- Talked with Chris at Taiwan Hoops and he said that Laval Lucas-Perry is playing in the Jones Cup and Manny Harris is not. Be sure to check out the schedule as well.
- Report: Kendric Price to Delaware
Seems like a good move for K-Price who is scheduled to graduate this summer. - Darius Morris update
Lacy on Morris - Scout Camp Highlights (I think these are free through 7/6)
- IU target Franklin is always on the move
Roger Franklin article with no mention of U-M, also no quoted school list for what it’s worth. (Thanks for the link bluebufoon) - Basketball: Windward’s Morris could be Michigan-bound in future
- Rivals updated their basketball rankings.
- Scout also updated their rankings and this one really leaves me scratching my head. No Morris in the top 100, Nix and Riley top 60 and Kirk top 80.
Archive for the 'Stuart Douglass' Category
Camp week has come and gone and Darius Morris did not commit. However Darius did enjoy himself and plans to stick to his end of summer decision date. Scout also has a diary feature with Darius (also here on GBOA?) that began today. I still feel good about this one but the danger is if August passes and Darius doesn’t make a decision, then we are looking at a Tory Jackson 2.0 situation (Short version: Tory told the coaches repeatedly he was coming and “planned to commit” several times but it never happened as he strung Michigan on for far too long). But at this point he has taken a visit to Ann Arbor and loved it and it’s time to just wait it out. With CJ Harris off the board it appears that Carl Jones is the plan-B target for a point guard in a class where it’s hard to fathom Michigan not signing a point guard.
The other star of camp week was clearly Nate Lubick, the big fella really impressed all week in Ann Arbor and at this point has to be the top 2010 target on the board. Rivals already has Lubick listed as the #6 PF and #30 overall player in the class of 2010 and I can only see that ranking going upward. The competition for Lubick will be fierce with tons of high majors after him but Lubick is very familiar with the Michigan program and has been to campus multiple times.
Stephen Bell wrote a good piece listing ten intriguing in-state prospects at Michigan camp. The most promising junior names for U-M fans to keep an eye on are: Alex Gauna (left camp early due to injury), Sultan Muhammad, Matt Kamieniecki, Michael Talley and Maurice Jones. LaDontae Henton is also a freak athlete in the class of 2011 who is already drawing a lot of attention. Michigan will only have 2 open scholarships in 2010 (if they use their two remaining 2009 scholarships) and I would assume they have to take at least one big guy.
There has been a lot of talk about the starting line up again now that people got a look at the freshman in 
action at team camp. Zack had become the flavor of the month recently with his gaudy numbers but after struggling a bit at team camp it appears Stu is the guy everyone is penciling in now. It has to be noted that Zack has been playing in tons of camps, all-star games and scrimmages over the past couple months as well as playing baseball and moving to Ann Arbor so it is safe to say that he is probably a little burned out.
Stu’s range has never been questioned but there were many people trying to knock him as the second coming of Reed Baker despite his shooting. First off, Stu is probably at least 3 inches taller than Reed but the thing that sets him apart is his passing ability and ability to use screens. I don’t think Stu can be a point guard but he can make the right passes at the right times from the two-guard. I can’t even begin to count the number of times Michigan missed open back door cuts that would have resulted in easy baskets. Stu being able to make (deep) open shots and stretch the defense and then hit open cutters is a valuable asset all by itself.
The issue with the starting lineup is where does Manny Harris play next year? If he plays the wing (which I think he will), then I think Stu starts at the two-guard to begin the year. If Manny plays the two like he did last year then you have the potential of Novak or Wright starting at the three. For depth reasons it makes more sense to have Manny backed up by Novak at the three with Wright backing up DeShawn in the thin front court. Where Laval Lucas-Perry plays when he is eligible is also going to be interesting because I could see him playing point guard or shooting guard.
Other notes.
- Sounds like Manny Harris is NOT going to Taiwan for the Jones Cup, just Laval Lucas-Perry.
- Ben Simmons didn’t show well at the camp despite lighting up the Grand Valley team camp earlier in the summer. It appears to me “the Perfect Beilein Recruit’s” chances of a U-M offer are slipping.
- One other piece of positive news on Darius Morris. Washington State received a commitment from point guard Xavier Thames. This should presumably knock them down (and off?) Darius’ list.
- Hollins a Wolverine
Forgot to add this earlier, nice grab for Borseth.
- First this weekends originally planned visits:
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- No Andy Brown this week. Is it because Beilein is out of town or a guy like Benzing is taking his spot?
- No Darius Morris, this visit had been rescheduled for a while I think.
- Brian Elerbee is now doing construction according to The Realests.
- A couple things on Robin Benzing:
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- I confirmed with Chris at European Prospects that the eligiblity situation is that he would enter college this year and most likely have to sit out the 08-09 season before being able to play the next year. Sorry, from looking at previous cases it appears that Benzing would have SOPHOMORE eligibility in 09-10 instead of RS-Freshman eligibility.
- In regards to Benzing’s position a lot of scouting services have him listed as a 3 man. I think that down the road in the NBA Benzing certainly could project to a 3 man but right now with the roster composition in Beilein’s offense I can’t see Benzing playing anything but the 4.
- Thanks to Sheryl for pointing out that Zack and Stu are playing in another All-Star game, this time on opposite teams. This time it’s the Hoosiers’ Reunion All Star Classic on June 6th (8pm).
Best Bets 2009
I am going to make a best guess list for the 2009 recruiting class which right now has 4 (3 open) spots. This is basically just a preview of the updates I am planning for the hot board brought to you early. For the record this is my personal opinion and is not affiliated in any way with the University of Michigan basketball program.
1. Jordan Morgan - Center/PF - Commit
Morgan provides the size and post presence that Michigan needs inside but also still has a little bit of range on his jumper.
2. Robin Benzing - PF/SF
I think Benzing will come to Michigan and fill the opening at the PF. He would enroll this summer but most likely have to red shirt due to NCAA rules. This would give him a year to get acclimated to the US and also start learning Beilein’s system. It might be a stretch but I think Benzing might have jumped ahead of Andy Brown given that Beilein has already traveled over to Germany to see Benzing play.
Back-Up: Andy Brown
3. Darius Morris - PG
The need at point guard is huge, Morris provides a very good combo of passing, flair, scoring and athleticism that Michigan needs in the back court.
Back-Ups: Nick Russell, CJ Harris or Carl Jones
4. Best Available - C/WF/SG
The last scholarship is the toughest to project, it would seem like it should goto a wing or a big man but I think Michigan will just go for the best available player. There are not many big men on the radar right now that appear to be sure bets. I think the best bets here are one of the following: Nick Russell, Andy Brown, Manny Atkins or CJ Harris. I think that some sort of late riser could also fill this spot, I wouldn’t be suprised to see this spot stay around for a while especially if Michigan can lock up a point guard and 4-man.
Novak and Douglass look to have had solid games yesterday in the Indiana North/South game. I was not able to watch but Douglass was 3-9 (2-6) in the game for 8 points and Novak was 5-9 (3-6) for 13 points (Box score). Contrary reports also say Novak had closer to 17 or 18 points and this box score is a little off.
I was not able to watch (or listen to) the game but the best report I have seen was on the Rivals free board from poster blue_in_chicago who attended the game.
On Douglass:
First, Douglass. In the first half, he actually looked kind of bored out there. Had better energy in second half and played quite of bit of the lead guard in the second half. He clearly has EXCELLENT vision and can pass real well, particularly off the pick-and-roll. He actually made a couple of passes that surprised his teammates and they went the wrong way or dropped them. I would say Douglass is a definite 1/2 type of guard.
On Novak:
Much bigger and has big, strong shoulders. More of a 2/3 type of guy and much more physically ready to play in the Big Ten. It would not shock me if he was a starter next year if things go well with LLP and Manny moves to the 3 like the coaches plan to. He is great shooter and had some nice drives down the lane for a lay-up. Like Douglass, he capable of shooting it as soon as the ball crosses mid-court and that is just going to be big help to Manny, Grady and LLP. I think he will be an effective scorer all over the court and is capable of finishing inside b/c of his strength. BTW, I think both Novak and Douglass are about the same height (6-4″?) so they will fit in with Beilein’s desire for bigger guards.
There is a lot more there so check out the whole post, it seems pretty clear that at least one of Novak and Douglass will play a good amount of minutes this year because of how deficient this team is at shooting the three.
I also received a scouting report (thanks to Nick) from a coach in Jake Cohen’s high school conference on his game. Cohen looks like a plan B/backup type kid right now but certainly one to watch.
Cohen would not wow you right now some people are having a hard time thinking he is D1 vs the Lions he went for 11pts and 7 board but you need to get passed that and think what will this kid look like as a 20 year old man and that is why Jake has a chance. He is very skilled but I will say not as skilled as the kid Dan Geriot from Springfield who is at Richmond right now. So I am not sold on him, if I was at St. Joes he would be on my list as a back up.
Stuart Douglass and Zack Novak will join an elite group of Indiana senior basketball players at the 2008 North/South Indiana All-Star Classic on March 30 at Vincennes University. The doubleheader will feature the girls’ game at 2 p.m. and the boys’ game at 4 p.m. at VU’s P.E. Complex.
Tickets cost $8 each and are available by calling the VU Alumni Office, (812) 888-4354 or (800) 945-2586. Tickets may also be purchased by email at events@vinu.edu.
The games will be broadcast by WVUT-TV 22 and WVUB 91.1 FM, and streamed on VU’s Web site: www.vinu.edu
The North/South Indiana All-Star Classic is sponsored by Vincennes University, Hoosier Basketball Magazine and Pacesetter Sports of Terre Haute. The games are directed by Harry Meeks, women’s basketball coach at VU. Information is available at www.hoosierbasketballmagazine.com.
If anyone is planning on attending or if anyone gets WVUT-TV shoot me an email here. Thanks and good luck to both Stu Douglass and Zack Novak.
- Anyaorah Commits To Big 12 School ($)
Posted that this was looking very likely but now it’s official. Two remain: Watts and Cassity. - Rosters chosen for Indiana North-South All-Star Classic
Congrats to Stu and Zack for making this team. The game is March 30th at Vincennes University at 4pm. - No. 1 recruit Terrelle Pryor picks Ohio State
If you live under a rock and didn’t hear, Pryor is going to the “University of Ohio State” as expected. - It’s another March without Michigan but here are my first round upset picks: Western Kentucky, Davidson, St Joes, St Marys, and Siena! Cal State Fullerton is an interesting team because they have almost-Wolverine Marcus Crenshaw (damn JUCO admissions) and almost-offered Josh Akognon on their roster, I’ll certainly be watching that one.
- Kyle Cassity made Illinois class 2a all-state first team and reportedly received a Michigan offer Wednesday and possible even verballed?. It sounds now like Kyle has NOT verballed to Michigan but he does have an offer. More tomorrow.
- Ben Cronin’s team fell in the state regional finals to Bishop Maginn. Cronin had a game high 17 points in the loss (box score).
- Stuart Douglass and Carmel lost in the regional finals 63-59 to Brownsburg. Stu had a rough shooting day going 6-20 for 16 points (box score/recap). It looks like it was a tough shooting night overall for Carmel and Brownsburg pulled off two upsets in one day.
- Terrelle Pryor likes to fight.
- Carmel knocked off Franklin Central 54-43 in the regional semifinals this afternoon. They will face Brownsburg at 8 pm tonight. Here are a few message board reports, and here is the Indy Star’s game write up. Stu was only 4-20 but led Carmel with 16 points.
- Kyle Cassity scored 16 points in Pinckneyville’s state semifinal 47-44 loss to North Lawndale. Here’s a good message board report on Cassity’s game. Cassity will probably make his way up for a visit now that his season is over.
- Justin Watts is expected on campus ($) and Zack Novak was on campus Thursday night (not sure if he still is here).
- Tomorrow’s game against Purdue can be streamed online through CSTV if you can’t get to a TV.
- 2009 guard Diamond Taylor is off board, he committed to Wisconsin.
- Wolverine women lost to Iowa in the second round of the BigTen Tournament but could get an NIT bid.
I managed to catch up with 2008 commitment Stuart Douglass for an interview recently. For those that don’t know, Douglass is a 6-3 shooting guard from Carmel, Indiana who played his way to an eventual offer at Michigan’s team camp last summer. Douglass is averaging 15.3 ppg and has made 79 of 208 (38%) three pointers on the season for state ranked Carmel High. Carmel has a regional semi-final game (and potentially a regional final game) on Saturday at 12pm (finals at 8pm) in Southport. Thanks a lot to Stu for taking the time during his season to do the interview.
How is your season going? It looks like you guys have a legit shot to win the state championship.
Our season is going great so far. We finished 18-2 and we were undefeated through 16 games. We just won the sectional championship last night against a county rival by 14. Next weekend is regionals and we’re feeling confident about our chances of going all the way to the championship. If we keep playing defense the way we did when we were undefeated we should have a very good chance.
How would you describe your game? Most people talk about your shooting, what other strengths and weaknesses do you have?
Shooting is what I get noticed for most but I think I have a pretty high basketball IQ. I usually know when I should shoot or drive or pass off to an open teammate. I’m working a lot harder on rebounding and on pressuring the ball, a few things I haven’t done so well the last couple years. This year I’ve been put on the other teams point guard more than I ever have and I’ve been given more defensive responsibility and I love it. I have taken an approach to defense now like I always have to shooting about challenging myself to get better and it becomes a lot more fun that way. It’s something I’m taking pride in now, which was not like me even last year.
Stuart Douglass and the Carmel Greyhounds advanced to the sectional final with a 77-60 win over Hamilton Southeastern. Douglass led all scorers with 19 points on 7 of 15 shooting (5 of 10 3 point) including a fast break dunk as the third quarter ran out. Carmel’s next game is the sectional final against Noblesville Monday at 7pm.
At the end of the third, Carmel scored uncontested baskets on back-to-back turnovers. Moore laid in two of his 16 points, then a few seconds later, the Michigan-bound Douglass came up with a loose ball and just beat the buzzer for a breakaway dunk. Carmel had an 11-point cushion.
We were all yelling, ‘Shoot it!’ ” Galloway said. “Knowing Stu, we thought he would try a 3.”
Said Douglass, a senior who had a game-high 19 points, “I looked up and saw 2.9 seconds left and knew I could make it.”Moore, who had 16 points and 10 assists, needled Douglass. “That thunderous dunk?” he said. “I’ve seen better from Stu. I give it about a four.”
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