Hello MAAR: MBB Commit
He's actually unranked on 247 and a 2-star on ESPN. Now, I suspect Beilein sees more in him than that.
Rivals has him as a 3-star.
Beilein's track record for getting lowly rated guys is excellent (especially late in the process).
Caris, Spike, THJ, Burke, Smotz, JMo, Novak. All lower rated guys who Beilein made it to somewhere between 'solid starters' and 'NBA 1st rounder'. If MAAR was on campus and Beilein wanted him, I have little to no doubt that he'll be good for us
I see him as a more explosive version of what Spike brings to PG - that he can bring to the 2 (and maybe a little 3). His knock seems to be outside shot which frankly is something I think our staff can help the most with. Seems to be a get to the rim type which will be tougher obviously in the NCAA (Big 10 especially) and needs to work on his outside game. He actually has some nice comment in scouting reports on defense which is very needed for this team as dribble drive penetration is bad.
Next year if he spells Caris for 5-7 minutes a game and in the coming 3 years can do a Spike role where he puts in 12-15 minutes a game as a reserve while other high end recruits fill starting positions, it will be fine. I do agree with your view that people need to temper expectations on every signing since we are going to have wings and guards that do NOT go to the NBA. It will be nice to have some players stick around for 4 years to provide depth and continuity - this kid is going to be on the 2017-2018 squad at "24 years old" assuming another Caris miracle doesnt happen. Having junior and senior "glue guys" guiding our "two and thrus" is needed.
and this kid could at least be that. . . but it's a bad strategy to bet against Belein in these matters. . .
Not betting against anyone. By definition there are 200 minutes available a night on a basketball court and only X number of kids are going to get the bulk of them. And at his position 80 minute between the 2 and the 3... of which next year Irvin and Caris will soak up 65. That leaves 15 for anyone else on the roster next year.
The year after there is a real possibility both players leave (and at minimum Caris) and he will at least be a 21 year old in the system a year and have a chance to get some serious playing time. That was the spot Blackmon would have eaten up but he will be doing it at Indiana instead of here.
What I do know is there is a great chance this staff will get the maximum out of MOST (not all) players ... but each player has their own ceiling. Ceilings are just reality and considering his offers were Ivy League type you assume his is lower than the type of guys UM is now recruiting yearly. So we'll see.
You keep talking about how the staff can help his outside shot but you never say what they'll do. "Here kid, go shoot threes until it clicks."
Smotrycz was a 4-star guy, rated about where Stauskas was, IIRC. And I'm not sure I would put Spike in the "solid starter" category since he's never started. I get your point, however.
But Smotz was similar to GRIII where when Beilein picked him up he was an unknown (rated an unranked 2-3* I believe - I seem to recall people being upset we got him versus Will Regan(?) because he was a top 150 sort), only months after he committed did Smotz leap all the way onto some of the top 100 lists.
And I know Spike doesn't start, but I'd bet this team still could've won the Big Ten with Spike starting at point all year. I would say that he would certainly be a 'solid starter' if called upon, no?
I trust the rest to John Beilein and staff.
This staff certainly has the ability to quickly identify (and impress) targets. We are a destination now. Huge find.
Congrats!
Can we call him Cassius Clay Abdur-Rahkman?
Think his nickname should just be Muhammad Ali.
Or "The Greatest"
Wow, so today is Michigan's MAAR-di Gras.
Looks like he earned that offer from the coaches today. Love these late season Beilein scoop ups. We all know MAAR will be all B1G his sophmore year.
Watching his high light film kids got some smoothness to his game and he doesnt have to play right away. Which means he can develope! will he be a pg or sg?cant really tell his hight from the tape
People said the same thing about Mitch McGary being so old and having to develop over the season. Some players need to develop and are not ready to dominate college even if they are 20.
It's not just about age though. Some kids need time to adjust to playing Big Ten level basketball, or adjust to being a role player as opposed to "the guy" on their HS/AAU team. His age has little to do with it.
Oh I think he'll be able to give that. I just think he'll also need some development, especially right off the bat. I think he's a guy who can play 10 minutes or so to let LeVert or Irvin take a break, and that's all we'll need from him right off the bat.
Wow. Tea leaves seemed to be leaning toward Dawkins. Or maybe we'll still consider both. I'm especially pleased to get a physical guard, especially if he can develop into a defensive demon. Welcome to Muhammad!
I truly think this was a one or the other type thing.
Even with McGary and Hatch in the mix, we have another scholarship to offer. Chatman looks more like a 4 than a 2, and with Hatch's health a huge question mark, you pretty much just have MAAR after LeVert and Irvin at that spot (both of whom could go pro in the next year or two).
Wouldn't be surprised to see us take another 2/3 if the staff likes him.
What happened to DJ Wilson? And Chatman will be more than able to play the 3.
Chatman may be able to play the 3 down the road, but he is big and growing. He's definitely not a 2 from what I've seen and neither is Wilson (again closer to a 4 than a 2).
LeVert is a 2 and Irvin could maybe play that spot (though I think he's a better fit at 3), but Irvin will already be starting most likely. Next year LeVert is almost certainly gone to the NBA and Irvin might consider it as well.
Under those circumstances, I'd rather have a choice of MAAR/Dawkins (or some other guy the staff likes) after some time getting coached in the system rather than making an either/or choice right now. We'll see what happens. I just wouldn't be surprised, considering how many guys we've expressed interest in, to see another 2-guard type commit.
#Michigan has offered 2014 New Hampton (N.H.) Prep guard Aubrey Dawkins
— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) April 19, 2014
Glad I got my prediction/preference in a minute before your post. Now I look like a freaking genius!
Why would Brunson, Coleman or Davis want to come now? ugh.
Sviat and Eron Harris would have been justified skillwise but i'll trust the staff.
Welcome!
Now lets grab the Ukrainian kid or Cole Huff!
Because everyone who has ever attended Detroit Catholic Central has immediately gone into priesthood
Probably the dumbest comment you've made in the past year.