Michigan Basketball: FMPHSWOYT

Submitted by AC1997 on

Now that the basketball season that was full of ups and downs is over, we start to gaze toward next season.  Prior to this season everyone expected the team to take at least a small step back with the departure of five rotation players, which only got worse with the loss of the two best players on the roster.  But as expectations shifted, we were able to see younger players grow and now next season looks as promising as ever.  There will be countless season wrap-up articles that talk about growth and potential, which is similar to what I’m going to do here.  At first I was going to put together a list of which skill each player should work on for next year, but that seemed too boring and similar to a dozen other posts you will see here and elsewhere. 

So I decided to take a different approach to make it a little more interesting.  I created the acronym FMPHSWOYT – Former Michigan Player He Should Watch On YouTube.  I tried to think of a player from Michigan’s past that would be a good role model for each of the current players to learn from this off-season.  That was easy in some cases, not so easy in others.  The idea is to point out some potential opportunities for improvement, remember stars of the past, and generate some fun discussion.  I welcome any and all input…..especially since there is a surprising lack of YouTube clips easily found for former players that weren’t on the Fab Five or in the last five years. 

Caris Levert  (assuming he stays)

  • FMPHSWOYT:  Jalen Rose
  • Clips:  Fab Five Highlights
  • Explanation:  I am aiming high right off the bat as Jalen is one of Michigan’s most successful NBA performers in the last 30 years and an icon from the Fab Five.  I thought a more recent player like Stauskas would be a good fit, but Nik was more of a ball screen player and Caris is an improviser.  That’s what Jalen was as well and he was able to be both a set-up man as much as the alpha-male on the team who took control when needed.  Jalen was skinny and able to play any of the wing or guard positions – and he was almost always the guy with the ball in his hands at the end of the shot clock, much like Levert.  The point of this comparison isn’t to suggest that Caris can be Jalen – just that he should learn from some of his success on the court since they are similar players. 
  • Also Considered:  Lester Abram, Nik Stauskas

 

Derrick Walton

  • FMPHSWOYT:  Trey Burke
  • Clips:  2012-2013 Highlights, 2011-2012 Highlights
  • Explanation:  Again with the all-time great, but there’s a specific reason.  As much as Burke was our best player in ages, he actually struggled at times as a freshman with running the ball screen offense in part due to his size.  I think that was what we hoped to see Walton adjust to as a sophomore but he struggled in some of the similar ways that Burke did (height, explosiveness, inconsistent big men, etc.).  Watching how Burke adapted and ran a masterful offense as he became a sophomore is what Walton should look at – with realistic expectations obviously being far short of POY results.  
  • Also Considered:  Daniel Horton, Gary Grant, Demetrius Calip

 

Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman

  • FMPHSWOYT:  Jimmy King
  • Clips:  Fab Five Highlights
  • Explanation:   Jimmy’s role for at least his first three years was always to be an athletic defensive player who was always the 3rd or 4th option on offense who had a decent shot and decent ability to take the ball to the hole.   Rahk should embrace his role as defensive stopper because it will ensure him minutes while his offense develops.  If Levert leaves, Rahk’s role probably should expand even more – but watching King as a younger player can’t hurt since he would attack the rim, play tough D, and be an opportunistic shooter.
  • Also Considered:  Dion Harris, Stu Douglas

 

Zak Irvin

  • FMPHSWOYT:  Nik Stauskas
  • Clips: 2014 Season Highlights
  • Explanation:  Everyone hoped that Irvin would progress in a similar fashion to Stauskas given their skill at shooting threes as freshmen, but Irvin was always on a longer development cycle given where he started and what was asked of him.  As UMHoops showed last week, Irvin started to become a competent ball screen player who developed a pull-up jumper and even attacked the rim more.  Next year he should get more help on offense from the development of the big guys and return of Walton (and perhaps Levert) so that Irvin isn’t the focus of the opponent and can exploit some match-ups.  Stauskas developed those same skills when he became the man and overcame a loose dribble and increased usage – Irvin has already started showing that he’s doing the same. 
  • Also Considered:  Tim Hardaway Jr. 

 

Aubrey Dawkins

  • FMPHSWOYT:  Glen Robinson III
  • Clips:  UMHoops Scouting Report (5-min mark summarizes things)
  • Explanation:  Dawkins was difficult to figure out because he had such a unique first year and came from no where.  I picked GR3 because Dawkins needs to learn to exploit the back-cut for alley oop dunks and to take advantage of defenses overplaying him on the outside given his good shooting touch.  He had his moments this year, but he never developed GR3’s skill for having 3-4 monster back-door plays per game.   (Edit:  I wrote this originally at the end of the regular season and then he went out with major dunks against Rutgers and Illinois.  In fact, if you look at his overall stats since becoming a starter you can almost argue he’s passed GR3’s performance…..but we want MOAR DUNKS!)
  • Also Considered:  Bernard Robinson Jr.

 

Kam Chatman

  • FMPHSWOYT:  Lavell Blanchard
  • Clips:  Argentina game (21pts 7reb) (couldn't find any UM highlights)
  • Explanation:  Blanchard is one of my favorite players of all time and is probably right now trying to figure out how to gain some eligibility to play in a Beilein system.  Both of these players are undersized and versatile PFs who came in with a lot of hype.  Blanchard had a spectacular career during a down period of the program where he was able to rebound, shoot, pass, and throw in a few post moves.  Kam is about the exact same size and would play a similar role.  If he can emulate Lavell in any way then he will be a valuable player to this team.  
  • Also Considered:  Jerod Ward, DeShawn Sims

 

Spike Albrecht

  • FMPHSWOYT:  (....no clue....)
  • Clips:  n/a
  • Explanation:  I’m at a loss for this one.  I thought about falling into the typical stereotype trap and picking Dugan Fife since he was a short, white, scrappy point guard who could shoot – but I think it is safe to say that Spike has already exceeded Dugan’s career peak and will never be the same type of defender.  That then leaves some of the scoring point guards of years past like Burke, Horton, Grant.  I guess maybe Rumeal Robinson will work since I’d love to see Spike nail clutch free throws to win a title of some sort.  
  • Also Considered:  Rumeal Robinson, Michael Talley

 

Duncan Robinson

  • FMPHSWOYT:  Zack Novak
  • Clips:  2010-2011 Highlights, Dunk Contest
  • Explanation:  It is hard to say what we should expect from Robinson next year since it wouldn’t surprise me to see him start at the 3 or 4, be a microwave shooter off the bench, or get buried at the bottom of the rotation.  I chose Novak because both players are undersized shooters with limited athleticism who could hit corner threes but were asked to do more.  Novak used every tool and trick he could to out hustle and out work his opponent while playing the 3 and 4 despite being overmatched athletically throughout his career.  If Robinson can emulate some of those tricks and hustle plays into his game then there will always be a place for him in the rotation.  
  • Also Considered:  Zak Irvin, James Voskuil

 

DJ Wilson

  • FMPHSWOYT:  Maceo Baston
  • Clips:  EuroLeague Highlights (couldn’t find any UM highlights)
  • Explanation:  I would love to see Wilson be a true stretch PF for Beilein, but at this point I am firmly in the camp that believes he will be a center for the near future.  The last few years have proven to us that we need three players in the rotation at the 5 so the role of Bielfeldt will likely fall to Wilson next year.  Frankly, I like it because the idea of an athletic guy with long arms and leaping ability is a nice contrast to the earth-bound players we’ve become used to.  Picture Wilson in the middle of a 2-3 or 1-3-1 zone…..which is how I come up with Maceo Baston.  Maceo was also a skinny 6’9” kid who ideally would have played PF but ended up playing center in college.  He started as a guy who blocked shots and dunked, but morphed into a solid offensive player who had a long professional career overseas.  I think Wilson should focus this off-season on his defense while leaning on his athleticism for what limited offense he can provide next year.  Embrace that role as a freshman – which is what Maceo did his first couple of years.  
  • Also Considered:  Epke Udoh, Courtney Sims, Chris Hunter

 

Ricky Doyle

  • FMPHSWOYT:  Graham Brown
  • Clips:  2006 Celebration vs MSU (no game action but is always fun to watch)
  • Explanation:  Maybe this is too “easy” since the two players have the same look and physique.  Feel free to use Jordan Morgan here if you’d rather someone more recent.  I picked Brown because he so quickly jumped to mind.  He was not very athletic, not overly tall, and had limited offensive moves.  His early years he was basically asked to clog the lane and grab some boards.  But then he became a fan favorite for his work ethic and overall contributions.  He was never a star but rounded into a very solid center as his career progressed.  Watching him evolve and looking at all the small things and dirty work that he did would serve Doyle well, even though I was shocked at how modest Brown’s career stats were – maybe we can blame Amaker.  
  • Also Considered:  Jordan Morgan, Mitch McGary

 

Mark Donnal

  • FMPHSWOYT:  Josh Asselin
  • Clips:  Euro Highlights (couldn’t find any UM highlights)
  • Explanation:  It is no secret that Donnal struggled this year.  When he was originally recruited there was talk of him being a stretch-4, not a center.  He needs to get more physical and needs to figure out to leverage his shooting ability knowing he isn’t a low-block player.  That sounds a lot like Asselin, who also started out very slow in his career.  But Josh ended up becoming a very good player who could shoot from outside, learned a couple of post moves, improved his defense, and worked well in a ball-screen offense.   Asselin was closer to seven feet than Donnal, but the way he grew into a strong player who had a long Euro career would be a great lesson to learn from.  
  • Also Considered:  Chris Hunter

 

Next year is going to be a fun ride with as many as 11 viable contributors fighting for playing time.   

 

 

 

 

Comments

Powderd Toast

March 17th, 2015 at 7:52 AM ^

Doyle needs to call up McGary in the off season and do some workouts. Many times this season I looked at him and thought of an early McGary. The intensity is there in flashes and I'm sure with a little effort the ability could be too. Plus I'm selfish and would love to see another Hustler like McGary.

BursleysFinest

March 17th, 2015 at 8:11 AM ^

Pretty dead-on on all of them. I think Doyle could be a completely different player than Brown was, but Juwan doesn't seem exactly right either (Doyle eventually could be what we think McGary would have been if he came back)

ST3

March 17th, 2015 at 10:27 AM ^

I'd go with Garde Thompson or Dan Pelekoudas. Garde hit 9 threes in a game, and Pelekoudas was also a long range gunner. I think Walton reclaims the PG spot, so Spike will need to contribute with his long distance shooting, and provide 5-10 minutes backing up Walton at PG. If Spike can be at 40+% for 3's, Beilein will figure out how to give him 25-30 minutes.

I'd also have the whole team watch Kentucky to see how they share minutes. With the depth we'll have next season, there should be no excuse for taking a play or two off to rest while on the court. Go 100%, especially on defense, and when you get tired, bring in the next guy.

EastCoast Esq.

March 17th, 2015 at 10:29 AM ^

Ricky Doyle as a more powerful, better offensively Jordan Morgan would be fantastic. JMo brought some serious defensive smarts to the table, so if Doyle could improve on that skillset, that would give us a very solid 5.

I would stay away from the McGary comparisons. McGary had an explosiveness that Doyle simply cannot match. Doyle needs to stay within his abilities, which means crowding the paint and getting easy looks when the defense tries to double-team LeVert/Dawkins/Walton/whoever.

Wolverinefan84

March 17th, 2015 at 10:41 AM ^

I know you used Burke for the player Walton should watch, but I'd have to put him again for MAAR. This year we've seen MAAR's ability to drive to the rim and create offense when nothing else was working for this young team. If he could become a bigger threat off of screens like Burke was, teams will have to shift their attention to preventing layups which could create some open shots from 3 from guys like Dawkins, Irvin, or Robinson. This offense could get real scary real soon with a true ball screen threat.

AC1997

March 17th, 2015 at 10:46 AM ^

As much as I love Burke, I don't think they are similar enough for this example. Maybe Darius Morris is a better example. Morris attacked the rim, was about 6'4", was able to lead an efficient offense without being a great shooter, and was a solid defender.

Lanknows

March 17th, 2015 at 1:01 PM ^

we're in trouble because it means all the other offensive threats are not.  There's no way MAAR should be same high usage player next year if Caris and Derrik are back. Even if only plays limited minutes.

Maybe down the line.  For now, his role is nothing like that and the team would struggle if he tried to emulate Trey.

Cannot Think o…

March 17th, 2015 at 10:56 AM ^

Caris...please return for one last season. This team can be really good if everyone comes back. The only guy we're losing is Max and he won't be that much of a loss (no offense to Max).

1974

March 17th, 2015 at 12:36 PM ^

Levert: I don't think there's been a UM player quite like him in the modern era. Rose seems like the best available, though. I could also see Bernard Robinson.

MAAR: I don't remember Jimmy King successfully attacking the basket very often (at least not when dribbling was involved). Ball handling seemed like his primary weakness. He was plenty good at other things, though.

Chatman: Why not Jalen Rose? Kam has a perimeter aspect (ball handling, passing) to his game that Blanchard, Sims, and Ward didn't have. Rebounding ability aside, he also seems "lighter" than those other guys.

Robinson: I'm taking practice accounts on faith, but I'm guessing he'll be a way more dangerous shooter than Novak was.

Doyle: He's already better than Graham ever was, but the comparison seems reasonable.

Donnal: I'm not sold on this one, but I don't see who else would work, either.

Comparisons for Walton, Irvin, Dawkins, Albrecht (in that there really isn't anyone), and Wilson seem spot-on.

jmblue

March 17th, 2015 at 3:26 PM ^

Agree on King.  He struck me as a guy who never quite put it all together - really, the only Fab Five player who didn't maximize his ability.  He was decent at a lot of things but didn't really excel at anything.

As for Novak, he was a bit of a streak shooter as an underclassman but did shoot 41% from downtown his senior year.  

Lanknows

March 17th, 2015 at 12:42 PM ^

Nice work.  A few thoughts:

Jalen/Caris have a similarly lanky frame, but Jalen was bigger, stronger, a far better passer and charismatic leader.  That sounds like all the stuff Caris could work on (plus defense). Caris is a a far better shooter has a quick-twitch athleticism that Jalen didn't quite have. So, I'd add some Manny Harris to the youtube assignment to get better at driving and maybe senior year Stu Douglass for the impact a determined lock down defender can have.

Walton is remarkably similar to Burke IMO and there's no better role model.  They both have masterful control, avoid turnovers, and make great decisions.  Walton isn't the gifted scorer obviously, but I thought he actually came in ahead of Burke in terms of readiness.  Even though LeVert is the better player right now, I thought Walton was a bigger loss for this season. It's a shame we missed out on watching him develop a la Irvin.  I'd like to see him continue to improve defensively and otherwise keep rounding out his game.

MAAR/King -- disagree here. I'm not sure Jimmy King was ever the defensive stopper people wanted him to be.  I think Stu Douglass might be a better fit because he embraced his role and fit within the team.  MAARs obviously a lot better with the ball in his hands though, so for that I'd make him watch some Darius Morris.  MAAR's role depends on Caris a bit. If Caris/Derrick/Zak/Spike are all back he needs to focus on off-the-ball stuff like defense.  If Caris is gone he'll have a creation/distribution role again.

Irvin  -- personally I think he's more Hardaway than Stauskas, but his role depends a bit on Caris as well.  If Caris comes back he needs to focus on his off-the-ball game like THJ.  If Caris is gone, then he can be the alpha dog like Nik.

Dawkins -- Novak, GR3, Irvin: he can learn from them all but Aubrey has the full package.  I think he'll be the best player of the bunch in the end because where he falls short relative to GR3 in athleticism he makes up for in shooting.  He needs to get better on D and do some of the little stuff that got Novak near-deity status in AA.

Chatman/-Blanchard was a very solid all around player but Kam needs to walk before he runs.  He should focus on rebounding, which Blanchard was pretty good at for a wing forward, so I like this suggestion. He should be sneaking in for offensive putbacks a lot more ofthen than he has been.  Maybe some Brandun Smith?  I'd also go Graham Brown here, because that's a guy who really fought in traffic to become a strong rebounder. I'd also show him the last few games of Zak Irvin's season to illustrate what an impact a wing player can have on the boards.

Spike is who he is.  He should just keep watch Nash highlights and try to pick up a new trick or two.  Throw in some Novak to encourage the d and hustle.

Robinson -- voskil.  Love this comp and I'm mad I didn't think of it myself.  I'll throw another tall white guy into the mix with my main man and avatar: Mike Griffin.  We know Robinson can shoot, so let's see what other glue guy stuff he can do.  Griffin was the quintessential glue guy and started on the national championship team.

The Novak comp is a head scratcher.  Robinson is 6'8 and not athletic.  Novak was 6'4 and very athletic. They are opposites.

Udoh, Sims, and Baston are all awesome for Wilson. I have nothing to add - you nailed this.

Doyle's already playing like a junior year Brown. He can be so much more.  Morgan and McGary, who never let anybody beat them down the floor, are the obvious and correct examples for Doyle to learn from.  He needs to get fit and he needs to play stronger.  He also should watch Hakeem highlights because dude has some skilled footwork and shot fakes that he could continue developing.

Donnal is a tough one.  I have a hard time seeing him breaking through into a major role.  Graham Brown is the guy I'd want him to watch for toughness and physicality.  Asselin was a lanky 7' shotblocker, which Donnal will never be.  Donnal, right now, is Evan Smotrycz without the skills. The guy Donnal may need to emulate is Max Bielfeldt.  They are similar height-limited and have similar versatility on O.  Donnal needs to come in and keep the team afloat for 3 or 4 minutes, just like Max did. Needs to become a better passer too.

champswest

March 18th, 2015 at 2:10 PM ^

Robinson/Novak comparison.  They are not similar at all and Zack played mostly at the 4 and I suspect Robinson will play mostly the 3.  I was thinking that Rice is a closer comparison, similar size and great shooters.

Michigan4Life

March 19th, 2015 at 7:53 PM ^

Disagree. He struggled to blow by defender and lacks the quickness to stay in front of quicker players. Just because you can dunk doesn't mean you're athletic. He gets by with hustle, effort and shooting.

Lanknows

April 3rd, 2015 at 2:31 PM ^

Novak is not athletic for a 2G, but very athletic for a PF.  As for shooting - Zack shot 36%/76% from 3/FT.  Those are average/unremarkable numbers for a guard, but excellent for a PF.  It's all relative. 

Beilein put him in a position where his skills were an asset rather than his "natural" position where he was a below average player. The role made great sense, not only for Beilein and the team, but for Zack.  Playing him at the 4 opened up his offensive opportunities (letting him get open) and on defense it traded one matchup problem (not being able to stay in front of opposing guards) for another (getting towered over by large and powerful PF).  As a 2G he was disadvantaged on both ends, as a PF he created an exploitable matchup on offense and was tough, scrappy, and yes, athletic, enough to make it work on defense.

Novak's ability to dunk like he did at 6'4 was evidence of his athleticism, even if he wasn't Derrick Rose with the ball in his hands. 

 

 

Tshimanga Cowabunga

March 17th, 2015 at 2:50 PM ^

For spike the comparison I think of is Robbie Reid with a bit more handle. His first year at Michigan he took 6 shots a game shot 42% from 3 and dished out 3.4 assists a game. If he wasn't asked to do too much in that 98-99 season he could be somewhat comprable. 

AC1997

March 17th, 2015 at 2:58 PM ^

After reading some of the comments so far I think my biggest miss was with the MAAR-Jimmy King comparison.  In hindsight I agree that it was forced.  I think Stu Douglas is a better name to have included on the list due to his situational offense, ball handling, and defense.  

I also agree that Doyle is close to passing Brown already in terms of skill.  I was surprised when I looked up all of these players on mgoblue.com that Brown's stats were so pedestrian.  I do think he had better hands and more consistent work ethic on the boards, but Doyle doesn't have far to go in order to pass him.  The lack of viable big-men in Michigan's past was startling.  

I will defend the Novak/Robinson comparison a little.  First, we don't know much about Duncan Robinson yet.  He's listed at 6'8" but that doesn't mean much.  Novak never played like he was 6'4" (which would have made him the shortest guy on the court at times this season if MAAR was at PG).  Novak was a good shooter who did far more to help his team by getting the most out of his size and athleticism.  THAT is what Duncan should emulate - not settling for being "just a shooter".  Robinson is big enough that he could play the 4 on this team and they need someone to do so.  Embrace the dirty work like Novak and earn your minutes.  (Also, while he might be a great shooter, I tend to downplay practice reports since they are often misleading - see "Donnal, Mark" or "Chatman, Kam" or "Hoke, Brady".)

champswest

March 18th, 2015 at 2:20 PM ^

comparison.  None of us know that much about Duncan yet except that he is 6'8" (4 inches taller than Zack, minimum) and that he can shoot (probably better than Zack).  Even Stauskas would be a better fit.  Also, we don't need someone to play the 4 on this team as we have an abundance at that position (Dawkins, Chatman, Wilson, Irvin, Donnal and maybe even Bielfeldt/Wagner).  What we have a need for, if LeVert leaves, is more depth at the 2.

Lanknows

April 3rd, 2015 at 2:47 PM ^

Beilein is clearly targeting a 4, so I don't agree at all with your assesment here. Wilson and Donnal are 5s, not only becaue Michigan needs it, but because they can't handle 4 duties yet.  Irvin is ready to move into the 2 or 3 role permanently.  Dawkins is a great 4, but they need another guy.  Chatman fits but he was a liability last year. 

Michigan needs a 3rd guy because Dawkins can be easily used as a 3 and depth at the 4 is weaker than anywhere else.

PG:  Walton/Spike/MAAR

SG: Levert?/Spike/MAAR/Irvin/Robinson

SF:  Irvin/Robinson/Dawkins/MAAR/Chatman

PF: Dawkins/Chatman/???

C:  Doyle/Wilson/Donnal

Lanknows

April 3rd, 2015 at 2:42 PM ^

Agree about taking practice reports with a grain of salt, but none of them were ever that fantastic about Chatman. It was more Beilein saying he loves what Chatman can become and his attitude.  Obviously he liked him enough to start him but that might have had more to do with Dawkins not being ready early in the year too.  Not like there were many options...

Robinson can be a very good version Vogrich, like Doyle can be a very good version of Brown.  (If practice reports are to be believed.)  I think Robinson will be limited to a role as a 3 for now, because the 4 spot requires athleticism and strength.  Maybe he'll get there, but the fact that Beilein is looking at 2015 guys like Miller and Wagner makes me think it's not in the cards.  At this point I expect Robinson to be a instant-offense bench guy (just-a-shooter) in the same way that Irvin and Stauskas were as freshman and Vogrich was in the past.

I think we know a lot more about Robinson than a high school recruit.  We know athleticism is an issue and we know he's a knock down shooter (not just in practice but in college games).  We also now he's very tall for a college wing.  None of these things were true with Novak.  Sure we can hope he makes the most of his physical ability and ends up as a 4 man who opens up the entire floor for the offense, but there's a long way to go to get there.

Of course, you can make an argument that ANYONE would benefit from watching Zack Novak, so ultimately it's hard to dispute your point.  But if you're talking Robinson specifically, I'm telling him to watch Glenn Rice, Smotrycz and other taller shooting wings who had to figure out how to get open looks without necessarily having elite athleticism (though Rice obviously did have very good athleticism, he's a best case scenario for any shooting forward).

mgoblue75

March 21st, 2015 at 11:53 AM ^

Chatman- Surprised nobody has compared him to Willie Mitchell.  Both 6-8, overhyped and soft inside.  Mitchell had a decent career at UAB, but never lived up to the hype.  Hoping Chatman can become a DeShawn Sims type player in time.

Robinson-James Voskuil.  Voskuil was better than his stats showed.  Probably would have been a double figure scorer anywhere else since he only played 10-15 mpg.  Actually, watching Jake Layman from Maryland reminds me of Voskuil and if Robinson can be that type of player as a starting 3 or first guy off the bench that would be great.

Doyle-I like the Graham Brown comparison posted earlier.  He could surprise, but I don't see the same type of athleticism as Jordan Morgan.

Donnal-Chris Seter.  Similar rankings out of HS, both redshirted, both versatile yet soft down low.  Seter had a few injuries that didn't help him either.  This coming year will tell if he can become something more.

Walton-Daniel Horton?

Albrecht-no one from my memory compares to Spike.  Yes, maybe a little Dugan and Garde Thompson(too young to remember), but Spike has more flash to his game than Dugan and is a better ballhandler.  As good of a shooter as Dugan was, I'd take Spike any day.

Wilson-will he be more like Maceo Baston or Leon Derricks?  I like the Maceo Baston comparison much more.

MAAR-Kirk Taylor.  Both versatile enough to play 1,2 or 3.  Taylor was good, but final year was spent on the bench behind jackson, king, voskuil, pelinka.

Dawkins-has some Jimmy King to his game.  I hope he sticks around all 4 years.

Irvin-Lester Abrams/Jerod Ward

Hatch-would love to see him on the team for the next three seasons and hope he can contribute on the floor by senior year.

 

 

AC1997

March 21st, 2015 at 1:24 PM ^

Let me reply to some of your interesting suggestions.  Keep in mind that I was trying to find a similar player who had traits that the current player could learn from.  It wasn't necessarily to say "this is the guy he is most like" it was more along the lines of "this is a guy with similar skills but who had a trait that our current player needs to mimic and improve upon".  

 

Here are my responses:

  • Chatman = Willie Mitchell

    I actually think this is a perfect comparison and I'm frightened by how similar they are.  I was about the same age as Willie and remember fans yelling at him to transfer since he was such an underperformer and sulked a lot.  They are very similar in their size, body type, and skill set.  Willie never found that one thing he was good at and Chatman hasn't either.  My hope is that Chatman is surrounded by better coaches and will be able to play a stretch-four for Beilein while Willie was trying to play a pure wing position.  DeShawn Sims would be a great player to emulate, though I would love for him to come closer to Blanchard.
  • Robinson = Voskuil

    This is a good match and they will probably be asked to play similar roles.  I really don't like the comments that suggest guys like Glen Rice and Nik Stauskas for Robinson.  I guess anything is possible, but those guys were all-time-great players who were good shooters.  Robinson is a wildcard who is a good shooter.  I doubt we're going to see him becoming a star.  I picture him as a pure shooter his first year who can hopefully do a little more.  
  • Donnal = Chris Seter

    I have no idea who Seter is so I'll take your word for this one.
  • Walton = Horton

    I considered Horton and I do think there are things that Walton can learn from.  Both are good shooters and undersized.  I think Horton was a bit more of a scorer and freelancer than we would expect Walton to become. I'd probably pick Burke and Grant before Horton, but it isn't a bad suggestion.
  • MAAR = Kirk Taylor

    I don't remember Taylor at all.  
  • Wilson = Derricks/Baston

    I think the Baston pick is my favorite.  Derricks was a similar player but I think had lower upside than Baston
  • Dawkins = Jimmy King

    That's a decent comparison.  I think Dawkins is a better shooter and King was a better ball handler and defender, but it is a pretty good role model.

 

mgoblue75

March 21st, 2015 at 11:12 PM ^

Yeah, good point, I missed that. I hope all these guys have higher ceilings than where they currently are ( especially guys like chatman, maar, donnal, doyle). Wasn't trying to be a downer, but guys like donnal and chatman were really disappointing based on hype we heard prior to season. Trying to be realistic with Duncan Robinson, given the fact that he played d3 ball. Always fun to make comparisons to guys we watched in the past. By the way, Seter was around between 87-92, really only played meaningful minutes for a season or two, as was Kirk Taylor, who was a top reserve and part time starter for most of his career. He tore his acl as a sophomore which affected his progression.