Photo courtesy of Next Generation Sports
Trey Zeigler (and family) and Amir Williams both made it to Ann Arbor near the end of last week. That is three high profile visitors (McCallum is #3) in Ann Arbor over the last two weeks. Go Blue Wolverine posted a post-visit interview ($) with Trey and it appears that it went very well. At this point, it’s becoming a waiting game. Michigan has positioned themselves well but Zeigler hasn’t accelerated his timeframe or taken any out of state visits. Zeigler followed his visit up with strong play at the adidas May Classic, drawing rave reviews from Scout ($) and SpartanMag ($),
Go Blue Wolverine also caught up with Amir Williams ($), who was also impressed, after his visit. We haven’t talked about talented wing Casey Prather much recently but the high flying junior plans to visit this summer ($). Sophomore Brandan Kearney also has a Michigan visit in the works ($). Say what you want about Beilein’s recruiting, but there is no denying that he works his ass off on the recruiting trail.
Sam Webb also broke down the basketball recruiting picture on WTKA today, definitely worth a listen. In a nut shell, he feels that Michigan is in very good position but it comes down to the bird in the hand situation. Sam also thinks that Michigan is right there despite the rumors that were flying around over the last couple weeks.
Michigan has also cast a wide net into the state of Indiana for class of 2011 prospects. Austin Etherington, Spencer Turner, Justin Gant, Cody Zeller, and Marshall Plumlee are just a few of the names that Michigan has shown interest in. Go Blue Wolverine has an article about Michigan’s interest in the sharpshooting Turner ($) and here is some video ($) from Peegs on Zeller, Turner, and Plumlee. HoosierNation.net breaks down Spencer Turners game (click through for scouting on Zeller and Plumlee as well):
Turner had a pair of huge games Saturday, scoring a game-high 24 points (including six 3-pointers) in the nine-point loss to the Road Runners and then coming back with 25 in a 74-37 win against Full Package White in the finale. He continues to play to his strength, which is his ability to shoot the ball as well as anyone in the class. His range is well beyond the 3-point arc, and he also showed the ability to hit a runner in the lane. He’s clearly the No. 1 scoring option on a team that also includes Carlino, Zeller and Marshall Plumlee.
Lou Dawkins also weighs in with his thoughts on Michigan’s recruiting:
Michigan with its recent success could challenge Tom Izzo and Michigan State for in-state recruiting supremacy, but it will be difficult.
He also mentions a 2012 prospect that is gathering Michigan interest.
Although the Wolverine, missed on one from prep school powerhouse St Marks in Southborough, Mass(Nate Lubick) they will try for another one. 6’8 2012 Wing Alex Murphy is one of the premier freshman talents in America. The Michigan coaches are starting to actively recruit Murphy as well as others like Georgia Tech, Providence, UMASS, Duke.
Links
- OTL: AAU Vs. High School Basketball
This is an issue that most of us are familiar with. Street agents, shoe companies, and handlers are a huge issue that pertains to college basketball. John Beilein “debates” the roll of travel teams and high school teams on this second segment. I use quotations because he was very political and more or less acknowledges both sides rather than taking a side. Judging by watching the last couple years of Beilein’s recruiting, I think it’s pretty clear that at the very least he values high school play and individual workouts when evaluating a player. - Mike Moment: Fab Five Memories
Plenty of Michigan talk on ESPN, Jalen Rose filled in for Mike Golic on Mike & Mike.
-Mike: “Did you guys think that everybody hated you?”
-Jalen: “They did” - Running Blog from Adidas May Classic in Bloomington — Day 1
Some notes on Mitch McGary, Chesterton big man. - Farewell to WTKA (for now) and other developments
Carty is done calling into WTKA. - Major Payne takes in UK
Adreain Payne’s name (different than Allen Payne) has been thrown around a bit this spring. The junior is a big time prospect but he doesn’t seem to be listing Michigan much at this stage.
