Hoops Recruiting Question
I thought I read somewhere that we only had three more scholarships over the next two classes. So, if one went to Brundridge, we have two left and it seems clear that we could only get either Prather or Ziegler but not both (unless Manny leaves after this upcoming season). Do you think Beilein has a preference between the two of those guys or do you think he's just recruiting each just as hard to ensure that we at least get one? I'm asking only because I kind of wish Zeigler was considering making his decision earlier than Prather given the fact that Ziegler is ranked higher and I would love for us to win a head-to-head battle with Sparty over Ziegler.
Also, if we do land Prather or Ziegler, would we have only one scholarship left or would kids that leave early/attrition impact that number as well? And would do we target with the last scholarship? Amir Williams?
Thoughts?
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:57 PM ^
Manny may go pro after this season, which would open up a scholarship.
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:04 PM ^
http://www.umhoops.com/scholarshipbreakdown/
also see comments about half way down
http://www.umhoops.com/2009/09/21/carlton-brundidge-to-michigan/#commen…
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:04 PM ^
Will be enough space for Zeigler or Prather, Kearney, and a big man.
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:10 PM ^
Where are you getting that scholarship for Kearney from? Right now we look to only have 2 unless we whiff on the 2010 guys.
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:18 PM ^
I don't see how we'll be able to make room for Kearney if we land Prather or Ziegler.
Most folks have said not giving Anthony Wright a fifth year is not an option.
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:26 PM ^
is off the books in 2011 regardless, right? I think not offering him a 5th year would just make it easier to take both Prather and Zeigler if both want to come.
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:51 PM ^
I was counting on Wright not getting a renewal. As for Zeigler and Prather, I've heard (don't remember the source) that Z is more polished and P is more raw but with more upside. Either one would be great. Also, you're right that Amir is probably not a great option b/c he's a Lansing lean.
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:08 PM ^
but I think it might be hard to suggest that he clearly prefers Zeigler given how hard he's gone after Prather. I have no inside info whatsoever, but I have to think the "bird in hand" maxim has a pretty strong effect on Beilein's thought process. Also, it's not like the ranking disparity between the two players is very big-these are both consensus top 60 guys, with Zeigler maybe more of a top 40 guy. Given the inherent uncertainty in recruiting rankings, I'm not sure that's enough of a difference to form a preference around.
If we do land Prather, everyone seems to agree that the focus moves to a big man for 2011, either Williams or Plumlee or someone like Justin Gant. I don't believe we thought we had much of a chance at Amir Williams, although the Brundidge commitment may help with that.
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:10 PM ^
i prefer ziegler over prather because he's an in-state kid and ensures that he doesn't become a sparty. but both appear very good manny replacements.
it would be awesome if manny stayed for his senior year.
September 24th, 2009 at 1:51 PM ^
According to an article in today's Detroit News
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090924/SPORTS0203/909240401/U-M-hoops-…
it sounds like Prather could be making his decision here pretty soon. Not sure if that's new news or not, I don't follow bball recruiting very closely, but just wanted to pass it on if it's new to anyone.
September 24th, 2009 at 4:21 PM ^
Great post thank you. I read that article and the only conclusion I can come to is Prather in Blue.