 |
 |
   
 |
| Bball Recruiting Primer - 2007 PFs & Centers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Scott Martin
|
The web's original and most complete Michigan basketball Best Guess list. Check inside for detailed detailed recruiting profiles for each prospect. There has been a shakeup amongst target levels and a few new names have been added as well. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Format Change 5 - Interest couldn't be any stronger The list is ordered first by Target Level and then sub-ordered by Interest
level. These ratings can change from update to update, so keep an eye on them! Table of Contents (Click link to jump to desired section)2005-2006 Roster
2006-2007 Roster
2007-2008 Roster
Class of 2007 Power Forwards & Centers
AAU Team: Michigan Mustangs High School: Saginaw HS (Saginaw, MI) Has a very good post presence and can maintain his position down low. He rebounds like a big fella should. Can score on the low block, shot blocker gets up and down the floor really well. Ranks with Paul Crosby as the top big man in the 07 in-state class. A player that isn't really appreciated for his attention to all of the aspects of playing down low. He has visited Ann Arbor twice, but Michigan coaches have been out to see him numerous times over the past few months. The Wolverines had A LOT of ground to make up on Michigan State and Kentucky, and may have closed the gap some. Depth in the post will play a role in his decision, thus giving the Maize and Blue an opening. He visited Ann Arbor for Michigan's home victory of the Spartans and has been including the Wolverines on his list with more regularity in recent months. Made it to Ann Arbor with his parents for a visit with Tommy Amaker, and the Maize and Blue definitely appears to be more of a factor in his recruitment. High School position: 4, 5
AAU Team: SYF Players High School: Valparaiso HS (Valaparaiso, IN) Martin is versatile big man that has back to the basket skills, but can take his man outside as well. "Scott can do a lot of things,'' said Valpo coach Bob Punter to the Northwest Indiana Times. "You can see him working in the post and then see him back behind the arc hitting a 3. He and (his teammate) Rob Hummel are both very versatile players who can do a lot of different things and are very, very difficult to defend. It takes a unique kid to guard them.'' The 6-8, 200-pounder has turned a number of heads with his versatility and shooting touch in recent weeks. After observing him in early April, ScoutHoops.com's National Recruiting Director Dave Telep was extremely impressed. "The lefty draws rave reviews for his compact and accurate stroke from deep and mid-range," wrote Telep. "He’s got a feel for the game and is a strong passer. There’s reason to like him and he’s a lock high-major wing player with good size." A number of coaches in the Big Ten and throughout the country already believe Martin is a high-major player. With current offers from Michigan, Northwestern, Valparaiso, Purdue, IU, Bowling Green, Ball State, DePaul, Arizona State, and Xavier, the humble youngster's recruitment appears to be headed into overdrive. Michigan has certainly made Martin a recruiting priority, and he has definitely taken notice. He made it to Ann Arbor for a visit in mid May and gave the trip rave reviews. "Coach Amaker really likes the way I play and he really wanted me to come there," said Martin. "He said that he would really enjoy coaching me. Coach Amaker is just a great guy. I really like him. The whole coaching staff makes me comfortable. The players do too. The university is outstanding. We took the tour, and that place is amazing. It's an amazing place." A decision will likely come early in the fall. "I'm kind of just taking things easy right now and weighing all of my options…looking at every school," he said. "I definitely about what school I'm going to go to before my senior season starts." High school Position: 3,4,5
AAU Team: DC Blue Devils High School: Bishop Ireton HS (Alexandria, VA) This 7-0 240-pounder came over from Great Britain and has only been playing basketball for three years. In that time he has really picked up things very quickly. Back to the basket skills have come along very well and his stock is really on the rise. Williams is a true center and the Wolverines have shown major interest. He clearly appears to be one of the prime post targets in the 2007 class for the Maize and Blue. Tommy Amaker was in attendance at one of his games in January and has reportedly offered a scholarship. High school Position: 5
AAU Team: Spiece Central Stars High School: Franklin Central HS (Indianapolis, IN) Scout.com scouting report: Quick developing prospect is a run/jump athlete. Has a knack for blocking shots. Excellent rebounder who is quick off the floor. Johnson exploded onto the scene on the summer AAU after seeing limited time on his high school varsity team last year. "He hasn’t really even played varsity basketball yet,” his high school coach Mark James told Scout.com. “We’ve hit him. He played about eight games – sparingly. He’s really a puppy right now. He’s got a ton of potential. No one really knows the limit to his potential. He’s just so green to the game.” Many top colege programs noticed him during the summer and have been in to see him. Purdue, Xavier, Missouri and Butler have now offered. Those schools along with Ohio State, Iowa, Tennessee, Ball State, and Michigan have been in to see him. The Buckeyes have the early edge. High school Position: 4
AAU Team: SYF Players High School: Highland Senior HS (Anderson, IN) McGhee is a big powerful young man at 6-10, 260 pounds, but he is very raw at this stage. His size makes it tough to move him off the block, but as of last summer, his offensive arsenal hasn't developed to the point where he was a consistent low-post threat. Michigan made it down to his school a few times last year and the youngster has made progress. McGhee's father, Gary Sr.observed the Wolverines this past season, and he too became more interested as a result. Michigan's academic reputation makes the appeal of the Maize and Blue even greater. “I am excited about Michigan recruiting my son," he said. "We will visit Michigan. They will definitely be one of our visits we make. I would like for him to go to a good school academically and Michigan is that. I like Michigan I am looking forward to talking to Tommy Amaker. I use to watch him in college. Hopefully he will have a good year and they will recruit well next year.” “I like (Michigan) because they get up and down and they go inside to their big fellas," McGhee Jr. added. "I also like them because they need a post presence inside." High school Position: 4
AAU Team: Cleveland Titans High School: Solonl HS (Solon, OH) Scout.com scouting report: Legitimately big young man who is strong and will get even thicker as he develops. Has gotten taller each season. Would love to see him consistently attack and go get buckets. His size allows him to wear on smaller players. He's a high-major prospect who has plenty of room to grow. Solon coach Todd Van Reeth told GoBlueWolverine," He's a skilled kid. He has good feet, good hands, and runs well. He's probably a college 4. He game is expanding such that he could probably play the three some day." Michigan fell off of his list in the spring, but contact with the Wolverines picked up again in mid December. Lauderdale plans a summer un-official to Ann Arbor, but Ohio State is still the favorite in this race. High school Position: 4,5
AAU Team: World Wide Renegades High School: Wheeler HS (Marietta, GA) Scout.com scouting report: Bouncy forward who simply gets things done. Works around the basket and wants to step outside. Like how he rebounds and plays in attack mode, even from the post position. Will be an excellent transition finisher. Michigan has been in to see Hickson a few times in the fall and it is clear that he is a target. All of the high majors are now in on him so there is very stiff competition for his services. High school Position: 4
AAU Team: Howard Pulley High School: Henry Sibley Sr. HS (Mendota Heights, MN) From ScoutHoops.com's Dave Telep: Considered one of the top players in Minnesota among the Class of 2007. Strong inside player and rebounder. Plays for Howard Pulley AAU team. “He’s got a 7-foot-2 inch wing span right now,” said Henry Sibley Coach Tom Dasovich. “He’s got size 18 feet. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s 6-11 by the time he walks out of here. He’s kind of raw in his basketball skills right now but he’s so physically dominant over seniors right now.” Mbakwe is considering Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Marquette, Florida and Miami. Assistant coach Coach Swenson has been keying this recruitment for the Wolverines High school Position: 4
AAU Team: DC Assault High School: South Lakes HS (Reston, VA) Scout.com scouting report: Big time prospect. Has the ability to play on the perimeter as a face up forward. Developinig some go-to-moves inside. Talented player who should be among the elite kids in his class. Low post presence. Talented scorer in the paint and moves pretty well for a guy his size. Excellent student. Michigan is one of many programs that have already offered and he still lists the Wolverines as one of the programs under consideration. High school Position: 4,5
AAU Team: Michigan Hurricanes High School: Holt HS (Holt, MI) Extremely skilled big man that put Holt on his back and carried them to the class A state title. Graceful at 240-pounds and can beat defenders with an array of post moves or by simply overpowering them. The only question about him at this point is will he grow and his transcript. If he adds two or three more inches he will be ranked as one of the top big men in the country. Word has it that he has grown an inch and now up to 6-7. At this point he is the most skilled post player in the state of Michigan in the 2007 class. The only thing Southern has on Crosby is height. He is a force in the middle for the Michigan Hurricanes 16-and-under squad. The Wolverines have shown limited interest thus far, but things could escalate once they observe him this season and review his transcript. High School Position: 4,5
AAU Team: The Family High School: Romulus HS (Romulus, MI) Runs the floor well, is a good shot blocker, and can rebound inside. Very athletic. Has loads of potential. Some think when it is all said and done could be the best in the in-state class, but he'll have to get much stronger and continue to improve his back to the basket skills to get there. He is a better athlete than in-state big men Joshua Southern or Paul Crosby, but is not the post presence that his counterparts are at this point. He must get bigger and stronger so he won't get pushed off the block so easily. Also must improve his hands. Made it to Ann Arbor for two football and two basketball games this year. Also made it to campus for an open gym in mid May. The Wolverines will be monitoring his progrss. High School Position: 4, 5.
AAU Team: D-1 Greyhounds High School: North College Hill HS (Cincinnati, OH) At 6-10, 200-pounds, Ellis is a power forward that plays more like a small forward. His perimeter skills are advanced for a kid his size, as has been demonstrated by his ability to sink jumpers from 15-feet all of the way out to the three-point line. On the other hand, his slender frame allows for him to get muscled in the post and he hasn't yet developed a post game. Has given Michigan early mention, but seems enamored with Louisville and Indiana. Previously played with O.J. Mayo and Bill Walker at North College Hill before being suspended. High school Position: 4,5
AAU Team: Pittsburgh Jots High School: Schenley HS (Pittsburgh, PA) From Scout.com: "Blair has made a name for himself on the AAU circuit this summer playing along side top-10 talent Herb Pope, with the Pittsburgh Jots. Due to two ACL injuries and missing the past two summers Blair has flown under the radar, but according to Ken Oskie, a Jots assistant coach, he has become one of the main attractions.“Every time out there they were coming to see Herb, and now they aren’t just coming to see Herb anymore they are coming to see DeJuan too.” And rightfully so, Blair put up strong numbers at Pittsburgh (PA) Schenley (18 points and 12 boards) and he’s finally receiving the attention he deserves from college coaches." High school Position: 4
AAU Team: Virginia Renegades High School: Bishop Denis J O'Connell HS (Arlington, VA) Scout.com scouting report: Zack Crimmins is a 6-11 big man with considerable upside. A very thin yet mobile 210 pound big man, Crimmins can step away from the basket and knock down jumpers. "He's a kid who has progressively gotten better," said O'Connell Head Coach Joe Wootten. "It's been a matter of adjusting to this level of competition and playing with a certain level of intensity." Wootten said that Crimmins' early recruitment is all over the board. Because he's such a strong student, the Ivy Leagues and William & Mary are involved. High major programs like Notre Dame and Virginia have also expressed interest, and Crimmins has unofficially visited both programs. High school Position: 5
AAU Team: Dallas Mustangs High School: Ringwood HS (Ringwood, OK) High School Position: 4
AAU Team: Dallas Mustangs High School: Woodrow Wilson HS (Dallas, TX) From Scout.com: "He's one of the best players not only that I've coached, but that I've been around," said his high school coach Pat Washington. "I've worked with LaMarcus Aldridge and Anthony's ballhandling skills are better and he's more versatile. He does things that a 5-foot-10 guard does and that a 6-foot-10 center does." Currently rated 10th on Scout.com's top 100. High school Position: 3, 4
AAU Team: Lee Bulls High School: Arlington Country Day School (Jacksonville, FL) Scout.com scouting report: Talented power forward prospect. Will step outside and present himself as a threat from mid-range. Has bounce to get it done inside; will need to continue developing post moves. Solid player who will likely be a high-major target. Plays on the same team as 2006 center target Jason Bennett. High School Position: 4
AAU Team: High School: Mountain View HS (Meridian, ID) From Scout.com: "Scott Thompson is a very talented big man with a bright future. Thompson has excellent feet, a solid frame and a good stroke to about 20 feet. He's a definite high major prospect." Currently rated 90th on Scout.com's top 100. High school Position: 5
AAU Team: High School: Abraham Lincoln HS (Brooklyn, NY) From Scout.com: "Brandon Walters, a 6-foot-9 forward from Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., is a player to keep an eye on this summer due to his huge upside. Walters plays for an elite basketball program in Lincoln High School for Tiny Morton as well as one of the country's top AAU programs in the Juice All Stars. So exposure will be no problem for Walters and his game. If Walters proves he can consistently score against the better big men in the class of 2007, he's likely to have a boatload of offers on his table. There's already early interest in Walters -- Seton Hall, Manhattan, Florida, Rutgers, Pittsburgh and St. John's." High school Position: 4,5
AAU Team: Illinois Warriors High School: Thornton Fractnl No HS (Calumet City, IL) From Scout.com: "The left-hander from Calumet City (Ill.) T.F. North participated at the Boo Williams Invitational with the Illinois Warriors. Watt, a good looking mid-major combo forward, has a number of schools chasing him.Watt indicated that Wichita State, Northwestern and in-state Illinois were monitoring his progress through the spring." High School Position: 3, 4. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MAGAZINE COVERAGE | |
|
Get the 2008 Recruiting Guide and a full year of Go Blue Wolverine Magazine with an Annual Total Access Pass.
 
|
|
 NEW! Free Email Newsletter |
|
| Don't miss any news or features from GoBlueWolverine.com. Subscribe to our newsletter to have our newest articles emailed to you on a daily or weekly basis. | |
|
Add Topics to My HotList
 |
 |
