MBB Recruiting Update Re: Locke/Iggy

Submitted by ypsituckyboy on

Sam Webb just did an update on hoops recruiting on the Michigan Insider this morning, and it sounds like Beilein is willing to take two more in the 2018 class -- one shooting guard/wing (Locke, Ahrens, Washington) and one forward if it's the right one (Barrett, Brazdeikis).

Webb talked to Noah Locke's dad and it sounds like Michigan is in a very good spot with the kid. Noah's dad is a coach and Sam reiterated how well Beilein connects with parents of recruits when the parent is a coach or former player.

Locke's last visit is Sept 30 (Florida) and he'll be deciding shortly after that. Ahrens' last visit is Oct 1 (Xavier) and he's expected to decide shortly after as well, so it seems that one of those two will fill the guard spot before Washington.

Beilein will wait on Barrett and Iggy and take either if they want to come, regardless of space issues.

My two takeaways:

1) Still surprised we're not pursuing a more versatile wing who can penetrate. I assume there must be more confidence in the ability of someone on the current roster to break down opponents 1-on-1, but I'm just not sure who that is aside from Matthews.

2) I think Beilein's willingness to take Locke/Washington, with Poole/Watson/Brooks already in the fold, means we may see Eli Brooks at the point more than expected. Practice reports from insidery types have said Brooks is a pleasant surprise so far both in terms of athelticism and shooting. If that's the case, wouldn't be shocking to see him really push Simpson and Watson for playing time at the 1 and 2. I'd bet the odds are pretty high that one of those two end up transferring next year.

wolverinekeith

August 31st, 2017 at 8:45 AM ^

Beilein will wait on Barrett and Iggy and take either if they want to come, regardless of space issues.

Very happy to hear this - this hasn't always been JB's way.  I don't believe we have any real shot at Barrett, but Iggy we do.  

 I'd bet the odds are pretty high that one of those two end up transferring next year.

Hate speculating on transfers, but if Brooks passes X by, then I agree, especially as DeJulius and a TBD player will be fighting for backup minutes too.  

Chalky White

August 31st, 2017 at 9:56 AM ^

I wish I had known this last night. I met Sadi Washington last night at our kids' orientation. Even though I went all fanboy and probably embarrassed myself, he probably would have given me the entire recruiting board just to get me to leave him alone.