LSAClassOf2000

June 17th, 2016 at 9:08 AM ^

It's funny that you say this, as I had not even heard of the Nike EYBL camps until a while back, perhaps because I am not elite....or a youth....or indeed any good at basketball beyond having a serviceable game on the pickup circuit. In any case, I watched a few events on Nike's live feed this year (their EYBL site streams the games) and they are indeed a rather effective test for a lot of these kids. 

FolkstyleCoach

June 17th, 2016 at 9:06 AM ^

I used to coach this kid in football and he is an insane athlete. He was one heck of a TE for us, a little WR too. More impressive than his athletic ability is his character. He's the most polite kid in our school. He has over a 4.0 and has SAT scores that would get him into Ivy League schools. Izzo has been to two of his games at KC and came to an open gym to put him through a personal workout. Our current Bball coach used to coach at Benton Harbor and says that Isaiah is well ahead of Wilson Chandler at this stage in theior respective careers. Our coaches swear he is a one and done.

It was a pleasure to coach this kid and I know he will excell at whatever he sets his mind to.

FWIW, I think he is leaning towards State. I think he wants to play with their incoming class. I asked him about Beilein earlier this year and he didn't speak too highly of his offense and playing style. OF course, that was before we hired our new assistants, so maybe things have changed on that front. I would LOVE to cheer for him in Maize and Blue. He is so smart and savvy I wouldnt be suprised if he started as a freshman for us, he is that good.

Too bad yesterday was the last day for students otherwise I would go ask him about it.

 

Matt EM

June 17th, 2016 at 9:13 AM ^

Also has D1 scholarship offers for baseball as a pitcher. I confirm what you say in terms of Livers being a humble, well grounded kid. He's always a pleasure to speak with and well spoken.

bringthewood

June 17th, 2016 at 9:23 AM ^

I understand basketball but why anyone with "over a 4.0 and has SAT scores that would get him into Ivy League schools." would choose such an mediocre academic program like State is puzzling.

BigBlue02

June 17th, 2016 at 12:16 PM ^

Izzo just had a McDonald's all American center on his team that didn't play much as a freshman and left early, so even centers don't do well with Izzo. Even when they do, they take 5 years and plenty of yelling at to reach their potential

Matt EM

June 17th, 2016 at 12:46 PM ^

if the prospect likes to get out in transition with more of an uptempo feel, UM probably isn't the place for you because JB prioritizes possessions/no TOs, and our pace is just really slow to be blunt. If you're a catch and shoot type that isn't very athletic, UM is probably a much better spot because we run off ball screens to get those type of guys looks.

bacon1431

June 17th, 2016 at 11:29 AM ^

Feel like we're doing a good job of recruiting the 4 spot for the 17 & 18 classes. Got offers out to Young, Jackson, and Johns. I would like us to ramp up some interest in Donnie Tillman and offer him and Easley. Livers is there should one of our top options falls through (assuming he maintains interest in us) But I'm pretty happy with the options. Other than Jackson, I don't think any of those guys are unrealistic potential commitments. 

Lanknows

June 17th, 2016 at 1:16 PM ^

The OP makes it sound like this kid is a backup option. I don't think that's the case and that's not how recruiting usually works.

Matt EM

June 17th, 2016 at 4:17 PM ^

I think JB has done a wonderful job identifying legit talent at the 4 spot, but over the last 2-3 years we've had a number guys sign that were extremely late additions because our primary targets went elsewhere. Livers attends Kzoo Central and JB is presumably familiar with him and yet chose to refrain from contact until last month. I'd say he most likely prefers Jackson and Young in the pecking order.