ACE: Mitch McGary to Decide Next Month
Per Chris Balas of The Wolverine, 2012 five-star big man Mitch McGary will decide next month. Sam Webb said on in radio show in the last couple days that the sooner McGary decided, the better Michigan's chances, so I'd take this as a good sign. To me, it looks like this one will come down to the Wolverines and Duke. Either way, it's clear John Beilein and his staff have made a huge impression on McGary and his family (the whole staff visited them this week), and just to see the basketball team as a major factor down to the wire on such a big-time recruit is a great sign for the program.
September 29th, 2011 at 2:22 PM ^
In unrelated news, DB has started fundraising for a pallet of backboards "just in case".
September 29th, 2011 at 2:35 PM ^
Dont count out the Tar Heels. They got Harrison Barnes when everyone thought he was a Blue Devil lock. Just as long as he doesnt go to Duke, I'll be happy.
September 29th, 2011 at 2:36 PM ^
I witnessed Robert Traylor break a backboard in Crisler Arena back in my day and it was amazing - the students flipped out. I hope you current students are lucky enought o see Mitch do the same. Its a sight to behold in person.
September 29th, 2011 at 2:27 PM ^
so I apologize in advance but this guy seems like a pretty high end recruit is he just going to be a 1 and done? or is he going to be around for a few years. From what I understand Duke doesn't play the 1 and done game so makes me lean toward he will be around for a few years atleast
September 29th, 2011 at 2:32 PM ^
Was a one-and-done this past season even though he was injured half the season, so Duke likes to talk about not playing that game, but they obviously do.
Edit: Mitch himself has never said anything about the NBA or how long he'd be in college, but he's likely a 1 year college player, maybe two. A lot could depend on the types of things they put in the new CBA whenever they sign it. Some rumors were they'd try to up the age-limit to 3 years out of high school like the NFL, but nobody thinks it would actually pass.
September 29th, 2011 at 2:35 PM ^
McGary might be one and done but I have my doubts. I think he will stick around at least 2 years. Here is a kid who stuck around HS an extra year, why should he hurry through college. The kid seems like he would really enjoy the college experience. I'm gonna let you guys in on the dirty little secret; College is a blast!
September 29th, 2011 at 4:21 PM ^
The main reason why he stuck around an extra year in HS was so that he could get the grades needed to be recruited by certain schools.
I too, for some reason think that he stick around at least 2 years.
September 29th, 2011 at 4:59 PM ^
The NBA probably won't even be playing so he's going to have to stay whether he wants to or not
September 29th, 2011 at 5:32 PM ^
So you think there will be a two year lockout?
September 29th, 2011 at 6:03 PM ^
What would be more likely would be that he doesn't want to go 1 and done with the flood of players that will be exiting this year because of the lockout situation. That could mean the difference between lottery pick and rest of the first round for him.
September 29th, 2011 at 7:06 PM ^
By "the flood of players that will be exiting this year" you must mean exiting via the 2012 draft? McGary won't be in the 2012 draft unless he decides not to go to college at all. If he's a one-and-done player, he'd be entering the 2013 draft.
I wouldn't put much stock into these given how far away this is, but here's a 2013 mock draft that has McGary going third (and Hardaway Jr. going sixth). Here's another that has McGary going tenth (and Hardaway Jr. going eighth and Horford going 12th).
September 29th, 2011 at 7:27 PM ^
Kinda crazy that Jon Horford, who has never started or even played significant non-blowout minutes is predicted to go 12th overall in that draft. The crazier thing is that if we get McGary, Horford still might not have started a game by then since he'd be behind McGary and Morgan.
I agree that Horford could develop into a good starter or even All Big Ten level F/C, but leaving early and going 12th overall is a bit optimistic for him I think.
September 29th, 2011 at 7:37 PM ^
I think Horford is poised to make a huge leap this year, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if he's starting over Morgan by the end of the year. McGary's a power forward, not a center, so his impact on Horford's minutes would be minimal.
September 30th, 2011 at 7:05 AM ^
they may never come back.
September 29th, 2011 at 5:51 PM ^
That would have to require a more than two-year lockout. It'll be resolved by then.
September 29th, 2011 at 2:38 PM ^
is that he intends to be a one and done player. Anything can happen though.
September 29th, 2011 at 2:42 PM ^
The consensus doesn't mean shit because it isn't based on anything. This blog has shown a consensus to move Denard from QB since before he arrived on campus. A consensus of ignorance is worthless.
September 29th, 2011 at 2:43 PM ^
the consensus of people who have talked to him and his family.
September 29th, 2011 at 2:47 PM ^
September 29th, 2011 at 4:08 PM ^
I think there is a chance he will stay beyond one season if he comes. He is currently 19 and therefore eligible for the NBA draft next year out of high school and still is firmly commited to attending college for at least a year, so clearly there are concerns beyond jumping to the NBA as soon as possible. FWIW when judged with all players eligible for the next year's NBA draft he checks in just outside the first round.
September 29th, 2011 at 3:15 PM ^
Corey Maggette just called to say "hi." So, yeah, the door's definitely open for oneanddone's. Don't let those sanctimonious bastards fool you.
September 29th, 2011 at 4:56 PM ^
Duke students will certainly flood one-and-dones (or even 2 and done's in the case of Elton Brand) with sanctimonious letters and emails, though.
http://dukechronicle.com/article/open-letter-kyrie-irving
and ...
From: Taylor, Jennifer Sent: Friday, April 16, 1999 2:55 PM To: Brand, Elton Subject: Leaving Duke I graduated from Duke last May and just wanted to express my disgust for your decision to leave the Duke program after only two years. As an alum, not only do I hold the school in high regard, but the basketball program as well, especially since both have deservedly garnered such a great deal of respect for their accomplishments. As part of our basketball program, you represent Duke as a whole. We are first and foremost an academic school, you clearly did not belong at Duke in the first place if this was the extent of your commitment to Duke and a college education in general. You have not only insulted the current students who are putting in four years at a school they love, but also the thousands of alumni who have realized the value of a Duke education and what an honor and privilege it was to be there for four years. If you do not realize the opportunity you has infront of you to play for Coach K and at the same time attain a Duke diploma, then that is certainly your loss. I just wish that you has spared us the notion that you were continuing in the tradition of being a Duke student-athlete, in emphasizing excellence in both academics and athletics. You will not be considered part of the Duke family, in my mind as well as many others. You have by no means proved yourself worthy of that title. Sincerely, Jennifer Taylor From: Elton Tyron Brand Sent: Sunday, April 25, 1999 8:05 PM To: Taylor, Jennifer Subject: Re: Leaving Duke Thank you very much, for reminding me of the reason why I left Duke. People like you can not and will not ever understand my situation. I'm sure daddy worked very hard to send your rich self to college. While real people struggle. I would also like to extend an invitation for you not to waste your or my time ever again. Never being considered a part of your posh group of yuppies really hurts me to the heart. Yeah, right. Because I don't care about you or your alumni. Sincerely, Elton Brand #42 NBA
http://my-sport-talk.blogspot.com/2007/06/apparently-duke-doesnt-like-e…
September 29th, 2011 at 5:28 PM ^
And my favorite part of the whole thing are her grammar mistakes as she berates him for not valuing a Duke education:
"If you do not realize the opportunity you has infront of you to play for Coach K and at the same time attain a Duke diploma"
September 29th, 2011 at 5:28 PM ^
I believe he was one and done at duke as well, no?
September 29th, 2011 at 2:30 PM ^
Pretty sure he's already decided, next month will be the announcement of his choice. Go Blue young man.
September 29th, 2011 at 2:31 PM ^
right? Because Duke is the Blue Devils, you know.
September 29th, 2011 at 2:37 PM ^
Also with blue as one of their colors--Kentucky, Florida, and UNC. So, yes, there's a good chance he'll be wearing blue in college.
September 29th, 2011 at 2:44 PM ^
September 29th, 2011 at 2:51 PM ^
I prefer to Grow Blue #HALOL!
September 29th, 2011 at 2:37 PM ^
Thanks for the update Ace. Kind of weird timing considering that there are only two days left in this month. I guess the announcement could come as soon as Saturday.
September 29th, 2011 at 2:41 PM ^
So leaving the door open for another 4 weeks.
Sam Webb on WTKA this morning also said it would likely come via a press conference, so we could possibly hear about a press conference getting scheduled at any time in the next couple weeks.
September 29th, 2011 at 3:02 PM ^
Yeah, sorry, poor word choice on my part. Sounds like late next month for the decision date, and I'm sure we'll get word ahead of time—a recruitment this big usually doesn't end without warning.
September 29th, 2011 at 2:44 PM ^
I hate to be technical, but Balas's tweet on this said "Five-star basketball recruit Mitch Mcgary plans to decide in a month, he said today." That to me means he'll be making an announcement in late October, not that he'll decide sometime in October.
As I said in the earlier McGary thread, an announcement in a month means there's still time for him to make more visits. And there are reports that he plans to attend Kentucky's Big Blue Madness on October 14. The possible visit to Florida on November 5 now seems doubtful.
September 29th, 2011 at 3:07 PM ^
"Late October" = "some time in October"
September 29th, 2011 at 4:12 PM ^
I think this man was the victim of an ole' switcheroo. Ace changed his original post to reflect the correct timeframe.
September 29th, 2011 at 2:42 PM ^
Love hearing this on the second to last day of this month. Doesn't sound nearly as far away.
September 29th, 2011 at 2:46 PM ^
While at the EMU game I sat behind Beilein who was there with all of his staff. First of all super friendly guy that was talking to everyone which was cool to see. I walked up and introduced myself and told him I loved what he was doing with the program. Before I left I asked him about Mitch and he just smiled really big and said "we'll see prettty soon." So with the recent activity its hard not to get excited about what could be coming up!!
September 29th, 2011 at 2:48 PM ^
I have dreams (non-creepy/no homo) of Mitch McGary at PF and the mountain of Zach Banner at C...
Throw in a side of Brionte Dunn while we're at it
MM is Maize n Blue!
September 29th, 2011 at 3:09 PM ^
It would be a Banner day indeed. Git 'er Dunn, Beilein!
Stupid puns aside, does anyone think it reasonable to think 2 sport players are going to significantly upgrade the basketball program? Has a football/hoops crossover done well at the major college level of late?
September 29th, 2011 at 3:35 PM ^
It's been some time but the last I remember that was pretty good at both was Charlie Ward at FSU. Can't think of any recent players though.
September 29th, 2011 at 3:43 PM ^
Julius Peppers played for UNC...More of a role player that grabbed boards, swatted shots and dunked on everybody. But he definitely made an impact.
Banner being the size he is would be nice to have if nothing else but to clog the lane and bang with the likes of Jared Sullinger.
September 29th, 2011 at 11:48 PM ^
Absolutely true. Ward was a while ago, but obviously a top talent in both sports.
I guess Kelvin Grady is the most recent UM example I can think of. It always struck me how little he was on the court, and how he looked fairly long and lean as a WR.
Rob
September 29th, 2011 at 5:53 PM ^
Matt Trannon at State few years ago.
September 29th, 2011 at 3:33 PM ^
September 29th, 2011 at 3:55 PM ^
but when I heard we sent a contingency to his home this week the first thing I thought was that he let us know it was Duke and it was a hail Mary to his folks
By the way can some explain to me why you couldn't have a 6'10 kid on the football team who could sky and just lob a pass up there from inside the 10 yard line every time? Would he get crushed on the line? Just always wondered this but never said it aloud before.
September 29th, 2011 at 4:03 PM ^
there is no way a body like that would survive being tackled day in and day out. look how rare athletic 7fters are, shaq really was RARE most don't last that long in the NBA before they break down and that has no where near the wear and tear on the body being a receaver or tightend would be.
that and if your 6ft 10 and midely athletic you pretty much can punch your ticket to having a shot at an NBA roster and a full ride to college so no point in risking your body playing fball.
September 29th, 2011 at 10:08 PM ^
Times have changed but back in the day I believe that Paul Jokisch was a WR for Michigan after originally playing basketball for UM the first two years. I think he was a 6'8" WR although I might be wrong about that.
September 29th, 2011 at 4:11 PM ^
I think this man was the victim of an ole' switcheroo. Ace changed his post to reflect the correct timeframe.
September 29th, 2011 at 4:24 PM ^
What position is he going to play in the JB system?