MBB as many as 6 NBA players
This is quite remarkable... 18 months ago, many M fans were calling for Beilein's head... before you scoff at that statement, go look back. It is true.
Now, the remarkable part is that 18 months later, we're ranked #1, and Beilein may have as many as SIX NBA players on the roster.
Burke
Robinson
Hardaway
McGary
Stauskas ..... don't scoff at this one... he is a true freshman that is showing some elite skills... if he has an above-average trajectory in his overall game the remaining three years, then he should/will make it.
Horford ..... he is still not fully matured...still looks like a kid... the metamorphosis may come this offseason.... it is in his genes with his father and brother in the NBA, so Im putting this at 50/50
Beilein is showing astounding talent evaluation, especially now with the uptick in the program, which bodes incredibly well for incomers like Zak Irvin and Derrick Walton.
Hoooooo---wweeeeeeee........ is the future bright for mens' basketball.
January 29th, 2013 at 12:43 PM ^
within one or two recruiting classes all the M players will become NBA All-stars.
Legitimately....Burke looks like an NBA starter, maybe a lot more. Stauskas looks like he has a role to play. Hardaway and Robinson look like they'll be drafted and will get their opportunity, but there just aren't many jobs in that league so who knows. Too early to tell anything about McGary. Horford has a long way to go.
January 29th, 2013 at 11:06 AM ^
I generally agree but would differ in a few respects. First of all, Stauskas is already looking like an NBA caliber player. He doesn't need an "above-average trajectory" from here. He's 6'6", one of the best 5 or so pure shooters in the NCAA and he's very good off the dribble as well. He has all the tools already. He's not a sure thing but I wouldn't bet against him. As for Horford, he no longer looks "like a kid." He's already matured into an NBA type body. I think he has a high ceiling as well since he's showing very good athleticism and good finishes around the basket to add to his above average rebounding and blocking skills. If he gets more minutes, I think he will continue to shine. I wouldn't be surprised if he's a late round NBA pick or makes a team undrafted. I would also add Levert as a possibility. He's physically grown quite a bit in the past year. His combination of height, ballhandling and athleticism gives him a high ceiling as well. Under Beilein's tutelage, I think he may ultimately have a shot after at least 3 years. It will be interesting to see these players develop further.
January 29th, 2013 at 11:10 AM ^
agreed. Now, why would I get negged seven times, for this post? wtf. I made some good points.
January 29th, 2013 at 11:24 AM ^
Who cares? It is not wise to worry about what people think about you, especially on the internet.
January 29th, 2013 at 11:23 AM ^
but that would have been 24 months ago that people started questioning Beilein, and remember that team started big ten play as follows:
Blowout Loss at home v Purdue
Win at home v Penn State
Loss @ Wisconsin
Loss at home v Kansas
Loss at home v Ohio State
Loss @ Indiana
Loss @ Northwestern
Loss at home v Minnesota
Purdue and Minnesota were top 20 teams. Ohio and Kansas were top 5 teams. And then they lost 3 road games with a young team in the big ten. I really don't remember anyone calling for his head. Some people were questioning his philosophies, which at that point is probably justified. I do remember a lot of people saying stay the course and what not that our schedule to start was brutal, and it was.
January 29th, 2013 at 1:11 PM ^
Do you mean like the comments in this thread started on Jan. 19, 2011?—Time to re-evaluate JB as Bball coach?
You still believe Amaker is the better recruiter than Beilein?
January 29th, 2013 at 1:21 PM ^
Oh snape.
January 29th, 2013 at 11:25 AM ^
I think 5 players on this current roster will have a shot in the NBA. Not so sure about Horford.
January 29th, 2013 at 11:54 AM ^
I actually don't think the future is as bright as people think...that is if our star players leave early, which I think they will. I think it's a foregone conclusion that Burke, Hardaway, and Robinson will all declare for the draft. I hate it, but it will more than likely happen. This is why we need to win it all this year.
January 29th, 2013 at 12:00 PM ^
I believe the only forgone conclusion in that group you listed is Burke.
January 29th, 2013 at 12:01 PM ^
What impresses me is Beilein's scouting ability - to take talent that goes largely unnoticed, extend that Michigan offer, and watch as recruiting ranking services go ga ga over the kid. Then turn them into POY candidates when they do get on the court.
January 29th, 2013 at 12:21 PM ^
Guys like Daniel Horton, LaVelle Blanchard, Josh Asseiln, Bernard Robinson Jr., Courtney Sims, Brent Petway, Manny Harris etc...all had NBA "potential" but can't sniff a NBA roster...
January 29th, 2013 at 12:23 PM ^
1. GR3 - size and athleticism, skill rounding into form. K.Leonard with more bounce. NBA skill: defense.
2. Burke - a slower but tougher Mike Conley. NBA skill: ball handling/leadership
3. THJ - all around game, needs to develop elite D. A.Afflalo but skinnier. NBA skill: ???
4. Horford - needs to add strength and a consistent J - very doable. Al. NBA skill: rebounding
5. McGary - short arms, not especially athletic. Hansborough without the offensive repetoire. NBA skill: hustle?
6. LaVert - long way off but potential is there. Poor man's Jamal Crawford, but smarter. NBA skill: creating own shot
7. Stauskas - can he defend anyone? Closer to Diebler than Korver. NBA skill: duh.
8. McLimans - stretch 4s are very popular. NBA skill: Just kidding.
9. Bartelstein - #s1-7 are gonna need an agent. NBA skill: connections
January 29th, 2013 at 2:40 PM ^
I could see McGary having a career similar to Nick Collison for OKC.
January 29th, 2013 at 12:25 PM ^
not saying in the NBA though
January 29th, 2013 at 12:33 PM ^
U forgot about mini Durant. Levert has NBA game. Also corey person n blake Mcdonalds
January 29th, 2013 at 12:54 PM ^
If Eric Riley could make it so could Horford.
January 29th, 2013 at 1:22 PM ^
It's a crime that there's no NCAA Basketball video games...I'd love to be able to play a season with this squad.
January 29th, 2013 at 1:43 PM ^
I love the enthusiasm surrounding the team right now; it's crazy how quickly things have changed. We have really come a long way in terms of getting talent in here, but I really think it's way too early to evaluate any of our freshmen as players. I don't think we've really got a good sense of how much GR3 can develop offensively in terms of becoming a guy who can create his own shot and be a go to guy. At this point he's rated within the top 20-25 prospects (conservatively) on a lot of the mock drafts and top prospects lists. We just haven't seen a very large sample size of any of these guys. Hardaway at this point is projected as a late 2nd round pick, which doesn't even result in a guaranteed contract. My focus at this point is just hoping these guys all develop and stay at Michigan as many years as possible. We can cheer them on in their opportunities for the NBA when that time comes (and Trey will likely be first up).
January 29th, 2013 at 2:19 PM ^
then my 6th is LeVert
January 29th, 2013 at 7:34 PM ^
Stauskas makes a 3 I yell "Oh Canada" lmao