2016/17 Commitment Updates

Matt it isn’t really feasible to have Simpson/Walton start is it due to their lack of size correct? So that means unless Walton opens his eyes and defers to Maar some more you more than likely will have Simpson coming in for Walton off the bench correct?

Serious question - since when has JB been concerned about size, or lack thereof? My own personal opinion is that X will likely play 6-8 mins a game, in part because I don’t think he’s an instant impact kid capable of playing 15-20 mins a night and MAAR’s improvement will dictate that it be handled that way.

I would agree with that. Beilein did say he’s very concerned about the defense so if he’s really serious about those concerns you wouldn’t see X and Walton on the court at the same time. Of course maybe players just have some deficiencies on the D it won’t matter.

It shouldn’t be that big of a deal defensively, at least not with our roster.

Unlike in the NBA, most college offenses aren’t designed to take advantage of that type of a matchup problem. You rarely see a bigger guard take a smaller guard into the post. Obviously it’s easier to shoot over a smaller defender, but it’s not like any of our taller wing players are able to contest many shots anyways. If Simpson is better than our current players at stopping penetration and chasing his man around screens, I don’t think his lack of size would be a huge detriment.

If Simpson doesn’t play much, it’s probably for the reasons MattD said–that he isn’t yet college-ready.

So what’s the status then? JB called and got a “not interested”?

Some of you guys are out of control. Who really cares what any of you wrote in a message board post two years ago? I banned several of you for 24 hours for this kind of stuff and now we’re back at it.

6 Likes

I think Dylan’s lack of updates just has more to do with the lack of news on the recruiting front. No one has been offered besides Poole, Jackson and Young.

Recruiting should pick up soon-ish. Live period in April should give some clarity.

Seriously guys… I thought my post yesterday was a sufficient warning. Start a new thread at least or something to have these random off topic arguments.

This thread exists to share updates about 2016 and 2017 commits… there’s a new post button to create a new topic.

3 Likes

I’m probably one of the few people that has seen Austin Davis live vs legit comp, and here is the footage. I think you guys will see my concerns with Davis (Particularly on D) when watching this film. Clarity is very poor, but I think you will get a good enough feel

2 Likes

I don’t see how he fits in JB’s system. Still scratching my head.

2 Likes

Man that’s some brutal film. Don’t wanna imagine him hedging out to halfcourt like our bigs do. :sweat_smile:

3 Likes

Matt, thanks for posting. I’m curious how inclusive these clips are? Obviously his limitations are plainly obvious here, I’m just wondering if these videos were cut to highlight the weaknesses or if this was the full set you shot?

1 Like

Every possession where Davis had significant involvement is reflected. I made sure to include the nice post up move, putback dunk, etc. Unfortunately, the cons seemed to outweigh the pros IMO

Thanks. Agreed not overly encouraging.

I’m going to play a little devil’s advocate here on Davis even though I don’t see him fitting Beilein’s system. He clearly struggles guarding on the perimeter and I don’t expect him to do much of that in college. Obviously teams will run pick and roll and I have to think if Davis and Teske play the 5, UM’s pick and roll coverage will have to change. Have to think that a flat hedge will be used with those two. Most of the defensive “mistakes” weren’t his. It’s not his fault that the guards got blown by each one of those clips.

On offense, post passing was terrible. He is never going to be an explosive athlete. We all know that. If he is able to seal down low and not try to do too much I think he will be alright down the road.

I would hope that he gets to redshirt. I don’t see him being that different than Doyle except Davis clearly has better hands. That’s a huge plus for me. After reading some of Matt’s comments I assumed the film was going to be awful. Davis still has a ways to go (I know everyone wants game ready bigs) but he can definitely be serviceable down the line. When “down the line” is I’m not sure but he has a chance.

Looks like he’s dropped more weight. He’s going to have to build muscle now.

Davis will not be able to contribute a great deal early on. Unless we just need a body to foul. Luckily we have Wagner, who should be a solid starter next year if he puts in the work over the summer. And I know some are down on Donnal, but if he’s just expected to put in 10-15 minutes as a backup, I think that will be fine. If he can consistently hit the jumper, and the stroke is there just not the confidence, that can add something off the bench.

Davis has huge adjustments ahead of him when it comes to going against people that are equal his size and more athletic. He never has to play anyone close to his size outside of AAU ball. He has gotta learn to use his body well on offense and learn how to defend equal bigs. This will take a couple years. But again, with Donnal and Wagner ahead of him, hopefully he won’t be asked to do anything until his RS Junior year. In which case he might be ready to be a contributor.

It doesn’t really make me question the offer any less but it also doesn’t make me panic about it either.

Matt, when was this taken? He is obviously pretty flat-footed and not a shot-blocker, but when he gets beat on defense, it’s usually on a switch and against a smaller, quicker defender. I’m not saying he’s great, but he’s not bad either. Going to have to work on his footwork on defense, use what strength he has to an advantage. I wouldn’t feel any worse with him in there for 5 minutes a game than Doyle.

edit.

Matt corrected me