Peter Nesbitt

April 24th, 2015 at 11:03 AM ^

Why is it worthwhile to talk poorly about a 16-year old young man who you've never even seen play, while hiding behind anonymous usernames and so much less basketball skill than he has?

That redundancy, combined with Davis being an unranked, mostly unknown prospect, resulted in some shouting on social media and on message boards. A segment of fans called Beilein's recruiting practices into question. Others called the 16-year-old recruit a "stiff." Some wrote Davis off immediately. It wasn't everywhere, but it was out there, and like all negativity, it overshadowed plenty of positivity.

If anyone thought their voices didn't travel, they're wrong. They did -- straight down U.S. 12, into the village of Onsted, and right into the Davis' living room.

Eric Davis grimaces, forcing a diplomatic grin, and says, "I know my kid, I know what he's capable of and I know how hard he's going to work. At the end of the day, that's all that matters. The people who only see rankings, they don't see this stuff. They don't see Austin out here at 6:30 a.m."

"It wasn't something that I was really expecting," Austin Davis says through a nervous chuckle. "I guess it comes with the territory, but I try not to worry about it. You don't get much of that around here."

True Blue Grit

April 24th, 2015 at 11:36 AM ^

We just saw this too with Carter Dunaway's commitment.   Many people don't think about the fact that these athletes being badmouthed and their parents read these blogs too.  But, that doesn't stop them from making disparaging or unfairly negative comments about someone the vast majority of them have never seen play or know nothing about - other than maybe a scouting report or two which may or may not even be accurate.   And unless you have personal knowledge of a kid and know his/her work ethic, desire, tenacity, intelligence, etc.  how can you be sure how he/she is going to turn out years down the road?  Jake Ryan is a great example of someone who a lot of people said "meh" about when he committed and look how that turned out.

This is why I always err on the side of the coaches and assume they know a lot more about a given athlete's future ability to compete here than I do.   Call me an optimist, but I look at ALL commitments as good news and always am very positive on Hello posts.   When a kid makes arguably the biggest decision of his/her life up to that point and decides to commit to the U-M, I think that's worth celebrating without the negativity. 

Peter Nesbitt

April 24th, 2015 at 12:18 PM ^

It's so sad when a dad has to come on here to vouch for his son. The coaches have all gone to see these athletes play, and know WAY more than any of us could know (save for their family and classmates). 

Especially when the majority of fans have been "wrong" initially about athletes like Trey Burke and Jake Ryan, you'd think they'd get over initial negative reactions being post-worthy.

JOHNNAVARREISMYHERO

April 25th, 2015 at 4:10 AM ^

It was pathetic to read the comments here and UMHoops with all the whining that took place.  

I feel sad that his family had to see that type of garbage.   But I know this will make Austin work even harder.  

Farnn

April 24th, 2015 at 11:03 AM ^

Maybe it's just the fact that he's another 6'10" unheralded white guy, but he reminds me of Doyle when he committed.  Hopefully he can redshirt or only be needed for 5-10 minutes a game as a freshman behind Doyle, will be nice to have depth and upper classmen experience at the 5 again.  Plus, that 7'2" wingspan is nice.

stephenrjking

April 24th, 2015 at 11:16 AM ^

The quickie descriptions of the old tourist trap portions of US 12 were nostalgic. I used to enjoy the old Prehistoric Forest and Bear's Lair, which is the go-kart track (also had mini golf and a solid video arcade) referenced in the article. Sad, but unsurprising, to hear that things are fading. Life in the country.

Elmer

April 24th, 2015 at 11:37 AM ^

FInally had some time to watch video of Davis. Very skilled for a kid that size.  He has obviously spent a lot of time on footwork and basic post moves. Nice shooting touch and good hands.

Biggest concern is athleticism at the next level.  While he can improve, he will always be a tad slow and have a limited vertical.  That said, it won't be a significant issue if he can get bigger and stronger and command space inside.

I think he's a solid commitment, who will stay 4 years and eventually be a strong contributor. HIs intelligence and work ethic will be huge in helping him improve.  Seems like a good kid who will represent the program very well.

 

remdog

April 24th, 2015 at 11:56 AM ^

to the team.

What's not to like?

4.1 GPA, 6'10", 260 lbs, 7'2" wingspan, good footwork/coordination, hard working, only 16 and still growing!

If Beilein wants him before the other big schools, I'd trust his judgement.

It's unfortunate that a few senseless nitwits bash him on the Internet.

Hope he makes them eat their words.

Mr. Yost

April 24th, 2015 at 6:20 PM ^

But "what's not to like"...his foot speed, his vertical, his overall athleticism.

I mean, you made me be an ass when I didn't want to with the condescending question. 

I'm excited to watch this kid grow and progress, but the question makes it sound like we just signed Kevin Love. You could find things not to like about 99% of the kids in the country. Davis is one of them.

rob f

April 24th, 2015 at 8:31 PM ^

from Quinn at mLive. Can't help but root for this kid; he seems like everything a parent could want in a son. Good student, hard worker, and dedicated to proving and improving himself.

I know its an overused phrase, but I'll say it anyway: I trust Coach Beilien and his staff when it comes to finding talent and developing it to its fullest potential. I'm happy this kid will be playing for Michigan.