Heckmann to BC

Submitted by MGoChippewa on

UM Hoops relayed the information, reported by EagleAction.com, that German hoops star Patrick Heckmann has decided to take his talents to Boston College.  While he would have been a nice addition to Michigan's recruiting class this year, this is not a devastating loss.  Luke Hancock is a possible filler now, but I would prefer they just save the scholarship for a later year.  If you recall, this is the second time since Beilein was hired that we have missed out on a German, the other being potential NBA Draft pick Robin Benzing.  The link for all of this information is in the link feed below.

turd ferguson

May 12th, 2011 at 9:23 PM ^

I assume that your second paragraph is your signature, even though my comptuer shows it in the same font as the first paragraph.  If not, that's definitely not where I thought you were going with this.

719Yoop

May 12th, 2011 at 9:24 PM ^

I'd still love to take Luke Hancock he really seems like a crafty player. I know that puts us at 7 players all in the same class but you have to take good players when they're available. I trust Beilein though and I'm sure he'll make the right decision. 

MGoChippewa

May 12th, 2011 at 9:31 PM ^

I should have been a little more clear.  I wouldn't be terribly upset if we took Hancock, but I think we can get better value for the scholarship if we save it for a player coming out of high school.  My reason for thinking this, is that Michigan basketball recruiting seems to be picking up steam in the last few years.  Stealing an Illinois fan from their own backyard wouldn't have happened 5 years ago, regardless of the pressure put on Bielfeldt by UI's coaching staff.

719Yoop

May 12th, 2011 at 9:38 PM ^

I also agree with your point though, banking the scholarship is also a good idea. Its a win-win I suppose. I just think its riskier because Luke Hancock has already proven that he's a good player and you don't know what you're gonna get with the extra scholarship. 

jethro34

May 12th, 2011 at 9:56 PM ^

I'm not terribly concerned about the 7 players in one class deal.  If that class helps keep UM in the tourney year after year, the recruiting class to replace them could be incredible.  Maybe not Kentucky or OSU classes of late, but potentially a top 5 class - if UM is consistently ranked between now and then.

MGoChippewa

May 12th, 2011 at 10:04 PM ^

I'm not sure I even want classes like OSU and Kentucky get.  I would rather get the second-tier guys that are likely to stay for 3 or 4 years.  As exciting as it is to watch the John Walls and Brandon Knights, I would rather have a group of players that develop a team bond.  Until the system is fixed, there will always be a downside(even if it is a minor one) to getting a commitment from a top guy.

MGoChippewa

May 13th, 2011 at 1:16 AM ^

Not to mention that you have to go back to 2003 to find a team that was carried by a one-and-done player to a NC.  Back then, they didn't have the high school restriction.  Building around guys that will stay(Walker, Hansbrough, Singler, Florida Trio, etc.) is the way to win championships.  

M-Wolverine

May 13th, 2011 at 1:16 AM ^

I don't think this is a particularly bad thing. The 2013 guard class is stacked, so filling up with guards now is unnecessary, particular when we need another productive big immediately. The scholarship is best not spent just for another body, but really use it for someone who could make the program take the next step.

jethro34

May 13th, 2011 at 7:22 AM ^

If that's one of Coach K's policies then what's the deal with guys like Kyrie Irving?  Yes, I realize guys like Singler are what he usually gets, but you have to mix in some other guys as well.

Perhaps MSU's 2002 class would be closer to what UM would be looking at. Davis, Ager, Rowley, Trannon, Lorbek, and some kid from Mott.

MGoChippewa

May 13th, 2011 at 12:17 PM ^

I'm fine with what Duke does mixing in guys that are one-and-dones and putting them alongside solid fundamental players who have the ceiling of a mid-first round pick.  I just don't prefer the recruiting styles of Calipari and Matta.  They get the most talented players but theyre gone after a year and dont produce national championships.

chitownblue2

May 13th, 2011 at 8:50 AM ^

He seems like a pretty good player (better than Hancock), but it seems as if us not getting him means that Beilein decided to not actually offer him a scholarship (as he hadn't yet done so when his name started circulating).

I'd be surprised if Beilein goes after Hancock either - it looks like he's in on some additional players to join Stauskas and Robinson. I'd rather see him go that way.

Raoul

May 13th, 2011 at 11:05 AM ^

I'm hopeful that Michigan's stature has been raised enough by now that when Beilein starts making offers to 2013 prospects next month that a couple will jump to make early commits, especially given that there are only a couple of scholarships currently available.