LeVert requests evaluation from NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee - 100% will return
He earned and invitation to the Kevin Durant Skills Academy this summer and will probably attend the camp that takes place the end of June.
April 16th, 2014 at 10:52 PM ^
This is excellent to hear, of course, and hopefully he will take on the leadership role as mentioned in the MLive article as I think it is not only needed, but that LeVert would be a good choice. He is also probably one of the more exciting players that Michigan has had in a while (and we've had several of these lately, of course) when it comes to what he can do, not to mention one of the most productive people on the team overall. LeVert's game is already pretty good, so seeing an even better version would be very nice indeed.
April 16th, 2014 at 10:52 PM ^
April 16th, 2014 at 11:00 PM ^
Can he block tho?
I think he WILL play in the NBA, just a matter of when and what round he's drafted.
April 16th, 2014 at 10:54 PM ^
we are becoming a basketball factory.
two years in a row we have had the BTPOY and we have a strong candidate again next year in levert. IF McGary stays we could be pushing two POY candidates.
It is great to be a michigan wolverine my friends!
April 16th, 2014 at 11:29 PM ^
Don't rule out Zak Irvin for POY.
Don't rule out Derrick Walton Jr. for POY
April 17th, 2014 at 10:05 AM ^
for early-round draft pick on America's Best Dance Crew.
April 17th, 2014 at 12:42 AM ^
Yes it is nuts. Four guys went advisory this year after 2 left last year. Essentially our starting 5 from the NC game and the "7th man" (depending where you put Spike, Morgan, and Horford on the 2013 final 4 squad).... all left or could in theory leave. Sheesh. When all is said and done the 2012 class could have 4 first rounders in it!
I am all for development but we need SOME players with more than 12 months on campus around since we are not getting 5 of the top 25 every year like UK.
Wasn't Oladipo BTPOY in 2013?
Yes, Trey Burke was the national player of the year in 2013, but wasn't even voted as the best player in the Big Ten.
/s
April 16th, 2014 at 11:18 PM ^
April 16th, 2014 at 11:25 PM ^
Either LeVert or THJ has the most upside of any of the Beilein players to date
April 16th, 2014 at 11:35 PM ^
he's nothing more than a really good role player coming off the bench. THJ has done really well for the Knicks as a shooter coming off the bench which is perfect for him.
April 16th, 2014 at 11:25 PM ^
Totally agree with this, and would add he's been an assertive offensive player out of the gate. He has what a lot of of us wanted to see more out of GRIII needs, balls. (GRIII so smoove though.)
April 16th, 2014 at 11:27 PM ^
- He is doing both summer sessions
- KD camp
- Europe against pro teams
He should be ready to go from day one as the #1 guy.
April 16th, 2014 at 11:47 PM ^
April 17th, 2014 at 12:01 AM ^
LeVert still can lose his composure and be a little loose with the ball, but it is hard to argue with his production. I would not draft him unless he improves significantly. That being said, it wouldn't surprise me if he blows up next year.
I also can see McGary having a huge year with the players that have left. LeVert is an unselfish first scorer and Walton is going to do an even better job running the team next year. Irvin and Donnal will also stretch the defense and give McGary room to operate. I just hope he gets back to full speed and has an all american type of season. Can't wait for next year and it is truly a great time to be a Michigan basketball fan.
April 17th, 2014 at 12:07 AM ^
It's wonderful to see which people grow in Beilein's system each year - especially considering we don't get the same growth curves on our football or hockey teams. Terrific to see guys take leaps every year
April 17th, 2014 at 12:14 AM ^
He has proven himself too. He may not get to NBA level but with what this coaching staff does, I won't rule anything out.
He'll make it to the NBA and be a 1st round pick. He was the best all around player at Michigan last season. He will be the leader of the team next year because I think he was this year. You always seen him getting people in position and starting the huddles. While I was a fan of NIk and GRlll, LeVert did more with less accolades. Should have been 1st team all Big Ten. Needs to get a little less reckless with the ball at times but dude is a stud. Can't wait for next season already. Back2Back out right champs...hopefully
April 17th, 2014 at 12:33 PM ^
That being said I recall him kind of carrying the team for a half in a National Championship game.
And this is not a donkey.
April 17th, 2014 at 12:24 AM ^
Baby Durant!
I prefer my name of Gumby but I would accept Durant-lite if his play dictates ;)
Hopefully the Durant camp will help him further polish his game. If he refines his ball handling/passing skills a bit and adds another 10-15 pounds of muscle this offseason, he's going to be awfully hard to defend. I expect even more strong drives and finishes next year than this year.
The thing LeVert has that a lot of bigger, stronger guys don't is that he has a very keen sense of balance and body control when going to the basket - Burke had it, too. It takes more than just raw strength, it's almost like an instinctive anticipation of contact and the ability to shift your body through it and still finish well. If he can combine that gift with a bit more strength and more refined dribble drive moves, look out!
April 17th, 2014 at 10:13 AM ^
I would be willing to bet that John Beilein told LeVert to reuest an evaluation. It's a "win-win;" LeVert knows what to work on wile Beilein gets a player who has even more motivation to get better. Plus, it can't hurt in recruiting when the player and his parents know that Beilein has the player's best interests in mind and will encourage him to gather accurate information and then do what is best for his individual situation.
April 17th, 2014 at 10:44 AM ^
You lose nothing by asking for an evaluation and you get some input as to what NBA scouts think you need to improve. If you are at all a potentially draftable prospect, I don't see why you wouldn't take advantage of that.