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Basketball Visitors; Who Will Be Next to Commit?

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June 29th, 2011 at 2:55 PM

#1

Raoul's picture

Joined: 09/29/2009

MGoPoints: 13957

Basketball Visitors; Who Will Be Next to Commit?

Sam Webb mentioned on this morning's Recruiting Roundup (podcasts here) that Zak Irvin will be in for a visit today, and Demetrius Jackson will be in tomorrow. Both are in the 2013 class.

Sam said that he thinks "Michigan is the team to beat" for Irvin, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Fishers, Indiana (and a teammate of Gary Harris). In addition to Michigan, his Rivals profile shows offers from Butler, Illinois, Indiana, Purdue, and Xavier. Rivals has Irvin ranked 97th in the country, while ESPN has him at 74.

Jackson is a 6-foot-1 point guard from Mishawaka, Indiana, who doesn't yet have a Michigan offer but could pick one up during or after his visit. His Rivals profile shows an offer only from Xavier, but they have him ranked 71st in the 2013 class.

So could Irvin or Jackson be Beilein's next commit? Other candidates include three other point guards prospects—Monte Morris, Derrick Walton, and Sherron Dorsey-Walker (who is now being recruited by Michigan as a point guard). Annarbor.com article from yesterday has Michigan in the lead for Morris (which is perhaps not surprising given his offer list):

Morris said of the offers he’s received so far (Western Michigan, Central Michigan and Iowa State), Michigan is at the top of his list.

Sam said earlier this week that Morris, Walton, and Dorsey-Walker are all expected to make their college choices shortly after the July evaluation period, and he said it seems likely that one of the three will choose Michigan. He also said that Dorsey-Walker seemed like an ideal recruit for Beilein, given that he shoots the ball extremely well, is from the PSL (Detroit Pershing), and has a 3.9 GPA. Dorsey-Walker is in the class of 2012; Morris and Walton are in 2013.

June 29th, 2011 at 2:57 PM

#2

BigTenBurrito's picture

Joined: 01/19/2011

MGoPoints: 374

Good to see the recruiting

Good to see the recruiting momentum in basketball as well!

GO BLUE!

June 29th, 2011 at 2:59 PM

#3

Joined: 06/08/2010

MGoPoints: 386

I'd love to get Monte Morris,

I'd love to get Monte Morris, he's been dominating camps lately. Zak Irvin seems like the wing player we'll get in this class.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:01 PM

(Reply to #3) #4

BigTenBurrito's picture

Joined: 01/19/2011

MGoPoints: 374

I don't follow basketball

I don't follow basketball recruiting nearly as closely as football, but from what I heard, Morris is pretty special

June 29th, 2011 at 3:11 PM

(Reply to #3) #5

Raoul's picture

Joined: 09/29/2009

MGoPoints: 13957

Until this latest twist with

Until this latest twist with Beilein offering Dorsey-Walker the chance to play point guard, I would have been more than happy getting Irvin and Morris. Actually that would be still be terrific, but it sure would be nice to get another player from the PSL so that the idea that Beilein won't (or can't) recruit Detroit could finally be put to rest.

Of course getting someone from Flint (Morris) has its advantages too.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:17 PM

(Reply to #5) #6

BigTenBurrito's picture

Joined: 01/19/2011

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I have noticed this. It seems

I have noticed this. It seems he focuses a lot of his attention on Indiana...I would agree that it is important to keep a pipeline from all the prominent Detroit area highschools.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:24 PM

(Reply to #7) #7

Joined: 06/08/2010

MGoPoints: 386

Brundidge went went to

Brundidge went went to Southfield and played AAU ball for The Family, I'd say Beilein can recruit Detroit fine.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:41 PM

(Reply to #9) #8

Raoul's picture

Joined: 09/29/2009

MGoPoints: 13957

You're right, but I've seen

You're right, but I've seen people recently point out that Brundidge is the only in-state player either signed or committed for the 2011 through 2013 classes. And that's out of seven signed/committed in total.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:53 PM

(Reply to #9) #9

BigTenBurrito's picture

Joined: 01/19/2011

MGoPoints: 374

Valid point.

Valid point.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:57 PM

(Reply to #22) #10

Joined: 06/08/2010

MGoPoints: 386

Very good point, Beilein

Very good point, Beilein targets more of the under the radar players in other states it seems. Although, I think that the arguement that he can't recruit in Detroit is still ridiculous.

June 29th, 2011 at 4:02 PM

(Reply to #23) #11

BigTenBurrito's picture

Joined: 01/19/2011

MGoPoints: 374

I notice that as well.

I notice that as well. Development projects sprinkled with a few extremely talented kids. Obviously every single person must be able to hit the 3 as well.

June 29th, 2011 at 5:01 PM

(Reply to #23) #12

Naked Bootlegger

Naked Bootlegger's picture

Joined: 01/28/2011

MGoPoints: 15431

Matt Costello

UM was a finalist during Matt Costello's (Bay City?) recruitment. We lost that one to MSU, but JB made a great run at Costello. I think JB and his staff are doing a good job of keeping an eye on the home-grown talent, and hopefully developing a good reputation among the local HS coaches (although are AAU coaches more important nowadays?!).

June 29th, 2011 at 6:47 PM

(Reply to #28) #13

Raoul's picture

Joined: 09/29/2009

MGoPoints: 13957

They also were a finalist and

They also were a finalist and went hard after Amir Williams of Detroit Country Day but lost out to OSU.

One positive out-of-state recruiting trend is landing two Ohio players--Trey Burke and Mark Donnal--given that it had been quite a while since the last Wolverine from that state.

June 29th, 2011 at 6:53 PM

(Reply to #31) #14

Joined: 07/29/2010

MGoPoints: 16385

Problem

is Michigan never got a chance with Amir Williams(never wanted to go to Michigan) and Matt Costello(MSU lock). That doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things.

June 29th, 2011 at 7:06 PM

(Reply to #32) #15

Naked Bootlegger

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Costello...

...seemed to have legitimately positive things to say about JB and his recruitment by UM, so I disagree with your statement that "it doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things." Developing relationships and a positive reputation among the bigger recruits and their coaches - even if you don't land every one of them - will pay dividends in the future.

I do love the fact that JB seems to have a nice vibe going with Indiana HS recruits. He won't land every one of them, but even having Gary Harris on our radar for awhile doesn't hurt our program's stature. It creates a buzz...positive energy.

June 30th, 2011 at 3:26 PM

(Reply to #33) #16

Joined: 07/29/2010

MGoPoints: 16385

That was before

he got MSU offer. When reporter asked him about MSU, his eyes lit up. It was a foregone conclusion that he's a Sparty lock.

June 29th, 2011 at 7:33 PM

(Reply to #32) #17

Raoul's picture

Joined: 09/29/2009

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I think you're completely

I think you're completely wrong about Williams. Michigan came on strong at the end, and he did seriously consider them.

June 30th, 2011 at 3:26 PM

(Reply to #35) #18

Joined: 07/29/2010

MGoPoints: 16385

Michigan

never got a chance with Amir Williams. Michigan being 2nd is just a window dressing for him. He always wanted to leave out of state anyway.

June 30th, 2011 at 4:42 PM

(Reply to #41) #19

Raoul's picture

Joined: 09/29/2009

MGoPoints: 13957

Do you know him personally or

Do you know him personally or something? This article makes it clear he seriously considered Michigan.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:15 PM

skunk bear's picture

Joined: 03/09/2010

MGoPoints: 1971

Raoul,

is there a class chart for basketball like you see for football?

June 29th, 2011 at 3:26 PM

(Reply to #6) #21

Raoul's picture

Joined: 09/29/2009

MGoPoints: 13957

Do you mean a scholarship

Do you mean a scholarship breakdown? There's not one on this site, but umhoops.com has one here.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:34 PM

(Reply to #10) #22

skunk bear's picture

Joined: 03/09/2010

MGoPoints: 1971

Yes

that is what I was looking for.

ty, Raoul.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:40 PM

(Reply to #10) #23

skunk bear's picture

Joined: 03/09/2010

MGoPoints: 1971

If I am reading the chart

If I am reading the chart correctly, there is still an opening for this fall. Are there any 2011 candidates still out there?

June 29th, 2011 at 3:45 PM

(Reply to #12) #24

Raoul's picture

Joined: 09/29/2009

MGoPoints: 13957

Haven't head of any

One of the walk-ons might get a one-year scholarship.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:21 PM

whyyoumadtho's picture

Joined: 04/20/2010

MGoPoints: 700

Thought I heard Mitch McGary would be in town soon too.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:48 PM

(Reply to #8) #26

ken725's picture

Joined: 10/26/2008

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I thought that he was a long

I thought that he was a long shot for the most part.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:45 PM

Heavyd23's picture

Joined: 06/08/2011

MGoPoints: 11

Whoever they get, they need

Whoever they get, they need them to stay longer than two years..tired of one and done and ppl that leave after a couple years.... Those who stay will be champions should apply to basketball too...

June 29th, 2011 at 3:49 PM

(Reply to #14) #28

althegreat23's picture

Joined: 05/30/2011

MGoPoints: 2078

What one and dones are you

What one and dones are you referring to? Manny Harris stayed for 3 years and Darius Morris stayed 2. I think it's very likely that THJ leaves after this year.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:51 PM

(Reply to #18) #29

Heavyd23's picture

Joined: 06/08/2011

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Obviously I should have been

Obviously I should have been more clear- One and dones at other schools- bolting for the NBA after a year or two is bad for the NCAA- it makes them look like a joke.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:58 PM

(Reply to #20) #30

ken725's picture

Joined: 10/26/2008

MGoPoints: 27659

The real joke is the rule

The real joke is the rule that forces kids to go to college. For those kids good enough to go to the NBA the one year in college might be a joke or just another step in the process.

June 29th, 2011 at 4:09 PM

(Reply to #24) #31

chitownblue2's picture

Joined: 06/03/2009

MGoPoints: 7174

That problem isn't just with

That problem isn't just with the NBA.

Both the NBA and the NFL have successfully managed to get free farm-systems, and kids that have no interest in higher education need to sleep through astronomy classes for 3 years (NFL) or 1 (NBA) in order to go play a sport, as if one helps the other take place.

June 29th, 2011 at 5:55 PM

(Reply to #27) #32

Joined: 10/06/2010

MGoPoints: 3735

Fielding Yost would wholeheartedly disagree with you. 'Sound mind, sound body.' The two do help each other; that is the basis of college athletics.

June 29th, 2011 at 6:02 PM

(Reply to #29) #33

chitownblue2's picture

Joined: 06/03/2009

MGoPoints: 7174

I'm not saying that education

I'm not saying that education is pointless for athletes.

I'm saying that forcing a large number of athletes whose concern is the NFL/NBA, not college, into going to college, as their is no alternative for them, then shunting them off to 12 credit hours worth of "Rocks for Jocks" for 4 to 6 semesters is pointless.

June 29th, 2011 at 9:41 PM

(Reply to #30) #34

Nick's picture

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 1094

Well there IS an alternative for them (atleast for basketball)

Playing in Europe or some other minor pro league in the US.

It's just not as good of an alternative.

Im not worried about alternatives for football. Kids aint ready for the NFL at 18. Some NBA guys are though.

June 29th, 2011 at 7:30 PM

(Reply to #24) #35

Rabbit21's picture

Joined: 11/12/2009

MGoPoints: 19368

posted from iPhone

That was more for PR purposes as people got tired of seeing kids getting drafted straight put of high school and then being massive busts. It's not fair bit I think people ate more willing to tolerate college players who bust because they at least had some awareness of who that player was.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:51 PM

(Reply to #18) #36

chitownblue2's picture

Joined: 06/03/2009

MGoPoints: 7174

Regardless, us taking a 4th

Regardless, us taking a 4th player in 2013 assumes that someone on the roster will leave early by after Hardaway's Junior year. I think that's a reasonable expectation.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:49 PM

(Reply to #14) #37

ken725's picture

Joined: 10/26/2008

MGoPoints: 27659

I know it sucks to have kids

I know it sucks to have kids leave early, but it means the staff is doing something right when we have developed kids who get drafted.

June 29th, 2011 at 3:48 PM

chitownblue2's picture

Joined: 06/03/2009

MGoPoints: 7174

I think the preferred finish

I think the preferred finish would be Morris and Irvin.

I realize it's horrible to say at this point, but it's conceivable that Beilein may have to replace Hatch - but that's way down the road.

June 29th, 2011 at 4:03 PM

(Reply to #17) #39

skunk bear's picture

Joined: 03/09/2010

MGoPoints: 1971

Yes it is terrible to say

Yes it is terrible to say chitown, but Beilein has to think about it to properly administer the program. Fortunately it is, as you say, down the road.

June 29th, 2011 at 9:39 PM

(Reply to #17) #40

Nick's picture

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 1094

Yeah im hoping Austin makes a full recovery

But if does not and can't play anymore, I would like to see Beilein honor his scholarship and if it turns out that Hatch can't play then apply for a medical exemption or whatever to get that scholarship back....... Or have the university offer Austin a full academic scholarship.

June 30th, 2011 at 12:10 AM

(Reply to #17) #41

M-Wolverine's picture

Joined: 10/04/2009

MGoPoints: 42199

I was wondering who was going to say it 1st

I'm glad it was someone who could say it delicately. Beyond even the hopeful physical recovery, how would you even travel to road games and tournaments? Hopefully he's stronger man, but after going through all that, I'd never go to an airport no more get on a plane again.

June 30th, 2011 at 1:24 PM

Raoul's picture

Joined: 09/29/2009

MGoPoints: 13957

Zak Irvin is the subject of

Zak Irvin is the subject of Sam Webb's Detroit News recruiting column today. It turns out this was Irvin's seventh visit to U-M in the last year. So he's clearly interested in Michigan, but unfortunately the article indicates a commitment is not imminent.

I thought it was interesting that LaVall is taking the lead in Irvin's recruitment:

"He's a cool guy," Irvin said of Jordan. "He's a cool recruiter. I like to be around him. I call him at least once a week, maybe twice sometimes. He always lets me know that I am a student first and an athlete second. Coach Jordan wants me to make smart choices, the same things my parents talk to me about. As far as basketball goes he wants me to get stronger and rebound more. Those are the things we talk about."

"LaVall has told us how Zak would fit in at Michigan," Irvin's father later told Scout.com. "When we meet with the staff, LaVall steps up and speaks. I like him because he is very straightforward. We have gotten to know him pretty well."

That strong connection with Beilein, Jordan and the Michigan program led to rampant speculation that Irving's commitment to the Maize and Blue was imminent. That talk proved a bit premature.

"The rumors that are out there — I didn't pay any attention to those at all," said Irvin. "There are other schools on my list, and I am just going to take my time and make the right decision for me."

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