Moe in Germany hanging with D Walt and Franz
https://www.instagram.com/stories/moritz_weasley/
3 Likes
Anyone able to provide a quick summary for someone not on Instagram?
Just pics of DWalt and the Wagner brothers hanging in the ALBA Berlin gym… nothing really to see but do like the concept in general that he’s surrounded by program legends
5 Likes
Thanks, two great ambassadors for the Michigan program.
1 Like
I thought there was no question an above 50% chance we’d land two of Hyland, Wagner, and Pierce just a few days ago.
Looking like Wagner is our only chance now.
2 Likes
Also when does his season end/what is his timeline for making the decision?
Hoops fan from Germany here. Please let me know your questions regarding Franz and I will answer as best as I can.
ALBA’s season may run all the way until mid-June, playoffs are commencing in two weeks. They are now done with Eurocup season meaning they can focus all their effort and energy on the domestic league. It’s very unlikely that ALBA can offer him anything but money (unclear if the coach will stay, which European league they will be competing in, what Franz’ role would be next season). Therefore, I believe Michigan has a great chance to pick him up.
38 Likes
congrats you’re now the most popular person here
13 Likes
You’re my new favorite person!
Is the coach leaving for a new job or in jeopardy of being removed?
Do people around the team believe that Franz is favoring going the college route, or is it all truly up in the air?
Any information leak about Beilein’s visit or how that went?
2 Likes
Yes! At this point I would have paid to hear that, so it’s great to get it for free…
1 Like
Recruiting is really tough late in the cycle. I mentioned before landing 1 will make me happy. We’ve played with 12 scholarship guys a lot, at least it feels that way to me.
1 Like
Welcome! What are Alba’s odds of advancing in the playoffs? Is mid-June the likely finish line or are they more likely to lose sooner than that?
Also, what is your take on Wagner’s game? Strengths, weaknesses?
1 Like
Is it considered a slight at all by the local people for a guy like Wagner to go overseas for college when he has an offer from the home town team? Like is there much public pressure for him to stay with Alba?
1 Like
Do you think Franz has the skillset to be an immediate contributor in the US at the college level?
Yes! Oh, that question wasn’t directed toward me! My bad! 
1 Like
Trying my best to go through all the questions. The Coach “Aíto” is a legend in Europe. He is from spain and was the guy who discovered Ricky Rubio and started him in the spanish League at age 14. He also played Pau Gasol and Kristaps Porzingis in their teenage years…you get the idea. He is very well know to be an incredible developer of talent and he absolutely loves Franz.
But he is also well into his 70s and health is a questionmark…
I feel like Moe is a huge influence and ALBA certainly fear that he will go to Michigan (or another college). They have put it out in the media that it would be smart for Franz to stay and that most European guards/forwards don’t develop well when going to the states (might be true if you think about it) and his chances of eventually making the NBA are better when staying with ALBA.
I know Beilein was here for a day. Don’t know how it went to be honest
15 Likes
ALBA has been playing a tough Eurocup schedule in addition to the domestic German league. This is now done and the sole focus is the German league playoffs now. ALBA are currently sitting in 3rd place and should have a very good chance to make the final, most likely facing juggernaut Bayern Munich. But a semi-final loss is also in play as it looks like they will not have home court (most likely finish of the regular season is 3rd place).
Franz is an incredibly smart player who makes very few mental mistakes. Great length, he is still growing, up to 6’8" w/o shoes and has a great overall feel for the game. He has put on weight since the beginning of the season - I would guess he is at about 195/200 lbs - but this is where he still struggles the most going against grown men. He is a great spot up shooter from 3 but can also attack the rim and throw it down if he needs to. Biggest questionmark would be his ability to stay in front of smaller guards 1-1 defensively but he should be fine at the small forward position.
13 Likes
I think it all depends how he adjusts to the athletic level and how Coach Beilein plans on utilizing him. Offensively, I don’t think he will have any trouble at all. He is a great shooter, very smart passer and doesn’t make dumb mistakes which is a great skill for a 17 year old playing against professionals in Europe.
Defensively is where I see how he could struggle a bit in the beginning. But like I said, he is very smart and a hard worker (a true gym rat like Moe) and your strength program is pretty renowned so that should work out fine in the long run.
Oh, I also saw some speculation here that he would play the 4 or possibly the 5 like Moe. Franz has been a point guard all the way through is youth and then kept growing and growing 
Right now, he is playing the 2 and 3 for ALBA and I think this is where he would project at the college level as well. Think Chandler Parsons if you look for a comparison. Back when he was good and healthy.
It also seems like I have a 3 post limit so feel free to message me if you have more questions.
18 Likes
Someone remove his three post limit fast!
Thank you so much thetruth.
9 Likes
Thanks! Appreciate all of the good information and feedback!
3 Likes