paolo banchero

So I’ll be around MGoBlog in an official capacity with scouting analysis and recruiting updates. Brian and company were gracious enough to bring me aboard and I’m fortunate to work with an excellent crew. Hopefully they can tolerate me for the foreseeable future. I’m not the most charismatic guy around, so that’s it for the intro stuff. Let’s get to actual recruiting news.

Since being hired in May, Coach Howard has not shied away from direct battles with the likes of Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky and Kansas. While that approach has yet to produce a commit, it hasn’t served as a deterrent despite a few prospects coming off the board to the aforementioned pool. With multiple prospects slated to visit Ann-Arbor over the next month and the early signing period during November, the early results will be in soon.

Holding Steady

After dropping Louisville from his final 5, Michigan is in solid position for 2020 five-star combo guard Nimari Burnett after hosting the Chicago native for an official visit two weeks ago. A collective gasp ensued when news broke that Memphis would conduct an in-home visit last week. Burnett promptly said thanks, but no thanks, to Penny Hardaway and staff. In the aftermath, the entire Michigan staff was on hand for a September 17th home visit. A longstanding relationship with Howard, opportunity for early playing time and the desired on-ball role are all factors in favor of the Maize and Blue.

Oregon was originally scheduled to receive an official visit last weekend, but that has been pushed back to October 26^th. Alabama, perhaps the stiffest competition to Michigan, will host Nimari and family in Tuscaloosa this weekend for an official visit. As of now, the plan is to wait until December-January to make a commitment. 

[Hit THE JUMP for more battles against blue-bloods.]