Mar 24, 2010 at 1:04 am by Dylan Burkhardt Filed under: Recruits

Video: Isaiah Sykes vs. Taylor Kennedy

Here’s the video from Sykes game versus Kennedy. You can find Calvin’s full scouting report and recap of Sykes’ and Carlton Brundidge’s performances here.

  • Andy

    He really went an entire game without taking a jumpshot?

  • sven

    He seems to do a really good job of creating for his teammates and finding the open man…..plus he made a free throw.

  • http://www.umhoops.com Dylan

    Yes. He really went the entire game without taking a jumpshot. Calvin wasn’t kidding when he said he couldn’t actually judge his jumper.

  • MaizeNBlue2

    Well, he has a pretty good handle. Not exactly point guard material, but not bad. And like has been mentioned several times, he seems to do a really good job of finding open teammates.

    From looking at his free throws, the form looks pretty good. It looks like he’s pushing the ball a little too much and not getting his hand under the ball far enough. It needs a little more arc, which is easy enough to correct. He also needs to follow through a little more. It’s kind of a snappy motion at the end.

    Both of those items on the FTs are fairly easily to correct. Also, probably part of the no jump shots thing is because of the offense you guys mentioned in the last post. It’s a penetrate type of offense with little to no movement or screening.

    Calvin, were you there early enough to see warm-ups? I thought maybe you got a look at his form on the jumper from watching the warm-ups. If not, no biggie, just thought I’d ask.

  • Paul

    Sykes looks like a good passer

  • http://umhoops.com Wayman Britt

    For those who have seen Mr. Sykes play, is he the type of player with 10 seconds left, tie game, crowd going crazy, can he create his own shot and nail it for the win consistently (i.e. Evan, Kalin, Taylor, Manny). Many games as you know, comes down to this.

    Because if we want to compete with the upper division of the Big Ten and replace Manny, that’s what we need. I just don’t know.

  • mark

    I was at the game and Skyes looked a little slower than normal. I wonder if the ankle injury has slowed him a little bit. I’ve watched him 4 times this year and I think he has taken 2 jump shots. He also needs to work on the FT shooting it isn’t that good.

  • Evan

    Sykes looks like a great player. he’s looks like a monster on defense with those blocks he had on those break away layups.He looks like a pretty good passer.I wish there was some way that belein could of caught this game too.

  • http://ufl.edu Mattski

    Sees the court really well. Will generate enthusiasm among fans. Not real tall, right? I’m trying to remember. Might be worth putting that on your banners at the front of videos?

    Video is very well done. Thanks.

  • Kenny

    rivals is predicting a hoop commitment today. will it be Sykes?

  • http://www.umhoops.com Dylan

    Nope. Jon Horford will be on campus today. Stay tuned.

  • UMQuasi

    I’m conflicted about the recruitment of guys like Sykes and Zeigler. I’ve never seen them live but I thought they both looked good on video. I actually thought Sykes looked to be more athletic and have better vision and body control than Zeigler.

    My conflict comes with the fact that neither has a decent jump shot. On the one hand, it has been frustrating to watch a team that doesn’t have a whole lot of options other than the 3 point shot. In that regard, it’s nice to see Beilein going after some more athletic players that can get into the lane.

    On the other hand, unless Beilein plans on changing his system, I’m not sure how productive these guys can be. If we start recruiting slashers but remain a perimeter-oriented team, that could be disaster. I’m just a little uneasy about it. Beilein is, by all accounts, one the best at teaching shooting (this year’s team notwithstanding). However, it is highly unlikely that you can turn a guy with a bad jump shot into a 35-40% 3pt shooter. It is more likely that they end up like Manny, with a serviceable jump shot, but definitely not a pure shooter.

    Like I said, if Beilein is planning on altering his offensive system, then great, but if he plans on using Zeigler/Sykes-type players in his typical offense I think it’s like putting a square peg into a round hole

  • http://ufl.edu Mattski

    quasi: I’m with you. People here w. more hoops savvy than me are very big on Zeigler, but to the evidence of my eyes Sykes looks more exciting. (Making the call on the basis of 2-3 videos!) But have we established that Sykes can’t shoot from outside, or only that the offense he’s in doesn’t call for it?

    I had some of the same thoughts re: how he fits in Beilein’s offense. . . but Beilein has been showing up for lots of his games, and I assume he thinks a little about that, too!

  • http://www.umhoops.com Dylan

    Reuploaded the video, quality will be down for a few minutes while YouTube reprocesses. They had axed the sound before but the new one should be good.

  • Evan

    Say it aint so. Please dont offer horford I do not want to wait for another average big men to redshirt his freshman year. Its starting to get ridiculous lets wait for big men in 2011 because we are in on about 3 or 4 guys who will be better then horford i like my chances for next years class with a big guy and this years get sykes and zeigler

  • Tweeter

    Great to finally see some live action of this guy. He looks legit. I was very impressed with his ball handling and ability to drive to his off hand (something that has held Manny back for years). I especially liked the mid court pass to yourself off the rim. Very athletic and seemed to have a very good sense for the game. I am amazed that this guy is not at least a solid three star on all sites.

    As to the comments regarding slashers fitting in the offense: Certainly we all saw what happens when you have a guy that cannot shoot and the defense knows it (e.g. Morris), but this team also needs to have guys that can create shots for themselves and others without having to rely on receiving a pass in the post. Not to mention that this team needs to have quality athletes at some positions for defensive reasons.

    It would be great if these guys could all shoot and the defense had to come out and guard everyone. But the offense can still work just fine as long as the real shooters on the team are making shots. Even if defenders are sagging off Morris and a Zeigler/Sykes, they still have to be aggressive guarding the other three guys, if they are good shooters. Not to mention that sagging off these guys creates problems with the help defense on the perimeter. If Morris’ man is staying back and he passes to a wing then sets a screen for Douglass, there is almost no way for him to recover and help if Douglass comes free.

    So while certain aspects of the offense can be hurt by having a couple weak shooters out there, other aspects are improved by adding a new dimension. Not to mention that I trust in Beilein to be able to get these guys to decent shooter levels within a couple years. We will know more when we see how much Morris improves next season.

    Evan: why do you think Horford is going to redshirt next year? I dont know if he is ready to be a starter but he looked like he could certainly contribute some minutes right away. Next years team desperately needs front court help and bodies that can contribute are important since it will probably be a front court by committee approach. I love the 2011 bigs too, but I dont see them getting more than one regardless of what happens this year. And I still think the coaches only will take one of Zeigler and Sykes. Not to mention that maybe adding a big this year might help convince Manny to stay another year.

  • MaizeNBlue2

    JRose, if you happen to read this; you asked me if I went to Southridge in another thread. I was just curious why you asked?

  • Kenny

    I don’t see Evan’s logic either, with Cronin’s career is over, we just need an extra body down low for the next season.

  • Evan

    When we made it to the NCAA tourney we only had two bigs. there’s no reason to rush to get a guy if you think you can get one better next year.

  • Joe

    I too was at the games last night. Sykes could really make things happen with the ball in his hands. He either drove all of the way to the hole or setup a teamate on his way. The one negative I saw is he was frequently the last player back on defense. Many times he seemed to ge just jogging back.

    I loved Carltons game. He too could drive very well which frequently resulted in a score, free throws or a dish to a teamate. He too did not take many outside shots. But, watching him warm up he drained many threes and has a nice release on his shot.

  • JBlair52

    I understand what Evan is saying.

    It’s a tough situation…

    We’re looking at a shortage of size and need a body. But I think the question comes in is will Horford be able to contribute next year anyway? If NOT, then maybe it would be better to wait and get Plumlee/Williams in 2011 and hope that as freshmen they can contribute as much as Horford could in his 2nd year…so long as we see more potential/higher ceiling from them.

    Had Wright stayed, maybe this would be a different situation. What we’re looking at next year are two RS Fr and a true freshman to make up our only 3 guys over 6’5″…meaning we’ll have ZERO minutes returning over 6’5″ That’s scary, but will adding Horford help that? Will he be ready? Should we wait and see, maybe we can get two “better” bigs/forwards in 2011.

  • JB

    Evan – I think horford will help tremendously. i know williams and plumlee are rated higher, but we need big men asap and there is no certainty we will land either williams or plumlee. Also, I think it’s very likely that a sophomore jon horford will be better than a freshman williams/plumlee.
    yeah, we made the tournament with two bigs, and then we lost to oklahoma because we had no bigs to contain blake griffin and their front line.

  • Tweeter

    The other thing you have to remember in regards to last years tourney run with only two bigs, is that we had one big, in Sims, who was very good and played a ton of minutes. Next years team does not appear to have anyone at that level. Therefore, it becomes even more important to have options. We can still get either Williams or Plumlee along with Horford, it just means we can only get one of the Sykes/Zeigler/Crider wing types.

    Im sure if the coaches felt that McLimans/Morgan/Smotrycz/Novak were good enough to hold down the 4/5 spots next year, they wouldnt be going as hard after Horford. Personally, I was more impressed with Horford’s tape than I was Williams, even though Williams has more upside. I think Horford appeared more skilled and ready to play.

  • Evan

    If we get horford this year and 1 of crider/zeigler/sykes and then possibly plumlee/or Williams aren’t we back where we started we will only have one guy to drive to the rim because manny will be gone by then

  • Evan

    I’m not trying to hate on horford I hope he will have a great college career and I hope he proves me wrong and will not get redshifted assuming he gets an offer. But I would really love to make our team more athletic on the wings

  • Tweeter

    Well we will also have Brundidge then, as well as Hardaway who may not be a great driver right now but he is pretty athletic. Not to mention DMo will be a junior and hopefully will have improved his driving ability. Heck, even Douglass was starting to show flashes this year, he just couldnt finish consistently. So there should be enough guys who can create.

    The bigger issue to me would be defensively. Thats where having that additionally wing athlete would help. But the defense has been good enough so far considering that we have played an unathletic 6’4 power forward and only a couple good athletes. With the addition of more size though, the 1-3-1 becomes a better option so maybe it wont matter.

  • Evan

    I could see sykes or maybe even zeigler play the top of that 1-3-1 and really do well up there

  • JRose

    MaizeNBlue2-I noticed you had watched a lot of Washington games but didn’t seem like you were an alum. I remembered the scouting report of the Southridge-Washington game, but couldn’t remember if you had attended Southridge. My wife went to Southridge and recognized your last name.
    Excited to hear about a Horford commit today!
    Go Blue!

  • http://www.rivalryesq.com GregGoBlue

    I think what this current team desperately lacks the most at this stage is athleticism. More than size, IMO.

    Sheer grit and determination will only get you so far. The lack of athleticism this year has been glaring, especially on defense. Take Vogrich, for example. Great shooter, not very athletic, terrible (and I mean terrible) defender. He gives us nothing if we put him in the game except a defensive liability. The worst part is that with athleticism you got it or you don’t. If you don’t, it’s not something you can learn. Morris is a great counterexample, where his athleticism made him an asset this season, especially on the defensive side of the ball (and, lately, on the offensive side as well).

    I think that despite the phantom jumper, Sykes would give an excellent boost to the athleticism of this team. With one or both of our arguably two most athletic players (Manny and Deshawn) leaving next year, Michigan desperately needs an infusion of athleticism (especially if the shooters continue not to be able to shoot). Brundidge is a great start for 2011. Whiffing on Prather hurt, but I think Sykes is a very strong option for the 2010 class.

  • MaizeNBlue2

    JRose – Ah, that makes sense. Who’s your wife? (If you don’t mind me asking.)

    Shoot me an e-mail at jwhouchin at gmail dot com, since I’m sure you don’t want to throw info like that out on a public board.

  • Tom_McC

    Evan couple things…I’m not sure what you are talking about in regards to only having 1 driver.

    If Manny returns next year and UM gets either Zeigler or Sykes…UM will have 3 drivers. Harris, Morris and either Zeigerl or Sykes would give the lineup some nice penetrators.

    Looking to 2011, if UM add Zeigler/Sykes or misses out on them and gets Crider, you still have 3 drivers in Brundidge, Crider and Morris…and that doesn’t even take into account that Hardaway has improved his dribble drive game and Smotrycz can take guys off the dribble as well.

    Don’t get me wrong…I like the idea of having Sykes and Zeigler come in this class, but I don’t think it is essential that Beilein hauls in both. It would be great, but it won’t make or break anything.

  • Bluebufoon

    Here’s the deal for me on Sykes– I love his athleticism, ball-handling and athletic ability. Plus he helps U-M’s reputation inside Detroit, which shouldn’t be over-looked. But if Mr Sykes doesn’t realize he’s not going to start next year and that he is going to start out as a role player–which is very important, but Sykes has to realize he is going have to learn Beilein’s system and (greatly) improve his outside shot. If thats not acceptable I wouldn’t offer–we don’t need another Alex Legion type of situation.

  • http://www.rivalryesq.com GregGoBlue

    With so many quality big men in the 2011 class, pass on Horford and take Sykes. Horford is a project; no WAY that kid plays in 2010. Simply not developed enough. He’d get eaten alive in the physical Big Ten. We want immediate impact and athleticism.

    Sykes + Zeigler or Sykes + Horford (if we whiff on Zeigler).

    either way, offer Sykes!

  • Tweeter

    Greg, I agree on the sentiment on Sykes. I really like him and think he could help UM. But I also think horford is a must for next season and beyond. I dont think he is a project at all. Does he need to ass some size, sure. Are his skills fully developed, no. But he does have some very good ball skills and seemed to have a good understanding of how to get position, hold that position, receive the ball, attack from the post, as well as pass out of the post.

    IMO, I think he would play right away next year, dont know if he would start, but he would play. I am also not worried about him getting “eaten alive in the physical big ten.” The Big Ten is physical, but its not like there are a lot of imposing big men in the Big Ten. In fact most of the bigs in the Big Ten are rather slender. Now there are some young guys in the conference now and a couple coming next year who are a little bigger, but still its not like Horford is McLimans.

    Also, you do realize that Plumlee is the epitome of slender bigs. He has some time still to put on weight, but right now that guy makes Mike Davis look like Robert traylor.

  • Jsham

    I really like Sykes game and I have seen the kid shoot in warmups and his shot is far from broken, put it this way he is a far better shooter than Bernard Robinson was coming to Michigan and He will only get better. I really would hate to see this guy get away I see a upside to him like Chris Douglass-Roberts, Wilson Chandler, and a Eric Devendorff. I like Trey Zeigler but stop being a diva and make up your mind playboy. We don’t need anymore rattle snake bites.

  • Jsham

    So does anyone agree with me that Zak Novak should come off the bench. It really bothers me that he plays the 4 and gets posterized by bigger post players. He is a tough nosed kid but if UM wants to win we need bigs and that is why getting Horford is a must have. Just cuz he isn’t a top 100 recruit now doesn’t mean he can’t contribute right away. Look at how others turned out who were 3 stars or less. Just saying don’t sleep on Horford look at big brother for example.

  • Evan

    Anyone know whats the deal with horford? on the wolverine.com it says that he already concluded his visit but i dont have an account to read it.

  • jk

    I’m actually pretty optimistic. While it is frustrating to have a potential “project” in Horford, I think that the freshman will contribute much much more than they did this year. I think Novak will be a great 6th man if that’s his role next year because he has the ability to get a spark and some hustle points going. At this point I think I actually like Sykes more than Zeigler, but then again, it would be huge for UM to land another top 100 recruit. Question: Is it possible Zeigler hasn’t committed yet because he is waiting to see if Manny comes back. Because if manny comes then Zeigler won’t necessarily be the go-to guy. but anyways…tell me what you think.

  • j savy33

    Offer this kid we have 3 open ships lets take Horford, Sykes, and if Zeigler wants to commit take him too.

  • Evan

    we cant do this if we take all 3 then we will have half of our players that will graduate in 2014 so it will be really tough to get 7 quality guys in a class

  • Jsham

    I say take Sykes Horford and Zeigler if Manny bolts for the league but I just have a feel for Sykes game. He has that “IT” swagger to him and I love the DPS kids. We need some more grimey ballers to help of get over the msu hump. I know Zeigler is in state but I have a feeling that Sykes has a higher ceiling. I could be wrong but I just don’t like this waiting game stuff It reminds me of the Lavell Blanchard situation. Solid player but he didn’t take our program to the next level. Zeigler in my eyes falls into that same category.

  • ToBlav

    Something to be said for the bird in hand. There isn’t any guarantee we get one of the top bigs next year. Also a year is a long time, injury, transfer, family situations, are among the unknowns that might open up a slot.

  • fresh

    i have been saying that about novak for many many many months……….the kid is exactly what you say he is jsham………way to small to be an effective 4 man offensively or defensively……..has no ability to beat his man, even a bigger man off the dribble, cant do any work inside obviously and just isnt that great of an athlete…..pure and simple: he can shoot and hustle and that is not enough to get any more than 10-15 mins a game from here on out because he isnt good enough to get any more than that……beilein knows what needs to happen, he knows he needs more dribble drivers and a more quality athlete because i have heard him address these exact issues now its just a matter of getting it done

  • Jsham

    I know you knew that fresh about novak he is just a stop gap till bigger post are available. If morgan didn’t get hurt this fall and mclimans spends more time at ponderosa and old country buffet will have our wish with novak coming off the bench. I have seen horford play 6 times I live in Jackson and he played against my former school Jackson high twice and was impressive and J-high ain’t no scrubs and he dominated against Jackson Lumen Christi. So I like horford to play right away its not like johnson from purdue or all of the other big ten bigs are muscle bound freaks.

  • Brian W

    Dylan and Calvin, excellent job on the Sykes video and info.

    Sykes has most of the skills that Trey possesses and has more raw athletic ability than most of U-M’s roster. I could see him playing point guard for the second unit next year. If Beilein decided to take Sykes before Trey decides, I’d understand since that’s what Duke did with the juco kid. What Sykes doesn’t have is Trey’s star rating and ranking, which is what a lot of people will look at and grade Beilein on. If Manny is leaning towards leaving, offer Sykes for sure.

    I wouldn’t close the class without adding Horford, though. With Morgan having spent most of the season being injured, I wouldn’t feel comfortable going into next season with Morgan, McLimans and Smotrycz as being the only guys over 6-5. Smotrycz and Horford will play power forward, but if Morgan has a knee issue again, like he did during the season, you’d want another big guy to come off the bench. Hopefully, Horford got his offer today… Watching Samhan from St. Mary’s on Saturday, I thought of Piotrowski, who (based on what video I saw) reminded me of him. Not at Samhan’s level, but had the start of a skill set that could become like Samhan’s. Beilein must have not liked what he saw, though.

  • Chad

    I know im completely off subject but im lookin for the UM vs DUKE ’99 game that featured Crawford, Gaines, Blanchard ect. If so please let me know I looked everywhere from youtube on!!!

  • The Yooper

    Totally pumped for the semis/finals. I get to see Brundridge, Sykes, and Williams all play in one day. Sweet Jesus!

  • Jsham

    To Chad I can’t find video for the 99 game either your best bet is too ask someone on this forum to upload it and Google it which I’m sure you have already done.

  • Evan

    So the semis are Friday and the finals are the next day? That doesn’t make much sense. Also doesn’t yogi have his championship game on Saturday too

  • Chris

    Isaiah Sykes = Bernard Robinson Jr.

  • The Yooper

    Yeah I was surprised they had them back to back like that as well because for every other game in tournament you would have at least one day in between each game.

  • Tweeter

    “Isaiah Sykes = Bernard Robinson Jr.”

    That sounds pretty good to me. A very good athlete that was a borderline NBA player. Oh how I miss B Rob’s wild spin moves.

  • http://www.umhoops.com Dylan

    I feel like we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves on some of these comparisons… But Sykes is definitely a nice player. It’ll be fun to see how things play out over the next couple weeks.

  • Tx

    Any word on horford?

  • http://www.umhoops.com Dylan

    Horford visited but did not commit at this time.

  • Chris

    Any word if Beilein would take Sykes, Horford and Zeigler? The winding down of 2010 bball recruiting is exciting, I can hardly take the anticipation. Hope we don’t strike out.

  • Deew2

    Earlier this month everyone was drooling over Zeigler….is this because we saw film of a few of his bad games (and bad free throw shooting) or is this because of sykes’ dramatic rise in appeal?

  • Drew2

    I apologize, that made little sense–are we doubting zeiglers game because of his few bad games, or sykes’ rise in stock?

  • Jsham

    I think it’s a combination of both elements of Zieglers free throw shooting and that Sykes was a well kept secret because of his many transfers to different public schools and limited games played due to transfers. But as we have seen this cat can ball and he can do it against good competion. Trey also plays in a very talented league also. Let me just say this about the two, I see sykes as being a kid who will just keep getting better and better and brings more toughness with his overall game. Trey has grown up with a coaching dad so basketball IQ is gonna be there and he has the athletic ability also but lets look back in football recruiting class of 04 mike hart 3 stars max martin 4 stars and 5 star in lemmings ratings. We seen how that worked out. All I’m saying is let’s not get all caught up in Z’s rating. We have a serious viable option in Sykes so don’t sleep on him. Plus B Rob JR was a nice player for us and I think Sykes will be better. Jimmy King/Albert White/Ray Jackson/Manny Harris type.

  • gpsimms

    Too bad Billy Donavan didn’t go to st. john’s, think of the scholarship crunch madness then, with prather back on the board.

    do we know if michigan extended an “official” offer to hoford today?

  • Tweeter

    Deew, I cant speak for everyone, but I am not doubting Zeigler at all. I still think he is more ready to be a consistent production player than Sykes is, even though Sykes could have a higher ceiling with his athleticism. For me, Zeigler is still option A, its just that I am now more of a believer that Sykes is option A2. Whereas before seeing him play I thought Sykes was more of a plan B type guy. I would be very happy with either so I hope we get one of them.

    I was wondering the same thing gp. From everything that I had heard it seemed like Horford would get his offer and commit when he visited. He may have done so, just silently, who knows. But I guess there is always the chance that the coaches didnt offer yet and want to see how the Zeigler/Sykes/Manny thing all plays out. I can see an argument for wanting to take both Zeigler and Sykes if Manny is leaving. I wouldnt think that is the right move b/c I really like Horford. But I dont have all the information that the coaches do. Such as how good McLimans and Morgan are.

  • Brick

    Yeah, spill the beans Dylan. Did Horford get the offer? Is he taking another visit? Is he going to do some lame announcement on signing day? We all thought this was a done deal today so the lack of commitment seems a little odd. Hopefully he’s just waiting for you to finalize your welcome to Michigan post.

  • gpsimms

    by the way, all the typos, i swear it’s my keyboard. you probably all think im a raging alcoholic.

  • Tweeter

    all of my typos, are without a doubt, because I am a raging alcoholic.

  • Jsham

    Who cares about the typos playboys were all UM hoops fans right? Anybody up for some shots of Remy Martin? I have Hennessey or Bombay Sapphire also. LOL

  • http://www.umhoops.com Dylan

    Sam Webb on Sykes in the Detroit News…
    http://www.detnews.com/article/20100325/OPINION03/3250399/1031

  • Brian W

    If Horford got the offer and is sleeping on it, guess that’s understandable. Will definitely lead to some head scratching if nothing happens with him. Sykes and Zeigler (sans Horford) is a wish for some, and I suppose it could happen. We’ll see.

    Typos happen. I sometimes miss something when I type on my phone since the text box is so small.

  • Brian W

    After reading the new article, it sounds like a visit from Sykes could happen after his season. Good quotes from Isaiah, though. Manny’s given him some good advice…and Beilein is a cool guy.

    I wonder if Manny got a draft evaluation from the NBA. The article that projected him as a late second round pick is accurate to me. Hopefully he’ll get good advice from family/friends and not jump too early like Earnest Shazor.

  • Troy

    I may be in the minority but I say take Sykes and Zeigler this team desperately needs to get more athletic. Look at teams like OSU and Nova they dont play very tall players but guys who are athletic and long. Sykes intrigues me because his length and dribbling ability can cause matchup problems

  • Troy

    Are there rumors swirling about Fresh possibly leaving and maybe this has to do with the increased attention by the coaches toward Sykes.

  • isaac

    IF I HAD TO PICK BETWEEN SYKES ZEIGLER AND HOLFORD I WOULD CHOOSE SYKES AND HOLFORD ZEIGLER IS NOT BETTER THAN SYKES I SAW THEM BOTH PLAY IN PERSON ZEIGLER IS THE MOST OVER RATED PLAYER IN THE COUNTRY AT 25 OVERALL IF MICHIGAN CHOOSE ZEIGLER OVER SYKES THAT COULD BE a big MISTAKE.

    AND WITH MANNY RETURNING THE ADDING OF TIM JR AND JORDAN DUMARS ITS NO WAY THERE BOTH COMING TO MICH AND IT WOULD B ANOTHER MISTAKE TO PASS UP ON HOLFORD EVEN THOUGH HE HE’S NOT VERY GOOD HE HAS SIZE AND WE ALL NOW WERE THE GREAT PLAYERS GO OUT MICH SO WITH THAT IN MIND COUNT ON AMIR WILLIAMS GOING TO MSU IN 2011 OR ELSEWHERE I HOPE MICH CONSIDER PERCY GIBSON OUT OF DETROIT SOUTHEASTERN 6’8 PF OF 2011

  • http://www.umhoops.com/2010/03/24/jon-horford-to-michigan/ Jon Horford to Michigan | UM Hoops.com

    [...] Watch List « Video: Isaiah Sykes vs. Taylor Kennedy Take 5 With David Merritt: Wrap Up Edition [...]

  • http://none tom

    Well, Horford has officially come to UM. That settles that.

    However, for those of you saying that we should use all available scholarships this year, I think you’re wrong. That’s 7 guys in one class. Imagine recruiting when they’re all gone. Also, we are looking for a good big guy for next year and with one scholarship open we could focus on one guy and take a good player. Even if we don’t land the #1 PF/C we’ll still be in a good position to get a player of Amir Williams’ talent.

    That being said, I think we take Zeigler or Sykes and with either addition add a talented slasher to a team that needs one. Having played on good teams (my high school team was 1 point away from states last year) I assert here that you need slashers to open the shots up for guys like Vog, Dougless, Hardaway Jr, etc. EITHER (as in NOT BOTH) Zeigler or Sykes would be a good addition but we shouldn’t take both because it’s important to have an open scholarship for next year which we could use on a PF/C. Remember, Belien’s first two recruiting years he didn’t recruit a single guy non red-shirt that was above 6-4. We will need to recruit some bigger guys in the coming years.

  • Reality Man

    What makes you think Horford won’t redshirt? I think there is an important point missing in these discussions. This team/program needs to start making the jump up the conference ladder.

    Are you going to pass on a slasher like Sykes so you can have better balance down the line. I understand the point but we need to start winning and I would NOT in this case pass on a guy who can make this team much better especially with Manny supposedly leaving.

    TZ is not a guarantee. Sykes is not like Douglas or Novak. He is a
    legitimate Big Ten level player. If he wants to come..have him come. I don’t know of any other top notch slashers in 2011 from the state of MI. I know of centers but again I think we need wing talent especially with the way we play under JB (zone).

    With Mclimans, Morgan and Horford and possibly throw in Smotcryz..we have enough size now. The question is whether these
    guys pan out. The bottom line is we need to start winning in 2011 and beyond. Everyone is tired of waiting.

    Reality Man

  • http://www.umhoops.com/2010/03/27/mhsaa-class-a-semifinals-scouting-reports/ MHSAA Semis: Scouting Carlton Brundidge and Isaiah Sykes | UM Hoops.com

    [...] posted a scouting report and video of Sykes earlier this week and it was clear that his game hasn’t changed. He loves to get in the lane, he [...]

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