Archive for the 'Will Barrett' Category

Will Barrett to Princeton

Published
by
Dylan
on October 22, 2008
in Blake McLimans, Recruits and Will Barrett
. 8 Comments

Per HoopScoop and the Cornell Basketball Blog, Will Barrett has decided to attend Princeton University. Barrett appears to be a great kid with a bright future ahead of him who prioritized academics over athletics. Michigan might have been a big step up, and probably meant less playing time and a lesser (although very good) education. He chose Princeton where he will have ample opportunity to play and get a world class education.

In terms of what this means for Michigan, first off it means that we will be able to avoid a sticky scholarship situation. With only one scholarship remaining for 2009, a Barrett commitment would have taken the last spot and given Michigan no shot at other big men such as Angus Brandt and Blake McLimans. At this point it appears to be almost certain that Michigan will try to get Brandt or McLimans to fill the last spot.

Angus Brandt (6-10 C, 2009) has already made it to campus this fall but plans to take his time ($) making a decision and sign in the late-spring period. Brandt has lots of big names on him and as the number of prospects available decrease, the teams that need a big man will keep going up. However, Angus enjoyed his U-M visit and Michigan is clearly positioned themselves to be involved all the way to the finish line.

Blake McLimans (6-10 C, 2009) is another big man prospect from Beilein’s old stomping grounds of upstate New York. McLimans never truly focused on basketball becuase he is an excellent baseball prospect and hasn’t played serious AAU ball. Belein has been out to see McLimans play and he appears to be a serious target despite being largely off the radar. Siena was Blake’s first offer but Providence (recent visit), Georgia Tech, and others are showing interest. Blake also appears to have scheduled a visit to Ann Arbor for this weekend. NERR has much more on Blake McLimans’ and Austin Carrol’s Worchester Academy team.

Even though Beilein might not need a stable of post players it seems to be a safe bet that Michigan tries to take either Angus Brandt or Blake McLimans. Looking ahead to 2010, top 100 power forward Will Regan is also showing serious interest in Michigan ($) and will most likely make a return to trip to Ann Arbor (Regan was at Elite Camp this summer).

8 Comments

What Now? Recruiting After Lubick

Published
by
Dylan
on October 8, 2008
in Angus Brandt, Blake McLimans, Nate Lubick, Recruits and Will Barrett
. 35 Comments

Nate LubickThere were positive vibes on Nate Lubick’s recruitment since Elite Camp this summer, there were articles about Nate recruiting other kids to Michigan, yet he never pulled the trigger. Something must have happened during his recent visit that didn’t make it into the reports of how much he enjoyed his time. But for whatever reason he decided he wasn’t a good fit. Lubick is going to be a big time player, and he could have been a statement recruiting for Beilein’s 2010 class.

Of course losing one recruit isn’t going to ruin the future of the program but acting like it is insignificant is not the right way either. This hurts and there is no way to slice it that will make it any better, it’s time to move on. This is why you take a guy like Robin Benzing when you can (even though it didn’t work out) even when there may be bigger possibilities on the horizon.

In 2009, Angus Brandt goes from a luxury to the number one priority. We need big men and we need them as soon as possible. Brandt’s recruitment is no gimmie and Beilein needs to put the full court press on. Luckily Brandt’s recruitment is just getting underway and Michigan should have a chance at least. There is playing time available in Ann Arbor for Angus and Beilein needs to let him know that. In regards to Will Barrett, I don’t know where his recruitment is at right now. Barrett would have been a good backup for Lubick, but he’s not really a replacement. I think the priority has to be Brandt over Barrett for the last spot in 2009 after losing Lubick even if that means risking going 0 for 2.

I just got an e-mail about one other name to watch: Blake McLimans, 6′9″ class of 09 big man from Worcester Academy (MA) who Beilein was reportedly taking a look at last weekend (his school is about 30minutes from Lubick’s).  McLimans has a similar style of play to Lubick and also is a baseball prospect (mid-upper 90s fastball). As far as his recruitment, he hasn’t played AAU ball (because of baseball) so he is under the radar. Siena has offered, while schools like Providence, PSU and BC are showing interest. Don’t know much more, but worth keeping an eye on.

In regards to the class of 2010, there is still time to cast a wider net and get in on some more kids. Alex Gauna is one possibility but the word on him is that he is Michigan State’s to lose.  Most of the highly regarded targets in the 2010 class have been guards and wings like Trey Zeigler (SG) and Russell Byrd (Wing). Byrd is closing in on a decision and Zeigler has a ways to go in his recruitment. These kids would be statement recruits but wouldn’t mask the fact that after Gibson there are two big men on the roster both 3 stars and one of whom is hobbled with hip problems. (A commenter (bluebufoon) points out Evan Smotrycz is another one to watch)

The best news I can think of at this point is that Beilein has been working his tail off on the recruiting trail and casting a wide net. There is plenty of talent out there in 2010 and I would expect to see a lot of new names popping up on the radar over the next few weeks and months as Beilein turns up the heat.

What a week it has been though Matt Vogrich goes from a long shot to a commitment and Lubick goes from a Michigan lean to a Georgetown verbal. Honestly, I’m ready to see this year’s team just play basketball.

Extra: Sam Webb podcast on Lubick and other hoops recruiting.

35 Comments

Recruiting Notes: Keegan Hornbuckle

Published
by
Dylan
on September 11, 2008
in Isaiah Philmore, Matt Vogrich, Recruits and Will Barrett
. 4 Comments

Got an e-mail from Sean Ceglinsky of the LA Times reminding me to keep an eye on Keegan Hornbuckle from Campbell Hall HS in California. Hornbuckle is a class of ‘09 wing forward at 6-6 who claims a U-M offer:

Arizona State, Oregon State and Michigan are among the numerous schools that have offered him a scholarship. Arizona is another major player and plans are in the works for an official visit to Tucson this weekend. Based on those facts, it appears the sky is the limit for Hornbuckle, who has emerged as a legitimate prospect.

Note: This Rivals article mentions a U-Arizona offer as well as a U-M in home. ($)

Here is a (lackluster) Dunk of the Day from Hornbuckle:

Hornbuckle, Barrett, and Vogrich are the main recruits claiming offers right now. Of those three, Barrett and Vogrich have visited an Ann Arbor. Another ‘09 name that has been floating around with a potential offer is wing forward Isaiah Philmore who is planning to trip to Ann Arbor as well. At this point, one thing you can’t criticize Beilein for is his work ethic on the recruiting trail.

Busy day today, don’t miss Darius Morris video, latest on tickets, and more notes including Manny’s draft stock.

4 Comments

Thursday Links & Notes

Published
by
Dylan
on September 11, 2008
in Manny Harris, Nate Lubick, Recruits and Will Barrett
. 0 Comments

One more note, I talked to Bill Martin at CAA Insider and he gave me his overall opinion of Will Barrett’s game:

Will is a player who has a lot of potential. From the first time I saw him he stood out because at 6-8 he could handle the ball and take it to the hoop. He is also fairly athletic and can shoot from the outside.

That being said, when I have seen him he has not played up to that potential. He does not dominate a game like he should with his size and skill set.

Right now I see Will as a high mid-major range player. He is definitely not a player I would expect to come in right away and significantly contribute at Michigan’s level. He could develop into a high major player, but I do not believe he is at that level yet.

0 Comments

Recruiting Notes: Introducing Will Barrett and Other Notes

Published
by
Dylan
on September 8, 2008
in Brandan Kearney, Matt Vogrich, Nate Lubick, Recruits, Trey Zeigler, Uncategorized and Will Barrett
. 17 Comments

Will BarrettA new name on the radar, Will Barrett, a 6-8 class of 2009 combo forward from Central Bucks South HS in Pennsylvania. According to CAAInsider, Barrett has an offer:

Barrett has now narrowed his list down to, Michigan, Princeton, Columbia, Davidson, Bucknell and William & Mary. All 5 schools have already extended scholarship offers.

Here is what Hoopville had to say on Barrett’s play at the Summer Classic East:

His stock probably rose more from this event than anyone else, and justifiably so as he had a solid day on Friday. The lanky combo forward showed some promise early, as he was active, blocked shots and showed ball skills and the ability to finish getting the ball off of a cut. Then he turned up the volume on each and scored on drives and from long range, going for 23 points in his last game of the day. Big East coaches are paying attention, although he might not quite be at that level as a high-major minus prospect.

ESPN also has a very positive opinion on Barrett’s game, giving him a 72 rating:

Barrett has effectively made the transition from a face-up four man to a true three man. He has tremendous size for the perimeter and is a huge mismatch problem for opposing defenses. Although his jump shot remains somewhat streaky with skewed mechanics, he has improved to the point where he is a legitimate threat from behind the three-point line when his feet are set, as well as off the dribble from 12-18 feet. His ability to handle the ball has also noticeably improved in recent months as he handles it in the open floor, is rarely rattled by pressure, and can put it on the deck to get to the rim. Although he isn’t explosively athletic he is very efficient getting to the basket, because he has a long first step and strides out all the way to the rim. His back to the basket pedigree is a huge advantage when guarded by smaller players as he can score over either shoulder on the low post. Barrett also does a number of the little things well on the offensive end as he shows his high I.Q. and good feel for the game by passing well and moving without the ball. His size and length makes him a solid defensive player, although he still has plenty of room for improvement. He also rebounds the ball very well from the perimeter. Physically, he has a cut body, but plenty of room on his frame for more muscle mass.

Barrett was on campus this weekend and reportedly had a great time. Looking at the offer list, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Barrett jump on the Michigan offer very soon. We will have to see in the next couple weeks if Barrett set’s any time frame for his decision.

Underclassmen. I also got an email from Jamal Richards who is starting a new scouting service in Michigan called We Fly High Ballers. They will be ranking the top kids in Michigan from 2009-2012. He also forwarded me a list of visitors from this weeks football game and tailgate which included: Brandan Kearney 6′4 CG 2011 Detroit Southeastern, Trey Ziegler 6′5 CG 2010 Mount Pleasant, Anthony Fields 6′0 PG 2010 Detroit Southeastern Transfer from Lake Orion, Percy Gibson 6′8 PF 2011 Detroit Southeastern, Carlton Brundidge 6′1 2G 2011 Southfield High, and Ray Lee 6′0 2G 2012 Robichuiad. Some big names in the list including Trey and Brandan who we have talked a lot about.

Continue reading ‘Recruiting Notes: Introducing Will Barrett and Other Notes’

17 Comments