What is the basketball scholarship situation for next year?
February 9th, 2020 at 10:23 AM ^
Do we assume Livers goes pro? I never thought Poole or Iggy would go last year but now I just assume they go and be surprised if they don't.
February 9th, 2020 at 11:26 AM ^
I think if Livers never got injured, he would be going pro, but I'm guessing now he comes back unless we go on a nice little post season run
February 9th, 2020 at 2:24 PM ^
Livers is no where to be seen on any first round mock (that I’m aware of anyway). I would be shocked if he left. Plus his girlfriend is a uofm student.
A couple guys will see that they don’t have a spot on the team and transfer on their own.
MAYBE Juwan is forced to push 1 guy out who tries to be stubborn. But there will naturally be a couple guys moving on.
this recruiting class is already excellent, and has the potential to be special.
February 10th, 2020 at 12:07 PM ^
I'd be thrilled to have Livers here another year, obviously. But I don't understand why he isn't higher on the radar of NBA teams. He seems like an ideal 3-and-D wing for the smallball NBA - he can defend anyone from guards to power forwards and is a good shooter. He probably isn't a viable 1-on-1 offensive player, but that doesn't matter as much any more.
February 9th, 2020 at 3:16 PM ^
Livers was certainly playing himself into the draft (I would say 1st round) during the first 10 games of the season. If he's healthy the remainder of the season, he can do it again. A playoff team, drafting late in the round, that doesn't need a superstar, would be a great fit for him. He's versatile, athletic, smart and plays good defense at multiple positions. Most importantly, he's proven he's a really good shooter. His career 3 pt% is higher than Duncan Robinson, who was knows specifically for his shooting. His performance as a shooter is better than both Poole and Iggy. He's a better rebounder and defender than both of them and he's been a better leader, to be honest. If he's healthy the rest of the season, would he risk coming back another year with another shot at being hurt? I'd say it's better than 50-50 that he goes.
February 9th, 2020 at 8:52 PM ^
Despite all the things you mentioned...Poole and Iggy were looked at as better prospects. You’re not only judging him as a pro but also, him against his peers. Livers has yet to remain healthy a full season since he’s been on campus. That in itself might be a reason scouts may tell him to stay. Plus, his skill set and leadership will be needed on this team next season
February 9th, 2020 at 10:25 AM ^
2 unused. Might have to see 2 walk.
February 9th, 2020 at 12:38 PM ^
If there was only some way to look this up to confirm...
February 9th, 2020 at 10:29 AM ^
So we have 4 for next year: X + Teske + 2 currently unused?
February 9th, 2020 at 11:30 AM ^
That's correct. Factor in that Davis could Grad transfer would put us at 5. Anything from there would be players that don't fit the new system transferring out.
February 10th, 2020 at 12:11 PM ^
Not speculating based on any hard info, but I'd be surprised to see Nunez stick around. He'll be a junior next season, still hasn't earned any significant playing time, and will get passed by a number of guys younger than him. Historically, that's a recipe for a transfer.
In addition, there's always the option to take Howard Jr. as a walk-on for a year until a scholarship opens up. And depending how Coach Howard feels about Dickinson/Todd/Castleton, he may give Davis a firm handshake. Davis has started contributing this year, but is in the Jon Horford category of guys who can fill a few minutes but aren't really essential to making the team better.
February 9th, 2020 at 10:34 AM ^
Firm handshake for Davis. Nunez and Bajema are candidates to xfer I’d imagine.
if Livers goes and/or they don’t get the next recruit they should be able to keep these guys?
February 9th, 2020 at 11:28 AM ^
Davis is on the verge of starting this year
I don't think you chase off a senior center when your only other true center is a true freshman coming in
February 9th, 2020 at 11:37 AM ^
I wouldn't either, but there aren't a lot of options if Livers stays and they get then 1/2 guard they are chasing
February 9th, 2020 at 7:21 PM ^
Not alot of options? Really? Nunez is almost certainly going to transfer and judging by the lack of PT Bajema wouldn't be a bad guess.
February 9th, 2020 at 12:06 PM ^
Seriously Davis is playing himself into a role with Teske graduating. Dickinson can’t play all 40 and Davis give you a nice rotation at center.
February 9th, 2020 at 12:37 PM ^
If Todd comes, we probably have enough size and athleticism to go without a traditional post center for long stretches. Johns Jr can hold his own, and Castleton will be around I assume.
February 9th, 2020 at 2:08 PM ^
Honestly I'd rather have Davis for his senior year than Castleton for the new couple. I think Castleton will become better, yet he will be even further away from minutes played because of the young, athletic, 5/4 players Howard is bringing in.
February 9th, 2020 at 3:04 PM ^
No, he is not. Teske is the starter, and clearly the better player. Davis has been a surprisingly good backup with high energy, but Teske has been better all year. Teske is a much better help defender, better handle on pick and roll, better post moves. Fans have a tendency to pick on the weaknesses—the young man has had to deal with the toughest, deepest position in league to play, has had little help on offense with Livers out, yet he still impacts every game. Davis can get one year grad transfer starting at a MAC, if he wants, but he should only be given a 5th year if Todd goes international pro route and Christopher doesn’t want to come, or if Livers go pro.
If all the guys committed come and live up to rankings, then they will fill Teske and Davis’ minutes.
February 9th, 2020 at 6:20 PM ^
Minus the "Teske better post moves" part, I agree. Teske looks almost uncomfortable with his back to the basket. Davis has come a long way with his footwork and I'd love to see another year of Juwan/Saddi developing him.
February 10th, 2020 at 2:13 AM ^
You stole my answer. Teske is better than Davis at everything BUT back to the basket low post moves. Davis has been a nice surprise in that department.
Davis should still get a firm handshake if it means making room for a guy like Josh Christopher or Greg Brown.
February 9th, 2020 at 10:36 AM ^
Davis will grad transfer. Nunez and/or Castleton will likely regular transfer. We should be fine.
February 9th, 2020 at 12:09 PM ^
If Davis transfers, why would Castleton leave? He would at worst be the first guy off the bench for Dickinson.
February 9th, 2020 at 12:43 PM ^
Todd is committed, and can take some of the Minutes. Also Johns can play there in a pinch. If we assume Christopher is coming, someone else will have to leave too!
February 9th, 2020 at 3:44 PM ^
I don’t know why everyone always assumes freshman are going to come in and start. Especially at center in the big ten. I don’t think it’s likely at all that Dickenson is the starter next year. Everyone on this site always over rates highly touted freshman. Franz hasn’t been the one and done some billed him as. DDJ hasn’t supplanted Simpson in his 2nd year. extending to football Dax Hill didn’t come in and start right away over Hawkins.
Everyone wants to run Castleton off but he’s the odds on favorite to start next year. The only way he doesn’t is if Brown commits, which is unlikely.
Also I hope the people saying Castleton should transfer and Davis should play more are self aware enough to realize the ridiculous irony of their comments. These same people wanted Davis to transfer last year. Kicking out these bigs before their ready doesn’t buy you very much. Some centers aren’t ready till their 4th year in the program. Just have patience.
February 9th, 2020 at 10:55 AM ^
There are 13 scholarships available in total. We have 2 currently unused. Two more open up when Simpson and Teske graduate this year. That leaves 4 open spots for incoming players. But Davis will be a 5th year senior and will likely not get the 5th year given the current numbers. So that leaves 5 open spots for the current 5 man incoming class.
If they add any more recruits like Josh Christopher, they would either need somebody to transfer or maybe Jace forgo a scholarship as a walk on. Or somebody like Livers would need to go pro. There are a few players with limited playing time who might be transfer candidates. I prefer not to name any candidates since everybody on the roster is a valuable member of the team and has great potential.
February 9th, 2020 at 11:27 AM ^
4 Open Slots & we could have as many as 7 newcomers. We’ll see.
5 Commitments:
Zeb Jackson
Hunter Dickinson
Isaiah Todd
Terrance Williams
Jace Howard (walk on?)
2 possible commitments:
Josh Cristopher
Greg Brown
5 speculative departures:
Livers to NBA
Castleton transfer if Brown commits
Nunez transfer
Davis grad transfer
Bajema transfer (I hope not)
February 9th, 2020 at 12:28 PM ^
As far as departures go, players that have lost playing time compared to the previous season are always strong candidates to transfer. Players that lose significant playing time during the season are high flight risks too. There's no need to push them out. They go even when the coaches want them to stay. I don't think the two obvious names return regardless of the scholarship situation.
I expect Davis back because there will be room and a role for him.
Brown is a real longshot. I'd tie his spot more closely to Todd sticking than anyone else.
If Christopher doesn't come, Juwan will add another guard, maybe a grad transfer.
I always think there's a 50-50 chance we lose someone by surprise and/or we really wanted to stay. Hope that doesn't happen with this group. They have a chance to be special.
February 9th, 2020 at 11:02 AM ^
I vote we keep Austin Davis. I think he's a solid back-up center. And with a lot of young players next year he's got experience and works hard.
February 9th, 2020 at 11:07 AM ^
That is an interesting thought. If Davis stays, somebody else will need to transfer or Jace will need to walk on. I do think we could use depth at center with Davis or Castleton. With Teske graduating, our only true center otherwise would be the freshman, Dickinson.
February 9th, 2020 at 11:09 AM ^
Davis may be the day one starter next season.
February 9th, 2020 at 1:38 PM ^
I don't think Davis would be a starter next year (at Michigan) due to his limitations, but maybe Dickinson will need some time to learn the ropes before being able to start. Either way he has put himself in line for decent minutes with his solid play, but his impact might suffer a little without Simpson's ability to find him down low. However Davis could start for many college teams, and although he loves U of M he may opt to grad transfer if he thinks he would get much more playing time.
February 9th, 2020 at 11:09 AM ^
God if I would have thought we'd be advocating for Davis staying a 5th year, even two months ago.....but you're not wrong. He's seen incredible growth in the past few months. I've been insanely impressed, in particular with his motor.
February 9th, 2020 at 11:14 AM ^
Would you rather have Davis or Hunter Dickson? Pretty simple answer. Jace won't be on scholarship. His dad makes how much? It will work out, but I doubt Davis is back.
February 9th, 2020 at 11:25 AM ^
I get it. The upside for Dickson is off the charts, but Davis is a clinic on post moves and energy! I'd rather have him than Xavier Tillman!
Davis could give us valuable minutes til Dickson develops! A true freshman starting at center? Perhaps by mid season! Hope I'm wrong! But I hope Davis stays!
February 9th, 2020 at 1:03 PM ^
*Dixon
*Dick, son!
*Dickensian
...
Dickinson.
February 9th, 2020 at 2:13 PM ^
Somehow, you forgot to include
*Dick Nick, son.
February 9th, 2020 at 1:27 PM ^
Pump the breaks on Davis better than Tillman...sheesh. He is giving us some energy and some nice post moves but on defense he is basically playing in cement shoes. I like him as a bench player and team leader for next year if they decide to keep him on.
February 9th, 2020 at 11:25 AM ^
Jace is not walking on. I'm just going to start posting this at the top of every thread until people get it through their heads. JACE IS NOT WALKING ON.
February 9th, 2020 at 11:48 AM ^
Are you sure? How do you know?
February 9th, 2020 at 12:31 PM ^
The 24/7 staff confirmed he would be coming on scholarship after he committed. They said it before he committed as well but people still insist that he's walking on simply because his dad has a lot of money. Seriously, there are plenty of kids on scholarship throughout the country across plenty of sports who's parents could pay for their education. But that's not how it works.
February 9th, 2020 at 12:53 PM ^
It's not talked about just because Juwan could afford to pay. Other wealthy parents aren't in a position like his. If it comes down to a choice of Jace walking on or turning away a coveted recruit that would make his team better, which way would Juwan go?
Of course Jace is coming in on scholarship as of now. Walking on will only be an option if his scholarship is needed for someone else, which isn't too likely. If it is, he and Juwan will be commended for agreeing to a change in his status. It's good PR. Better than bringing him in as a walkon in the first place.
February 9th, 2020 at 1:29 PM ^
Precisely.
February 9th, 2020 at 2:21 PM ^
This is exactly right.
Nobody is suggesting that Jace is/should walk-on simply because his father is wealthy. It's because 1) his father is the coach; and 2) he probably wouldn't be on the team if his father wasn't the coach.
February 10th, 2020 at 1:13 AM ^
Except when it does. Just sayin.
February 9th, 2020 at 11:29 AM ^
That is simple, but I don't think anyone other than you posed that. If Davis stays, Dickinson obviously still comes in, but then someone else currently rostered becomes a question mark.
February 9th, 2020 at 1:13 PM ^
I'd rather have Davis if we are talking about next year. Dickinson has great potential but it's just that, potential.
Center is one of the positions that takes the longest to develop (do you remember Teske his freshman year? Isaac Haas? Jordan Morgan?). A 5th yr senior center is a huge value to have.
February 9th, 2020 at 1:54 PM ^
But you’re not just talking next year...there is no way in hell you take 1 year of Davis for 4 potential years of Dickinson. Ppl are being a little silly right now. For all the good things Davis has done this year, In B1G play his high is 11 points and 3 boards. He can give you serviceable minutes...but you’re kidding yourself if you want him to be the starting center for next season. I like Austin’s grit, but Dickinson is a tri-level scorer and rim protector. He also goes 7-2 260, can’t teach that!
February 9th, 2020 at 12:50 PM ^
I look at Davis sort of like the Bielfeldt situation. Yes he could help us next year...but with the recruits coming in, he may see the writing on the wall. He may decide to transfer and start at another school, since he can do so freely without penalty. He has helped us tremendously this season, but it may be time to move on.
February 9th, 2020 at 11:12 AM ^
Are kids of university employees entities to free tuition? Some universities have that as an option and then can walk on without it a scholarship.