4* 2016 PG Bryce Aiken sets "tentative" official to Michigan
Not huge news, but maybe something to help fill the lull following the close of OT season:
According to Adam Zagoria <link> Bryce Aiken, 2016 point guard from Elizabeth, NJ, is planning a visit to Michigan this fall. Zagoria reported a 10/8 visit; MLive picked up this story and reported 10/10 <link> . . . hence, "tentative." Either way this would be a few days before Miles Bridges' 10/12 visit.
Aiken has shot up, literally, in the past year or so. He was 5'-9" in 2014, but is up to 5'-11". And he hails from St. Patrick High School, which is where Kyrie Irving and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist played. I really like his quickness, change of speed, and hesitation moves. Seems to be a good shooter. . . based on highlights <link> <link>.
His other scheduled visits are: Harvard, Seton Hall, Miami, and USC (he recently cut Illinois from his list). So we look to be strong contenders.
Aiken particularly notes that at Michigan he "will be placed on a platform to play in front of thousands to showcase my game" and he cites our recent record getting players drafted.
I'm really happy that Beilein is keeping our options open at the uncommitted positions.
August 27th, 2015 at 11:35 AM ^
August 27th, 2015 at 11:47 AM ^
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August 27th, 2015 at 11:59 AM ^
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August 27th, 2015 at 12:02 PM ^
So he isn't as disappointed when Winston inevitably goes to Staee
August 27th, 2015 at 1:07 PM ^
Ha. Not quite. I actually think, at this point, the tea leaves for Winston going blue are good. It's just my opinion, and I haven't seen any of the three play live, but I think Lucas and Aiken are more exciting prospects. Winston is a good shooter and out of the three he is the best finisher at the rim (especially when forced to use his left hand). But he's just an average athlete and passer and his shooting form is the worst of the three (notice how he almost squats with his legs before his shot goes up). He also has success with a lot of things offensively that aren't going to work against better athletes in college. So to that point, I think Aiken and Lucas already have games that translate better than Winston's does.
Lucas is one of the best passers in the entire 2016 class, is an okay shooter, and is more athletic than Winston. He's also a little bit bigger.
Aiken is a better passer and ball handler than Winston. He's also a good shooter, is the quickest of the three, and recently grew about 2 inches.
I think all three are good prospects, but I think Winston is pretty overrated. With all this said, I trust Beilein's ability to develop whoever he gets into a good player. I just think there's more there for him to work with, and more potential, with Aiken or Lucas.
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August 27th, 2015 at 2:48 PM ^
Beilein and staff have been exceptional at identifying PG prospects. It would be interesting to know what they look for and how much weight they give different attributes. I'm guessing they don't worry too much about shooting form. Beilein has shown a lot of confidence in his ability to develop shooting.
August 27th, 2015 at 1:08 PM ^
I like Aiken and Lucas too....as backup plans. Cassius is flat out better than both but in the case he goes to MSU, either would be more than capable substitutes.
August 27th, 2015 at 1:23 PM ^
What is Winston "flat out better than both" at?
I've got Aiken as a better passer, shooter, ball handler, and athlete.
I've got Lucas as a better passer and athlete. Plus he's bigger.
Out of the three, Winston has the worst shooting form. I think he's the best finisher at the rim, and he's a better shooter than Lucas. But that's it.
August 27th, 2015 at 1:57 PM ^
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August 27th, 2015 at 11:59 AM ^
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August 27th, 2015 at 11:52 AM ^
This is a pretty good backup option. I like his game a lot. He is very smooth and always seems to be in control and not rushed or hurried. Seems more of a score first PG than a true playmaker but weve had pretty good success with a PG like that under Beilein. He has a little bit of Steph Curry to his game as well. Could also say some of that Steve Nash scoring touch with his ability to use his handle and hesitation to freeze defenders and then being able to quickly get his shot off in traffic.
I know were still recruiting wings, so it sounds like we have two spots left. But if that falls through and both Winston & Aiken want in, though small, it seems like their games would compliment each other nicely and having them on the floor together could be really nice offensively.