Euro Trip
Ace posted an update about Michigan alums playing in the NBA Summer League. Ace points to the fact that Petway is the only U-M player in the Summer League as a symbol of Tommy Amaker’s failures which I suppose is true to some extent. Player development was no doubt an issue under the Tommy Amaker regime and whether it was a result of poor talent evaluation as well can be debated for ages.
Ace mentions that Daniel Horton is “off the radar” which is partly true. Horton underwent shoulder surgery in December which shortened his 2008-2009 season in France. In an attempt to find where Daniel is headed next I uncovered a recent interview with Eurobasket.com where Daniel talks about the last couple years and what might lie ahead. Daniel was one of my favorite Wolverines and his 39 point performance against Dee Brown and the Illini stands out as one of the best in recent history. Here’s a snippet:
What leagues you are planning to try the following years?
Daniel Horton: I want to try whatever league that has a team or a club that wants me. In particular, I would love to play in Spain or Italy, maybe Russia as well. I am willing to play anywhere as long as its the right fit for my family and I. Hopefully I keep improving and a major club wants to bring me in to be their point guard.
The interview is worth a read, and there is also an interview with Josh Asselin, and even Tractor Traylor. As for the other mystery man, Dion Harris, last I knew he was playing in Cyprus.
Kellen Dunham
I mentioned previously that 2012 Indiana guard Kellen Dunham made an impression at Michigan’s Elite Camp. The Pendleton Heights native impressed at the Best of the Midwest AAU tournament last week. Indiana Hoops has a great report:
But, the player who impressed me the most this weekend was Pendleton Heights soph-to-be Kellen Dunham, who as a tenth grader has my personal vote as the best pure shooter in the state. Dunham earned MVP honors for the Central Stars, who won their 15U bracket, by scoring 34 and 28 points in their final two tourney games, with eight threes in each game. He is not one dimensional as you might think, like a Matt Roth. Dunham had several great drives which resulted in slashing scores, getting to the line, or nice assists to teammates, including a no-look dime in the finals that brought cheers from the crowd. In the finals, Dunham started the game nailing his first six threes, four of them in the first two minutes. The outburst from the fans made college coaches, including Crean and Fife, leave the 17U championship for a while to watch Dunham’s display. Kellen was recently at the IU elite camp where he thoroughly impressed, and if he continues to play like he has recently, he is no doubt a Big Ten-caliber player. If he grows another inch or two from his current 6’3 and 1/2 and can add strength, he could be the next Scott Wood, as one college coach told me.
Dunham is only a 2012 prospect and I’m not sure about the level of competition he was facing at this tournament but with his shooting ability he certainly has to be on the radar.
Brandan Kearney
Cutting Down Nets posted a great feature story on 2011 wing guard Brandan Kearney. Kearney essentially guarantees that Michigan and Michigan State will be in his final three or four schools but it appears his list is growing a bit at this point:
Brandan informed that it will be his family helping him make his college decision, which he does not have a timetable for yet. However, he is putting together a school list. “I’ve played well this summer and I knew I had to pick it up. I’ve gotten offers from; Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State.” Dad pointed out that the rest of the school lists appears as, “Syracuse, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Miami, and Indiana.” Brandan has already visited Michigan, a visit that went well and plans on taking one to Florida and perhaps Kentucky for now.
There are some nice quotes in the article about Kearney’s goals and what he is trying to add to his game, it’s definitely worth a read.
Carlton Brundidge
Carlton Brundidge told NBE Basketball that his top 5 schools include Michigan, Michigan State, Miami, Iowa and Syracuse. Carlton added that he would like to visit Miami, Iowa, and Syracuse this summer. Here is NBE’s scouting report on the scoring guard:
A well-built, strong-bodied guard, Brundidge is an excellent penetrator who can really get to the basket. Furthermore, Brundidge has deep range and will shoot from three consistently. He can penetrate to the rim and dish it off to teammates for open shots. Brundidge is quick with the ball and shields it well when driving. Defensively, he picks up steals and plays passing lanes well.
Jonathan Alredge
There has been lots of talk about Jonathan Alredge’s reported scholarship offer that I linked to on Friday. NBE reported the offer but at this point I would assume that no offer has been made.
As we have learned over the last few years, John Beilein does not hand out many scholarship offers and it doesn’t make much sense for someone to come onto the radar out of nowhere and already have an offer. The situation could get confused in any number of ways, perhaps Arledge was referring to the fact that Michigan wants to get him on campus or maybe just the fact that there is some sort of mutual interest.
The priorities are very clear at this point for the 2010 class and the chances that Michigan offers other players before the players at the top of the board decide are very low.
Links
- Candidates named for Big Ten officials coordinator
Ed Hightower makes the list… Could Ed be moving from the hardwood to an office? Not sure many would complain, but would Ed really want to give up the lime light? (HT: The Only Colors) - The Daily Dozen: 12 Wolverines under the radar in 2009-10
Novak and Vogrich make the list - It Takes 5IVE video: Indiana Elite One($)
Premium but video of Spencer Turner, Cody Zeller, and Marshall Plumlee - Hoops: Class of 2011 Williams might take visits ($)
DCD 2011 big man Amir Williams is taking his time
