cam whitmore

Last Friday marked the first time in nearly two years that college coaches were able to evaluate HS prospects in person due to the health crisis. The Wolverine staff dispersed to various locations throughout the country to view several offers/targets and undoubtedly identify new talent. As such, I made stops in the DMV-area and New Jersey to get updated evals and the latest intel.

Guards

2022 Dug McDaniel won the race to commit when he verbally committed to Michigan on his official visit last week. And with that, the pursuit of 2022 guards has effectively ended with Jett Howard a lock to be his backcourt mate in the class. 

I was excited to see McDaniel in action for an updated look against legit competition when Paul VI Catholic squared off against a loaded DeMatha Catholic team (although not quite as potent as usual) in the marquee game on Friday night. I'm generally big on evaluating prospects against high-end competition (oversimplified translation = legit size + length + athleticism), because those settings most closely replicate a college basketball environment. 

I'll go more in-depth in the upcoming Hello Post, but it was a mixed bag for the most part. Let's start with the good. Dug looked great as a playmaker for others that created easy looks in ballscreen action and with dribble penetration as seen below.

[Hit THE JUMP for more on Dug + updates by position]

As we await the impact of Juwan Howard on the 2022s taking official visits to Ann Arbor, this seems like an ideal time to run down my own personal board by position. In the second of a three part series, I rundown my Wing board today. Guards were covered yesterday.

Wings

A) Jarace Walker

Measurements: 6'8/225

School/AAU: IMG Academy (FL)/Team Thrill (Under Armour/Maryland)

Why: Instant impact player at the next level with a college ready frame. Projects as a playmaking forward that can break down bigger defenders off the bounce, while bullying smaller defenders in the paint. Best overall talent at the wing spot.

Where Michigan Stands: This one is trending away from Michigan. Walker already took a visit to Auburn and will visit Houston + Ohio State this month. Reclassification and professional route are also options. 

B) Eric Dailey

Measurements: 6'7/215

School/AAU: IMG Academy (FL)/Doesn't Play AAU

Why: Instant impact player at the next level with college ready frame. Rapidly coming on as a shooter. Versatile prospect that isn't the same level of playmaker in relation to Walker, but a superior shooter.  

Where Michigan Stands: The Wolverines have been a constant presence over the last year. Dailey confirmed to both 247 and Rivals that Michigan along with Miami, Virginia Tech, Dayton and Florida are the schools he plans to visit in the Fall. Functionally, this translates to a top 5. Per the same articles, Jett and Moussa are in his ear. Has known Juwan Howard since elementary school. There are rumblings that Eric could pursue the professional route in Spain. Feels like Michigan has a great shot here but for the timeline. I'm not sure the staff is willing to wait until the Fall. 

[Hit THE JUMP for the rest of the board]

During the last two recruiting cycles, Juwan Howard's affinity for wing type prospects is becoming increasingly clear. He covets a certain type of player that generally goes 6'6+, has plus athleticism and a physically developed frame. That profile has bore out in terms of 2022 offers, with the Wolverines offering six prospects that fit the aforementioned criteria. 

Michigan will take a maximum of two wing/forward types, and the commitment race is starting to heat up with visits being scheduled. Let's take a look at where we stand.

The In-State Option

Top-70 forward Ty Rodgers has locked-in an official visit to Ann Arbor next week when he will hit campus on June 1st. Having seen Rodgers frequently over the years, he certainly fits the mold of what Juwan Howard is looking for in terms of playstyle and Ty concurred with that assessment yesterday in this 247 article:

“I feel like what he's doing with the team is amazing. They're not selfish. I feel like that's why they fit my game a lot. They move the ball and they're real aggressive on defense. Where I'm from, that's kind of what we harp on.”

While Michigan is absolutely a serious player here, the Wolverines will have to fend off some competition. Michigan State has family ties with Ty and is increasing their pursuit as of late. Per the same 247 piece, Rodgers will also visit UConn and Purdue in June, with tentative plans to trim his list of suitors toward the end of Summer.

“I don't. I'm going to see how this summer goes. Probably after Peach Jam, around the August area I'll probably come out with a list and start to narrow it down. Really just whatever coaching staff can help me get to the league and stay in the league, to really dominate in the league. That's what it all comes down to, really.”

Rodgers is a high-level defender that projects best as a transition scorer and face-up forward on offense that generates extra possessions on the offensive glass. While he may not be the most skilled wing option, he definitely fits the brand of basketball that Michigan wants to play under Juwan Howard in terms of relentless defense, physicality and superior athleticism. 

Ty waiting until late Summer is good for Michigan. It allows Coach Howard to measure where he stands elsewhere and if one of the more coveted options wants to commit, it will expedite the decision-making process of Rodgers. In any event, this has the feel of a recruitment that may very well end in Michigan's favor if Juwan Howard goes all in. 

[After THE JUMP: The rest of the stable including Walker, Glenn, Casey, Smith and Whitmore]