MBB Recruiting: 2017 Target Donnie Tillman Highlights at Adidas Champ.

Submitted by Matt EM on

Donnie Tillman, formerly of Detroit Cass Tech, has entered the mix as a prospect with serious interest at the forward spot. I personally spotted asst. coach Saddi Washington at one of his games in Las Vegas, which doesn't necessarily mean strong interest without more, but when JB himself was front row 15 minutes early for his last game, at that point you have something. I've spoken with Donnie, and he informed me that JB was present at a few of his games in Milwaukee as well, in additon to contact with Donnie/his coaches.

After watching all of our prospects at the 4 spot, I would place Donnie higher than all with the exception of Jaren Jackson, who probably isn't realistic at this point. Donnie's versatility and skill at 6'7/225 is very nice. He has a lot of guard skills in a college ready frame for the 4 spot. I'm hoping we offer soon, because there would certainly be serious mutual interest there.

 

 

http://endlessmotor.net/2016/07/26/donnie-tillman-highlights-17dream-vi…

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ypsituckyboy

July 26th, 2016 at 2:14 PM ^

So why are you so much higher on Donnie than almost all of the other recruiting services out there? He's had plenty of visibility, so it's not like he's been out of AAU/under the radar. You seem to be the conductor of the Tillman hype train, but there aren't too many passengers at this point.

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Matt EM

July 26th, 2016 at 2:58 PM ^

Donnie recently for the most part. ESPN has maintained his ranking for over a year at this point. The bball recruiting staff at ESPN has shrunk to a total of.......3. I can personally tell you that Biancardi/ESPN did not make an appearance at any of Tillman's games in LV, nor do I recall seeing them present at any EYBL games when he played for the Oakland Soldiers. That said, Rivals posted an article not too long ago stating that Donnie is among 12 prospects that barely missed the cut for their 150 - just needed to see him more. I assume he will make the cut in the next update because he dominated in Vegas. Future 150 has them in their top 100. Hoopseen flat out admitted they were mistaken in not placing him in their top 100 after seeing him on the NBPA top 100 camp. That being said, rankings are just one of many tools. Rankings cannot substitute for live evaluations and film over several months. In relation to our other prospect offers not named Jaren Jackson, Donnie is superior in every attribute other than shooting in my opinion. Donnie has a HUGE advantage in terms of ball handling, passing, playmaking over both. Donnie is a much better rebounder than Livers as well. During JBs tenure our weakness has consistently been rebounding and interior defense, and Donnie would be a huge upgrade in both departments. Also, interior scoring has been an issue as well, because of the lack of back to the basket types and guys that can create their own shot via the dribble while having the athletic ability to finish strong - again, Donnie improves both tremendously. In sum, we've had a decent portion of our roster that is one dimensional recently, mostly shooting. Donnie is the type of versatile 2 way player we desperately need - a guy that can create on offense and playmake for himself and others, while having the size, strength, athleticism, and motor to adequately defend the post and rebound.

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Trader Jack

July 26th, 2016 at 3:08 PM ^

Are you sure the serious interest is "a very recent development?" Because less than a month ago, this was posted:

http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/mbb-recruiting-2017-sf-donnie-tillman-forme…

I guess the highlights are new, but we don't post something everytime a recruit puts a new highlight video out. If Tillman was committing soon or even visiting in the near future, maybe that would be board-worthy. But considering the fact that a post about his new, serious Michigan interest hit the board pretty recently, I don't see the need to post this again.

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Matt EM

July 26th, 2016 at 3:14 PM ^

When JB is front row at your game 15mins early in a setting where time is VERY important, I think it's pretty telling, and a significant indicator that the interest is more serious in relation to a month ago. Additionally, it's a pretty slow time right now until FB practice starts in a few days. Really don't see what the issue is here, but my apologies if I offended you or did not follow protocol.

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NJblue2

July 26th, 2016 at 3:43 PM ^

Thanks for the info MattD. I was wondering what you think of Justin Smith, is he a 4 to you or more of a wing player? How does he compare to other targets at the wing and the 4 to you? 

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Matt EM

July 26th, 2016 at 4:33 PM ^

Although his body/frame probably means he's a 4 in our offense, he's not nearly the rebounder that Donnie and Young are. He's a SF with questionable shooting, although that has picked up a lot as of late. He's a freak athlete that would probably be a a decent upgrade on defense instantly. Wouldn't mind him at all

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BlueIsland

July 26th, 2016 at 9:13 PM ^

This kid with some body work (Camp Sanderson?) with his skills, could progress into a hybrid Paul Pierce/Draymond Green  type of player. Go after the kid hard! The same can be said about Isiah Livers. We should have Livers and Tillmon locked up with Cain on silent commit. Those others that are currently high on the list are just wishful thinking.

 

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reanimator

July 27th, 2016 at 12:58 PM ^

His ability to rebound, finish at the rim, defend the post combined with his ball skills/vision would go a long way to address some of UM's roster weaknesses, especially if he continues to work on that jumper. 

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