3 UM Basketball Prospects on U18 Men's National Team
The U18 Men's National Baskeball Team has 18 finalists. Three of them are Michigan prospects:
- Keion Brooks
- DJ Carton
- Mark Watts
That's a very high proportion of the U18 team. Carton and Brooks are top 30 guys, and Watts isn't far behind at #51. Future is bright! (As long as Beilein stays in Ann Arbor.)
LINK: USA Basketball U18 Men's National Team Roster
Of course there is a long way to go yet. But with Jalen Wilson already committed, and Michigan in a good position with all three of the above kids, this is a good thing. Should the Wolverines get Wilson and Carton, and any one of Brooks, Watts, and McDaniels, that would be the best back-to-back classes ever under Beilein.
Fair enough. But they are in a good position with Carton (and McDaniels.) And they are still in the picture with Brooks and Watts. I will gladly take where we are now.
though, didnt he? That should help mitigate some of the height concerns. Could that also indicate that he's still growing too? He's only 17.
Yep, and in basketball that's what matters. Standing reach is really the difference maker, not where the top of your head is.
I'm saying that if you're talking about height/length, your wingspan matters way more than how high your head is. Everything else being equal, I'd take a 5'11" guy with a wingspan of 6'6" over a 6'2" guy with a 6'2" wingspan.
Not trying to be a jerk here . . . but I believe that you are either missing the argument Ypsituckyboy is trying to make or you forgot what you posted. Here are your words:
Carton only measured at 5’10.5 without shoes........and that was my reluctance in granting him a fifth star in my rankings.
You specifically wrote that height is the reason for not giving him a fifth star. Ypsi is pointing out that height should not matter as much as wingspan. What you followed up with - while perfectly valid - has nothing to do with height / wingspan. So either your reluctance to give a fifth star has more to it than just height, or you need to address the height / wingspan argument.
Agree on finishing at the rim but if you are a perimeter player with good shooting form those extra inches help a bit in getting your shot off (especially in college where you will most likely be guarded by a similar sized player).
Absolutely everything is clicking with our basketball program... let's desperately hope that Beilein sees the light and stays.
But are we in a good position with John Beilein?
That is the most important question.
Need a coach.