Format Change
One significant change to the list is the addition of the
"target level" and "interest" indexes to each profile. Target
level refers to our OPINION on where each respective player
stands on the current recruiting list based on all of the information gathered
up to this point. Interest refers to the how strongly each respective player
is considering the Wolverines at this point in time. Each category is rated
on a scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high).
5 - Interest couldn't be any stronger
4 - Very strong interest. Only a matter of time before they're
5's
3 - Interested with the potential to move up with more familiarity
and evaluation
2 - Limited interest
1 - Low interest
U - Unknown
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!
This list will be updated regularly as new players are discovered and players
already listed make their decisions. The link to the Primer will reside permanently
on the left NAV bar under the Best Guess Recruiting Class section.
Table of Contents (Click link to jump to desired section)
- 2005-2006 Roster
- 2006-2007 Roster
- 2007-2008 Roster
- Class of 2007 Power Forwards and
Centers
2005-2006 Roster
2006-2007 Roster
| No. |
Name |
Pos. |
HT.
|
WT. |
Cl/Elig. |
High
School |
| 2 |
Lester
Abram |
W |
6-6 |
190 |
5th/Sr. |
Pontiac
Northern |
| 5 |
Dion
Harris |
G |
6-3 |
200 |
Sr./Sr. |
Redford |
| 44 |
Courtney
Sims |
F/C |
6-10 |
250 |
Sr./Sr. |
Noble
& Greenough |
| 23 |
Brent
Petway |
F |
6-8 |
210 |
Sr./Sr. |
Griffin |
24 |
Ronald
Coleman |
F |
6-6 |
210 |
Jr./Jr. |
Romulus |
1 |
Jerret
Smith |
G |
6-3 |
200 |
So./So. |
Romulus |
15 |
Jevohn
Shepherd |
W |
6-4.5 |
190 |
So./So. |
West
Hill Collegiate |
21 |
Kendric
Price |
F |
6-8 |
190 |
So./Fr. |
Buckingham
Browne Nichols |
|
K'len
Morris |
F |
6-5 |
190 |
Fr./Fr. |
Grand
Blanc |
|
Deshawn
Sims |
F |
6-7 |
230 |
Fr./Fr. |
Pershing |
| |
Anthony
Wright |
F |
6-6.5 |
230 |
Fr./Fr. |
Oak
Hill Academy |
| |
Ekpe
Udoh |
F/C |
6-10 |
230 |
Fr./Fr. |
Sante
Fe |
| |
Open |
|
|
|
|
|
2007-2008 Roster
| No. |
Name |
Pos. |
HT.
|
WT. |
Cl/Elig. |
High
School |
24 |
Ronald
Coleman |
F |
6-6 |
210 |
Sr./Sr. |
Romulus |
1 |
Jerret
Smith |
G |
6-3 |
200 |
Jr./Jr. |
Romulus |
15 |
Jevohn
Shepherd |
W |
6-4.5 |
190 |
Jr./Jr. |
West
Hill Collegiate |
21 |
Kendric
Price |
F |
6-8 |
190 |
Jr./So. |
Buckingham
Browne Nichols |
|
K'len
Morris |
G |
6-5 |
190 |
So./So. |
Grand
Blanc |
| |
Deshawn
Sims |
F |
6-7 |
230 |
So./So. |
Pershing |
|
Anthony
Wright |
F |
6-6.5 |
230 |
So./So. |
Oak
Hill Academy |
| |
Ekpe
Udoh |
F/C |
6-10 |
230 |
Fr./Fr. |
Sante
Fe |
| |
Kelvin
Grady |
PG |
5-10 |
175 |
Fr./Fr. |
East
Grand Rapids |
| |
Open |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Open |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Open |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Open |
|
|
|
|
|
Class of 2007
Power Forwards & Centers
Josh
Southern PF/C |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
5 |
3 |
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 230
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
College position: 4, 5
Scott
Martin SF/PF |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
5 |
3 |
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 210
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
College Position: 3,4
Mike
Williams C |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
5 |
U |
Ht: 6-11 Wt: 270
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
College Position: 5
JaJuan
Johnson PF |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
4 |
4 |
Ht: 6-10 Wt: 195
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
College Position: 4
Gary
McGhee PF |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
4 |
4 |
Ht: 6-10 Wt: 260
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
College Position: 4
Dallas
Lauderdale PF/C |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
4 |
3 |
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 235
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
College Position: 4,5
James
Hickson PF |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
3 |
2 |
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 220
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
College Position: 4
Trevor
Mbakwe PF |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
3 |
2 |
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 245
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
College Position: 4
Julian
Vaughn PF |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
3 |
2 |
Ht: 6-9.5 Wt: 240
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
College Position: 4,5
Paul
Crosby PF |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
2 |
5 |
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 250
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
College Position: 4
Devin
Searcy PF |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
2 |
3 |
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 195
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.
College Position: 4, 5
Kennan
Ellis PF |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
2 |
2 |
Ht: 6-10 Wt: 200
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
College Position: 4,5
DeJaun
Blair PF |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
U |
U |
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 240
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
College Position: 4
Zach
Crimmins C |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
U |
U |
Ht: 6-11 Wt: 210
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
College Position: 5
Caleb
Patterson PF |
|
Target
Level |
Interest |
U |
U |
Ht: 6-10 Wt: 205
AAU Team: Dallas
Mustangs
High School: Ringwood HS (Ringwood, OK)
High School Position: 4
College Position: 4
Anthony
Randolph PF |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
U |
U |
Ht: 6-10 Wt: 210
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
College Position: 4
A.J.
Stewart PF |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
U |
U |
Ht: 6-7.5 Wt: 200
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
College Position: 4
Scott
Thompson C |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
U |
U |
Ht: 6-10 Wt: 210
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
College Position: 4,5
Brandon
Walters C |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
U |
U |
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 200
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
College Position: 4
Demond
Watt PF |
 |
Target
Level |
Interest |
U |
U |
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 185
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.
College Position: 3, 4
|