The Homie J

May 26th, 2021 at 2:16 PM ^

While I'm 90% sure this is just to get feedback from the NBA on what he needs to work on for next year, this is absolutely the best way to give this fanbase a massive heart attack

S.G. Rice

May 26th, 2021 at 2:17 PM ^

I read this as if someone wants to guarantee him a first round pick and contract, he'll go.  More likely, he'll get the obvious feedback - work on your right hand, extend your shooting range, max out your athleticism - and come back.

TheCube

May 26th, 2021 at 2:18 PM ^

Good to know Juwan is continuing the whole Beilein trend of developing players way too quickly. Lmao. 
 

Hopefully this is just for feedback and we see him back in maize and blue by fall. 

WGoNerd

May 26th, 2021 at 2:44 PM ^

Absolutely this. On the unlikely but still possible chance some team tells him, "if you declare we will 100% take you with our 1st rounder," then you gotta do it. And at the very least he'll learn what they want to see him working on so that he can hopefully be one of the top picks in 2022.

mpbear14

May 26th, 2021 at 2:39 PM ^

Wouldn't be surprised if Juwan encouraged him to do this.

1. If he's good enough, then go chase your dreams

2. If he's not, he and Juwan get the blue print on what he needs to work on this offseason and what needs to be showcased next season.

 

This is going to be the new norm under Juwan as long as he continues to recruit at an elite level.

MNWolverine2

May 26th, 2021 at 2:49 PM ^

Word from a friend of the family:  Hunter has been performing extremely well in offseason workouts and was pushed by those around him to declare.  He's been moving up draftboards and if he gets a early 2nd round promise from any teams, it's likely he will stay in.  He's not in there just to look for feedback.

Moleskyn

May 26th, 2021 at 3:03 PM ^

If you combine each of the yellow words in his post, there's actually a secret hidden message there:

"Incredible ups-and-downs united Big Ten elite eight lifetime. Anywhere anyone amazing Michigan. Support NBA Draft NCAA certified retain my eligibility. My dream gather feedback excited promise future...Go Blue!"

Straight from the horse's mouth!

Jimmyisgod

May 26th, 2021 at 3:37 PM ^

We know he can shoot, if he would have been asked to shoot just a little last season he'd have been gone.  His age is a little concerning, he'll be 21 this Fall, much older than that effects his draft stock negatively.

With him, it's about workouts, if he gets to work out for teams and they like him enough he's gone.  But I think he'll be back.

Perkis-Size Me

May 26th, 2021 at 3:58 PM ^

Its a smart move. Test the waters, get feedback from the powers-that-be on what you need to do or work on in order to succeed at the next level. 

I haven't seen him popping up on any draft boards anywhere so I'd still be a bit surprised if he left. But if he did, the ceiling of the team next year takes a very big dip, and I'm not sure they'd be a final four contender anymore. 

bronxblue

May 26th, 2021 at 3:58 PM ^

I assume he's gone after next year so it makes sense to see what the NBA is looking for.  I can't imagine he jumps into what looks like a low first-round pick, at best.  

LabattsBleu

May 26th, 2021 at 4:46 PM ^

I mean, I am surprised he didn't do this to start with tbh.

It makes sense for him to test the waters - like Franz did as well - this allows him to talk to teams and scouts to see what he needs to do better...get some experience with the process.

Franz came back and was unbelievable in raising his defensive motor, which is something I know the staff focused on, but probably also feedback by the NBA

At this stage, I think he comes back, as he needs to get better with his other hand and also can show a bit more range on his jumpers to show the scouts that his game is well rounded.

The Deer Hunter

May 26th, 2021 at 8:59 PM ^

Hunter is not going anywhere. Big men like him need an evaluation on what to work on as traditional 5's are a dying breed in the NBA. He will almost certainly be a NBA player, but needs feedback on what to work on. It wouldn't surprise me that Juwan recommend it altogether.