BBall Recruiting - New 2019 Target/EM Top 35 Wing Jaden McDaniels
New 2019 target on the board in jumbo wing Jaden McDaniels. I viewed him extensively in Indianapolis and all I can say is wow. This kid's talent at that size is simply off the charts. Regardless of what the current mainstream rankings convey, this kid is a no-brainer tier 1 prospect. He's on the same level as Tyrese Maxey...........and being realistic about it, he has more NBA upside. When my rankings release in early June he's going to be in serious consideration for 5 star, top 25 status.
To give you an idea of how rapidly things have progressed with Jaden, the staff viewed him for the first time last Saturday in Indy and have already made his de facto top 5.
http://endlessmotor.net/2018/05/06/seattle-wing-jaden-mcdaniels-trendin…
I thought Weems was a long shot at one point, but he's starting to warm up to Michigan recently. I don't think Watts will ultimately land at Michigan.
The staff's priority order is as follows as of right now:
Tyrese Maxey
Jalen Wilson
Those are clearly the top two in the pecking order based on reciprocal interest and timeline. After that I'd say things are relatively even in terms of staff priority............but things are heating up with McDaniels in terms of contact.
There is a distinction between staff priority and best available talent though.
Any thoughts on DJ Carton, who I think the staff is also high on?
haven't seen him live this year. I watched him live last year though. Athletic/explosive lead guard that is best attacking the rim, has plus vision/playmaking ability. Above average shooter. Biggest knock on him is lack of size, probably only a legit 6'1.
He's in tier 2 for me in terms of best overall talent, just behind tier 1 with Maxey and McDaniels.
Would love to have him, would plug a need in terms of an on-ball shot creator that can break down a defense and force help defenders.
You have actually chatted with Maxey, do you think that we actually have a chance here? I feel like i hear everyone saying that it is a forgone conclusion that he is going to UK
and Michigan is more than just a hat on the table for sure, he has legitimate interest. Ultimately though, I do think Kentucky is the pick.
Staff really is targeting and gunning after some highly touted prospects. Love it.
made it look like he's playing on a lowered down hoop but it's not because he can jump and has long arms. I like this kid. He would be a nice get for Michigan as a jumbo wing.
This kid would be a huge get for Michigan. I love the fact Coach B and the staff are shooting for some really talented, highly rated players that fit Michigan's system. An NCAA Finals appearance and 2 B10 tournament titles in the last two years opens some doors I'd think.
Watch out!
It would seem to me kids these days would much rather play in a "spread" system than an abomination like that in East Lansing. If you watch the way youngins play in pick up bal it aligns well with Beilein's system. It's all drive and kick -- rarely see anyone trying to pound the rock into the post anymore.
Right - you also have to think that this kind of program acceleration will propel Beilein for a few extra years (I truly hope!!).
Looks like he is a resembelance of KD. Hope that doesn't also mean Texas.
the first, and I think most appropriate comparison, is Brandon Ingram. Jaden doesn't have KD's size (legit 6'11), doesn't have elite explosion like Paul George either. His movements, handle and body type are almost identical to Brandon Ingram.
Seattle kids almost never seem to end up in the B1G (reminder that Jamal Crawford was like 20 years ago). Long ways from home.
Not Seattle, and also not a great example, now that I think of it never mind, but Kam Chatman was from Portland, OR.
Also I know OP’s point was Seattle-specific, so this is a non sequitur, but we’ve had players from California in recent years who didn’t seem bothered by the distance, like Darius Morris and DJ Wilson. Or even Germany.
Getting the very high 4 star players seems to be ideal for Coach B. There are a handful of elite prospects who are willing to take coaching and a legitimate academic program without cash payments. I am hoping that we can land a few of these guys to keep the program competing at the highest level.
He would be a great fit for the drip boys.
Looks like his brother plays for Brian Dutcher at SDSU as well.
his brother entered the draft after only 1 year. San Diego isn't all that close to Seattle (although much closer than Ann Arbor). FWIW he didn't even mention San Diego State once to me when we spoke............that's usually an indicator.
It's McDaniels, not McDonald's . . .
Is it wrong to be more excited about BBall than football?
Man. Future is bright.
Welcome to the enlightened side. You should have made the move a decade ago.
It may just be the hair and the frame, but he kinda reminds me of a taller Romeo Langford type. Matt, do you seem him as more of a SF or PF in Beilein's offense?
generally players/prospects are positonally defined by who they can defend. And that is impacted by coaching strategy/scheme as well. With Coach Beilein, McDaniels could potentially see time at the 3, 4 and even 5 based on Coach Beilein's preference to have floor spacing, skill and shooting on the court at all times.
That said, I will classify Jaden as a SF for purposes of my rankings and evaluations. A four, at least in the modern game, more closely relates to a prospect that is either a) catch and shoot prospect with limited shot creation ability OR b) more of a true post player OR c) a combination of the a & b.
In the case of McDaniels, his shot creating ability is extremely good at his size. He has some shiftiness and can break a defender down with ease. He's not a knockdown shooter and he's not a post player by an means. Again, Brandon Ingram is the best comparison in my opinion.
My wing board currently after two weeks of evaluation
Tier 1:
Jaden McDaniels
Tier 2:
Keion Brooks
Romeo Weems
Samuell Williamson
Jalen Wilson
Jaelyn Withers
we got this kid wilson and carton that's a natty type roster next season
both are viewed as wings and landing one would likely preclude the other.