Hoops Hello: Aubrey Dawkins
Michigan's picked up a commitment from NH SF/SG Aubrey Dawkins, a 6'4" sleeper sort just discussed in this afternoon's recruiting post. The son of Stanford coach and former Duke star Johnny Dawkins, he picked Michigan over Dayton and will come in this fall.
Informative update coming.
GURU RATINGS
Dawkins has the kind of rankings you expect from a guy with a placeholder photo many places. 247 has him a three star and the #67 SG, Rivals an unranked three star. ESPN and Scout still have him a two-star member of the class of 2013.
SCOUTING
Dawkins took a prep year, so much of his scouting is old. ESPN hasn't updated his profile since last February. What they saw then($):
…ideal frame for the scoring guard position with excellent length. He does a terrific job of facing up his opponent and blowing by him to get to the basket. … can knock down the 3-point shot and his release looks relatively smooth… must get better handling pressure while dribbling. His handle can get sloppy when defenders get into him-especially when he goes left. His jump shot is solid, but as he gets stronger it needs to get more consistent for the scoring guard position.
That is just about it for scouting reports before his prep year. The major sites didn't collect any this year, either, but fortunately the NE prep school scene has spawned a number of regional sites that track the various D-I players hanging around.
So we know Dawkins had a bust-out performance in February of this year in the NPSI tourney, which is apparently a thing where all the fancy pants schools draw sabres and joust. Three different outfits took note. NERR:
The six-foot-six post-graduate had all parts of his game clicking. He was hot from behind the arc and athletic in transition, but equally important was the level of energy he was able to provide his team on both ends of the floor. He finished with 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals.
…breakout performer over the weekend in Providence. Sporting a quality physique and playmaking abilities at the tin, the one question mark surrounding the North Carolina native has always been in his shot making from behind the arc. The son of Stanford head coach, Johnny Dawkins, the younger Dawkins erased all questions surrounding his long range attempt and in his final outing in Rhode Island, hit on four 3’s and at one time, had scored 28 of his squad’s 52 points. …definite mid-major plus recruit, at the very least.
And Cox Sports:
Aubrey Dawkins was perhaps most outstanding. The lanky big man can play all three perimeter positions, and has improved his outside shooting to the degree where burying the three pointer is expected when left open.
Adam Finklestein mentioned Dawkins first in the video accompanying that quote, speaking thusly:
He showed his length and athleticism that everybody knew about. Everybody knew he was a great defender. He handles and passes the ball well enough to play all three perimeter postions. But what was critical to his performance was how well he shot the ball from the three point line. That was the big question mark in his game, and he was virtually automatic with his feet set from downtown.
An athletic guard around 6'5" who can shoot and slash but isn't going to cross a dude over and get to the rim—sounds like your archetype there is Tim Hardaway, Jr. Dawkins has had plenty of time to get on radars and did not until very late, so don't expect freshman fireworks.
That said, he is legit bouncy.
While he's not GRIII, he's got the midair pause going on a few of those alley-oops. Also, he finishes with both hands in some seemingly awkward ways.
A guy with good size and athleticism flying under the radar implies a lack one outstanding skill that puts him in recruitable Bin A or B or C. If you ask him about himself he claims to be a jack of all trades:
“I think my game is an all around game. I don’t think I do anything especially good. I do a lot of things well. Taking it to the basket, shooting from outside, high IQ, value the ball, athletic. I think that about sums it up. Make the best play, not settle for outside shots, take contested shots, do anything I can to win really.
He told Dayton's Rivals site the same thing nearly word for word($).
Scouting video put together by UMHoops shows a guy who can attack off closeouts but the one time he's asked to straight-up beat a guy in an iso situation (late shot clock) it looks awkward and ends up in a turnover. On the other hand, his shooting looks at least serviceable in this small sample size; have to figure Beilein can make him decent or better.
FWIW, Dawkins is self reporting he is 6'6", 185. He's reported anywhere from 6'4" to 6'6"; if he has added an inch or two that would be nice.
STATS
In high school, Dawkins averaged 19 and 7 for a team that sometimes did things like score 25 points in an entire game (17 of those were from Dawkins).
At New Hampton, Dawkins averaged about 13 points a game, which led the team. Prep stats can be funky, as those teams are often loaded with multiple D-I prospects. Mitch McGary had trouble even starting for his despite being Mitch McGary.
OFFERS
Michigan's main competition for Dawkins was Dayton, the A-10 squad that just reached the Elite Eight. He had a number of other low-major offers. Rhode Island, another A-10 school, also apparently offered. Nevada was interested.
If you're wondering why Dawkins didn't play for his father, he was direct about that before his senior year at Palo Alto:
“It’s a hard school to get into; I don’t care how good you are, you’ve got to have the grades to get in. I’m not going to go there.”
All right then.
VIDEO
In addition to the clips above, here are some highlights from Dawkins's prep year:
You can watch a replay of one of Dawkins's NPSI games for one dollar here.
PREDICTION BASED ON FLIMSY EVIDENCE
With Michigan's two wing slots thoroughly occupied this fall, Dawkins will compete with MAAR for minutes behind Caris LeVert and Zak Irvin, and then again with MAAR and any 2015/2016 recruits when LeVert and/or Irvin heads to the draft… at least at the SG spot. Michigan may go with Kam Chatman or Cole Huff at the 3, should Huff commit.
As a coach's kid with a nice frame, Dawkins has the potential to be a nice 3-and-D wing for Michigan with an upside similar to THJ's, minus an inch or two of height and vertical.
UPSHOT FOR THE REST OF THE CLASS
Michigan has one spot left and looks set to spend that on Nevada transfer Cole Huff. If things break down with Huff they would likely bank it for next year unless they really want a 4 or 5 to come in right now. If they're willing to take a transfer who has to sit it appears that need is not severe.
Typically, IIRC, Ace's vacations typically align with many commits.
Obviously Brian should fire Ace.
I'm sure Ace would simply prefer more vacation time to the actual firing.
If vacation brings recruits in droves, then firing will bring them in buckets. Assuming buckets are greater than droves.
I could go on, and they certainly will.
double post - just in case we get Huff.
One leaves (McGary) and another arrives (Dawkins) . . . it's the Circle of Life.
Or recruiting, anyway.
think he was implying it was a one-to-one trade resulting in a wash...I think it just helps heal the burns from NCAA torches:
Love it. People can say what they want about GR3's overall game being ready or not for the NBA, but his alley-oop dunks added an awesome element to the fan experience of Michigan basketball the last two years. Just when you thought we'd have to live without that explosiveness, Dawkins comes along. Little doubt in my mind he can do a decent job replacing that highlight factor for us .
His "elite athleticism" and elite recruiting profle never manifested itself into an elite basketball player, so what difference did that make? I saw nothing from GRIII that cannot and will not easily be replaced by Dawkins (and others). GRII brought open court dunks, alley-oops and 30% 3 point shooting. I greatly enjoyed two of those three things but I'd gladly trade a few inches of vertical for improved defense, so long as it does not hinder our offensive efficiency.
hello & congratulations on an excellent decision Mr. Dawkins!
The Stanford coach didn't recruit his own son? My father inspired me in more ways than I could tell. Disappointing.
crazy subs we have.
I just watched his highlight tape and he has the face of the 30 year old but the slight build of a teenager. Looks like one of those guys who will put on a few inches and a few more pounds. He would be a scary thought at 6-5/6-6 and 210/220
with Wilson, Doyle, Donnal and Biefeldt. Throw in Chatman and Irvin who could see time at the 4. Michigan needs wing players to replace Nik and GRIII.
Love how even though we're not the tired, same old blue chip pipeline that Duke, Kentucky, NC and Kansas are, we've become the official pipeline of NBA progeny, no matter their star status. TH2, GR3, Dawkins 2, and let's not forget Dakich.
Dakich never played in the NBA.
Dakich played for Coach Knight and was an assistnat under Coach Knight
Coached K played for Coach Knight and was an assitant under Coach Knight
Dawkins player for Coach K and was an assistant under Coach K
booker
April 28th, 2014 at 10:05 PM ^
Thanks for the comment about why not Stanford.
Also yes Huff or bust. Unless Myles Turner is a flip lol. The rotation this year is going to be 11 men as it is, if no one redshirts. It's crowded.
- Walton Jr
- Spike
- MAAR
- Caris
- Irvin
- Dawkins
- Donnal
- Doyle
- Chatman
- Wilson
- Max
This team has a heck of a lot of similarities to the 2010-2011 team; no seniors, very young big men, a star guard, lots of players getting time, etc. This team should be more athletic than that one but it's going to be even younger with a whopping 5 FR.
So much youth...
...that said, the future is STILL bright at Michigan. GREAT pick-up and unlike football, we may go through a year of growing pains with unproven players and youth, but we'll bounce back just fine a year later.
I don't think this changes too much for next year, but it definitely helps for the future of Michigan basketball.
Love having quality character kids, coaches sons, etc.
We're hemorrhaging players to the NBA. Coach must be doing something right.
It'd be kind of nice to see the NBA hold off poaching Michigan's players until we win a national championship, but I can't fault the players for not passing up on offers to become millionaires.
We should be able to withstand a reasonable amount of injuries without a big drop off.
THINK POSITIVE AND POSITIVE ONLY!!!
Will Dawkins or MAAR red shirt?
they are both older frosh, so in effect they have already redshirted.
didn't GR3 set some kind of vertical record at UM? petway may be the only guy that comes close.
Good things DO happen! Good things will continue to happen in 2014! Doomsday Bloggers need to hold their heads in shame!
So the kid confirms one of Harbaugh's snarky comments about U of M versus Stanford.
Dawkins actually is. Is he 6-4, 6-5, or 6-6? Kind of makes a difference. I've never understood how there's this loose standard in college basketball in reporting height.
6'9" with afro (if he grew it out).
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