PG Xavier Simpson Skyrockets Up ESPN Final Rankings

Submitted by IvyLeague on

Michigan hoops commit Xavier Simpson who was a mid-level 4 star before the season started, is now rated the #48 rated prospect and #4 rated point guard in the country on ESPN after averaging 26.3 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.9 steals per game. For his efforts, Xavier took home Mr. Basketball in Ohio. I remember folks were somewhat disppointed in Beilein when he commited because they felt there were better (higher rated) point guards on the board. I think this is another job well done in Beilein finding a blossming gem. The last Mr. Ohio winner that came to Michigan was Trey Burke. Trey's performance against Kansas in the NCAA tournament still gives me chills.

MGoBoard

M Go Dead

April 26th, 2016 at 5:21 PM ^

Forget recruiting arguments, do we know which way he likes Xavier pronounced? The correct way, or the insane way? Being from Lima, Ohio I wonder if Xavier University had any sway on him, I realize Lima isn't Cincinnati, but a couple hours apart isn't across the whole state.

Joined: 07/23/2013

MGoPoints: 3548

orangeda

April 27th, 2016 at 10:08 AM ^

under a certain threshold of income, they cover the costs of your tuition as long as you can qualify to get in, combine that with Amaker getting the admissions to lower their standards some for bball athletes, and that's how he's been able to up their recruiting. 

He's in a good spot, he goes after the high end bball talent that's academically inclined and sells them on the alumni connections that Harvard gives you after your playing career.  And these are the players who are more likely to be realistic about their NBA opportunities after college, so it means a lot to them.

Joined: 06/25/2009

MGoPoints: 522

bronxblue

April 27th, 2016 at 11:40 AM ^

Amaker was a nice guy and a decent coach, but at no point did I watch his teams at UM and thought they were particularly gifted or well-coached on both ends of the floor.  I do think he learned a lot from the experience and he seems to be a better coach at Harvard (ball movement seems much better based on the couples games I've seen of them).  But he just didn't work out here.

Joined: 11/22/2008

MGoPoints: 172050

C-Bar

April 26th, 2016 at 10:12 PM ^

don't the ivies pretty much give comprehensive financial aid to the point where it could be even more than a so-called full ride? Also, since those are not 'ncaa governed scholarships' they may even come with less restrictions too. it's not like for Harvard, the interest alone on their endowment is enough for every student to go for free anyway. dayum.

Joined: 12/17/2015

MGoPoints: 194

ItsHarambe

April 27th, 2016 at 10:37 AM ^

Why is it that Kentucky can pick up 5, 6 even 8 commitments in 2013? It seems like every year we only have enough scholarships for one or 2 players. I understand there is a higher turnover rate at UK, but it still seems like Coach Cal would run into some trouble with scholarships more often. 

Joined: 10/26/2015

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