He has some positional flexibility depending on how he develops. Higher ceiling options left on the board but I think we will take 3 in this class, so there’s still some time. And obviously, if a long shot like Cole Anthony wants to come, you find room.
Bajema is definitely a gamble, and hard to evaluate, because his comp level is very poor on the AAU circuit. That said, I do think he has some ball skills, with the ability to perhaps be a secondary shot creator at the next level against mismatches or off a ball screen.
I just don't think he's the type of isolation player that we need to create shots at the end of the shot clock. I think a lot of his college projection depends on just how good of a shooter he is at the next level.
I think Bajema's archtype is perhaps an extremely poor man's Hedo Turkoglu.
Unlike most others, while I think Cole Anthony is an absolute beast, I don't think he's necessarily a generational talent. There are other PGs in this class, and in other classes that were ranked lower that I'd rather have.
I would think we’ll be aiming higher for the third commit, but taking a solid bird in hand makes sense here.
Our talent and depth on the wing is an embarrassment of riches in my opinion. Livers, Johns, Iggy, Nunez, Wilson and now Bajema makes for 6 guys that stand between 6'5-6'8 that all have shotmaking ability and various levels of shot creating ability that gives Coach Beilein the flexibility to tinker his lineup within a game based on a particular matchup or the hot hand.
"I just don't think he's the type of isolation player that we need to create shots at the end of the shot clock."
Who among Beilein's former players here would you say fit that description?
Burke, Stauskas, LeVert and senior Walton.
Can’t argue with that. Landing and developing a PG would have been my hope too.
I kinda disagree with you here, Matt. I don't think a shot maker is a huge need at the moment. With guys like DeJulius, Iggy and Wilson coming in, I dont think recruiting a go-to scorer is a huge need because I have a hard time believing that none of them develop into a go to option like Burke, Walton, Stauskas
As I’ve stated before, my opinion is not supreme to any poster here or anyone else for that matter. I simply have the advantage in terms of live viewings in volume.
Based on those live viewings, I don’t necessarily think anyone from that group has #1 option on a very good college team because they all have obvious holes. Wilson lacks the athleticism and handle. Iggy lacks the acceleration and consistent shot off the dribble. Dave lacks size.
That said I think Iggy and Dave have some real potential as #2 guys that are potent scorers and perhaps develop into 15ppg type players down the line with the ball in their hands an awful lot.
The lack of an iso player is what killed us this year at times. When we couldn’t get clean looks via sets, the offense simply died because we didn’t have a “get him the ball and everyone else get out of the way” player.
For the most part I agree with you here. However, the reason Michigan struggled was not simply because they did not have somebody who could break a defense down off the dribble. Michigan's PG play was atrocious and was the root cause for Michigan's struggles. And here, it will be worse this year unless DeJulius can come in as a freshman and take over.
Let the arguing begin...but unless Simpson...no-not going there...Simpson is not going to be able make the significant jump required-just not going to happen...you're a PG or you're not-he is not...will always be a huge offensive liability...otherwise, bless his heart...he's a terrific competitor.
Bajema: I like these 6'5" to 6'8" guys who can shoot it and have good versatility. This kid's tape is not all that impressive but, here, tapes are not generally reliable sources of information.
Oh no...outsidethebox just threw a "bless his heart" grenade at Simpson.
Hey Matt, what's the latest on Juwan's cousin?
All the bluebloods are after him at this point...…….and I don't think its a coincidence that DJ Jeffries 'decommitted' from Kentucky. I'd expect the Wildcats to offer Jaden at some point in the future. I was the first to have him ranked #1...…….but I expect him to be the unanimous #1 overall prospect by the Winter. He's been hard to get a hold of by most coaching staffs, with his Dad sort of taking the lead on his recruitment. That said, he's fairly unmoved by the process and is working with his own timeline and doesn't feel any pressure at all. A likely Spring signing which bodes well for Michigan on the basis that we're likely to have a strong season.
Sounds promising. Thanks for the update.
Kid has wanted the Maize and Blue for awhile. He's breaking out big time and garnering ton of D1 interest (UVA, Xavier, etc.) If Beilein wants him, we want him. Go Blue!
Sorry, but no D1 b-ball player is a below average athlete.
Obviously it was in comparison to other college basketball players.
Have to disagree there, there are hundreds of D1 players that are below average athletes. Doesn't mean those type of players can't be effective, but athleticism simply isn't a strong suit.
Obviously depends on what you mean by athleticism, but my contention would be that any definition of athleticism that excludes hundreds of D1 players is a poor and waaaaaay too narrow definition of athleticism.
Great point. Guess it would’ve been more helpful to put it in the specific context of D1 players as another poster above pointed out.
For instance, Austin Davis is a below average athlete.
This kid is going to be good :) Can't wait to get him into Camp Sanderson...
I hope coach keeps finding these under the radar guys. Besides the Fab 5, Wagner is my favorite Michigan BBall player. His story is awesome and he was a great personality
Beilein again with the who dat, under-the-radar, skinny kid with questionable D1 athleticism. He’s had a few of these types pan out, a few that didn’t. But he definitely gets his share of head scratchers that turn out to be studs. Let’s hope this is another one.
He was way under the radar when Beilein started watching him. But he just picked up some other high major offers including UVA. I'd guess other schools were ready to jump in if Beilein didn't offer. Bajema wasn't shy about saying he would commit if he did.
He's very skinny, but the questionable athleticism take might be too strong. He's not just a shooter.
He was under the radar until JB showed interested in which other P5 schools followed up with an offer. It's no coincidence that they offered him at that time. JB has good eyes for talent that other schools begun to take notice so they offer whoever JB is interested in.
The guys at 247 are much more bullish on Cole than Matt D. Welcome Cole!
I don't think Bajema is a poor pick-up by any means, definitely some skill there. Just think that he's a bit redundant to Jalen Wilson in terms of being a role player that may have some issues on defense. Definitely think our biggest need is a primary shot creator that can collapse a defense off the dribble.
He’ll be top 100 on 247 when they update the rankings.
They also say he is an above average athlete and a perfect fit for Michigan.
I know it’s a bit early for Beilein but are we in good shape (leaders perhaps) for any top 2020 PGs?
Zeb Jackson is a guy that caught my eye back in April that will no doubt be top 100 for me. He recently visited and is from the Toledo area.
My interview with him
April highlights I put together on him
http://endlessmotor.net/2018/04/16/zeb-jackson-20-c2k-elite-storm-classic-highlights/
I think he is a 4 year player that won’t teach his potential until his Junior year after a redshirt year. Then if his abilities improve he can give you solid minutes off the bench. JMO.
A Dutchman plays basketball?
Poole parties this year, Bajema parties next year!!
I think it's a good pick up - we need some guys that are likely to stay in the program 4-5 years.
In Beilein we Trust
I really wanted Rocket Watts though