MBB Recruiting Update Re: Locke/Iggy
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.
August 31st, 2017 at 8:41 AM ^
I need to know stars or I'm completely lost on MBB recruiting. Should I be happy or sad?
August 31st, 2017 at 8:52 AM ^
is basically the Death Star in this class.
August 31st, 2017 at 9:48 AM ^
yes but who is locke/iggy
August 31st, 2017 at 9:27 AM ^
Locke-4 star PG
Aherns-3 star G
Washington-3 star PG
Iggy-4 star Wing
Barrett-5 star of all 5 stars
August 31st, 2017 at 10:01 AM ^
being recruited to play SG. Ahrens could also play the 3, but I don't see any of them playing PG at Michigan.
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.
August 31st, 2017 at 8:58 AM ^
some insiders have said X looks terrific and may play ahead of simmons.
August 31st, 2017 at 9:24 AM ^
really? interesting. hadn't heard that. is that DOTMAN over at Scout?
August 31st, 2017 at 9:18 AM ^
Players like Barrett don't come around that often, so it would make sense that Beilein would be inclined to wait out his recruitment. He will make a huge impact from Day 1.
August 31st, 2017 at 9:58 AM ^
develops players and teaches the game so well?
Beilein mentors good character.
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.
August 31st, 2017 at 10:06 AM ^
I am still confused about the Taylor Currie reclassification. Just doesn't seem like a good thing for us at all.
August 31st, 2017 at 12:07 PM ^
or him for that matter.
August 31st, 2017 at 1:23 PM ^
if Mo leaves, we will have someone that could play the 5 if Davis or Teske are injured. If all remain healthy, he can redshirt (like Davis did) and get a year of Sanderson and coaching.
August 31st, 2017 at 1:24 PM ^
sorry for the double post.