BBall Recruiting - Highlights of 19 Target Jaden McDaniels
Generally speaking, highlights of of a basketball recruiting target aren't worthy of a post, especially a kid without an official offer. But in this case, considering the surrounding information and context, it is.
First, I can confirm through Jaden/his family and multiple other well-informed sources, that Juwan Howard is indeed the cousin of Jaden McDaniels. Second, the staff is increasing the interest level with Jaden.............and it was already to the point where there was contact every day prior to this past weekend.
There is still one more weekend where I have to evaluate (Memorial Day weekend), but as it stands today, McDaniels would be my #1 prospect in the country if I were to release rankings at this very moment.
His skill level at that size is simply unreal. The kid has the look of a potential lottery pick in a few years. I can only imagine what Coach Beilein and company would do with him in our lineup. The fit would be perfect. To put this in numerical context, Jaden averaged 22 points, 11.3 rebounds and nearly 2 blocks per game on 62% from the field and 44% from distance this weekend.
Highlights that I put together from this weekend in Atlanta for EYBL Session 3 below.
http://endlessmotor.net/2018/05/13/jaden-mcdaniels-19-seattle-rotary-ey…
a good portion of the individual plays were against Addison Patterson...........a 5star/top 15 prospect in the 2020 class. Notably, around the 45 second mark, McDaniels nearly makes him fall with a crossover and then absolutely beats him to the spot on D before blocking his shot. For perspective, Patterson doesn't even look as if he's able to physically compete with Jaden on those plays, let alone be the same tier of prospect.
The obsession with his lack of elite, jaw-dropping athleticism is baffling.
He does most everything well on a court; he has one notable weakness: doesn't shoot 3s at 40+% and that can be improved with dedication and consistency. He's the type of do-it-all player that's difficult for opponents to guard because he's not one-dimensional. Take his midrange jumpshot away and he'll get to the basket. Build a wall to stop him from getting into the lane and he'll create for teammates with his gravity.
Look at UNC's Justin Jackson. Was a 5 star and didn't have awesome athleticism. But he stuck around for 3 years and helped UNC to 2 Final Fours which yielded 1 National Championship.
I actually like that Wilson isn't a super-bouncy athlete. It means he'll likely be a 2-3 year player. And you need experience to win the Final Four.
Yes, Duke and Kentucky get headlines for all the 5 stars they recruit in every class. But given all the talent those programs have amassed, they've struggled in recent years during the NCAAT.
Teams that have experienced players are the ones who do well. Every year, Duke and Kentucky get Final Four hype but you'll see the "experts" rhetorically ask "can they overcome their inexperience." In the early part of the decade, the answer was yes. Now? The answer is no.
I see very few Michigan fans down on Wilson. Saying you'd prefer McDaniels isn't any kind of indictment on Wilson.
...but there is certainly a sizable (or vocal) minority that thinks Wilson is undeserving of his 5 star status - an opinion I very much disagree agree with.
And I prefer McDaniels over Wilson as well but I don't see it as an either/or.
I want Carton as our guard. And then I want some combination of Weems, Wilson, McDaniels, WIlliamson, and the guy from Cali.
I really like his versatility and the fact that he's above average in a lot of departments. That said, he's simply not a top 15/5 star prospect. Being candid, I'm probably going to have him somewhere in the 40-60 department. I'd love to have him, but there is a large distinction between Jaden and Jalen and anyone who has viewed both live this year is very likely to agree.
Matt, haven't seen you mention this anywhere but what's his interest level in Michigan? Do you know if he's close with Juwan?
on a daily basis at this point, and I can tell he is interested in Michigan. For more, I'll point you to a public piece I did with him last week...........essentially Michigan is in his de facto top 5 after only entering the mix 2 weeks ago. The staff is in daily contact with Jaden.
http://endlessmotor.net/2018/05/06/seattle-wing-jaden-mcdaniels-trendin…
He has pretty good touch around the rim. He definitely needs to add some weight. A class of Wilson, Carton and McDaniels would be amazing.
Love me some Matt D threads. Thanks for the content. Kid looks like a stud. Not sure why so many people are concerned about his weight. He is 17 years old. Have you paid attention to what Sanderson has done with our players over the last few years?