BBall Recruiting - New 2021 Target/EM 4* Bryce Hopkins
I'd typically refrain from conveying recruiting info since we don't have a coaching staff in place at the moment, but this is actually a good time to identify prospects that have legit Michigan interest regardless of the coaching staff.............and we definitely have one here with Bryce Hopkins.
He's already visited once and is planning on visiting again for elite camp in June. This certainly has the feel of a prospect that has been a Michigan fan and will be on our potential offer list in the near future.
I viewed him live for the first time during EYBL Session II in Indy and was definitely impressed with skill and versatility. He'll enter my 2021 watchlist as a 4star upon release in a few weeks.
Love your stuff Matt, but I was really hoping that I would get to work this morning, fire up MgoBlog and find out that last week never happened.
While I'd like to think that I'm competent as a HS talent evaluator, unfortunately I cannot control the coaching situation (or lack thereof).......I found out the same way every one else did. I've grown relatively close with the former staff (perhaps a few will be retained?) and will certainly miss their winning ways, but moreso the frequent personal interactions and respect I was treated with.
As an alum and die-hard fan, I'm grateful for the success and resurgence during Coach Beilein's tenure. At the end of the day the man is entitled to pursue work at the highest level of his particular field, even if we as fans, don't necessarily like it. While I think the exit/notification could've been handled a tad bit better, I'm not bitter with Coach Beilein, and I wish him nothing but the best. Outstanding character, tremendous Xs and Os coach and all around good-guy.
Well said and as always thanks for the info.
Thank you Matt. What are your thoughts on Juwan brining McDaniels with him if he gets the job?
I had this question too. Regardless of probably not paying him like some other schools, he seems like no brainer fit if he wants to play under Juwan and get minutes
With the current situation, I'm willing to be a bit more forthcoming since I don't think I'd be held accountable for information that turns out to be incorrect, considering we literally do not have a coach in place.
I'm pretty solid with the McDaniels' camp. Its a two-horse race right now between Washington and Kentucky. Handlers want UK, parents want Washington. As of right now, I think the parents win. Considering the parents have a bit more pull in my opinion, I think a Howard hiring would have an influence to the extent Michigan may once again be considered.
Since it seems the parents will get their way, do you get the sense that they would want him to play for Juwan (family) over Washington should he get the job?
Impossible to give an informed opinion on that since we've lost a commit/roster is in flux........which impacts role/playing time.
Gotcha, thank you.
When you say "impact playing time" you really mean he doesn't want to play 40 minutes per game?
Is this kid just a huge Michigan fan? I have a hard time believing he would have legit Michigan interest regardless of staff unless that was the case
That linked piece was quoted verbatim........when asked which schools are showing interest, the first word that came out of his mouth was Michigan. When asked which schools he's visited, the first word that came out of his mouth was Michigan. When asked which schools he plans on visiting/camping at.........Michigan is the only school that is slated to get a return visit. And all of this without a coaching staff in place. Reasonable minds can decipher the interest level.
Oh alright cool. Thanks for the update
matt... thoughts on current candidates and potential recruiting impact/advantages for any particular guy?
I think Juwan Howard would likely be a strong recruiter. Young enough to resonate with kids, comes from a similar demographic to many of the prospects in the Midwest that we'd likely target, knows the ins and outs since his kids are D1 caliber prospects.
I think Juwan Howard would be a great selection for many of the reasons you stated so I'm in his Camp let's just get it done and move on and hopefully he'd have a good assistant coaching staff.
your info is some of the most valuable and insightful on the board... you singled out mcdaniels what seems like forever ago and lo and behold he became a five star recruit. thanks for the work!
i also very much agree with your thoughts on howard as a recruiter. i look at penny hardaway, and though he may have some more "resources" to work with, i feel like juwan would attack the recruiting trail with serious enthusiasm much like penny. we likely won't have 3 top-50 players literally in our backyard like memphis did this year but i could see him pulling some great, even unexpected kids.
Good stuff Matt, appreciated during this turnover time.
Thanks for this positive news, Matt. We Michigan basketball fans need more of this. It gives me hope that despite the coaching turmoil, there are kids out there who are very positive about Michigan. Obviously, Coach B and his staff have done a great job in the last 12 years to build that interest. So, one of the huge keys moving forward, is keeping that enthusiasm level high so we don't drop off the recruiting map again.