, 2015 at 10:50 PM ^
April 20th, 2015 at 12:43 PM ^
I'd still rather have Jaylen Brown...
Who I was irrationally sure we would get