Tough to tell. I’m generally of the opinion that Robinson was been perennially over-rated because he can jump really high and had awesome dunks. As a sophomore he was the third offensive option and advanced stats would say he was the fifth best player (with Walton and Morgan hurdling him). Admittedly it was a good team (Big ten champs, elite 8).
Rahk’s team as a sophomore was obviously gutted by injuries and it’s tough to say where he sits in the hierarchy, but without Levert was probably the fourth option and fourth best player. He was however a more efficient shooter even as a sophomore than Robinson ever was and BPM/WS actually says he was more valuable.
Now I’m not saying you’re wrong because it’s close enough to argue - but that’s sort of my point. Robinson was the 20th recruit in the nation, Rahk was around 400. Would also argue that the team success in Rahk’s junior and senior seasons comes close to matching the success in Robinson’s two, from a career perspective.
This isn’t intended to be argumentative, just making a tediously pedantic point.
Of Beilein’s last six classes that weren’t only Moe Wagner, three were ranked #8, #11 and #14. Of course class rankings in basketball leave a lot to be desired.
I stand corrected! Regardless - my main point is that I don’t believe we actually suffered from a lack of talent. I’d argue that this years team managed to succeed DESPITE not living up to the concepts of Beilein’s schematic brilliance.
I agree with that. We didn’t have too many high impact freshmen, like the top recruiting teams. Or any low impact one and dones. The recruiting rankings overvalue those as a whole in my opinion.
First, as to the advanced stats saying Robinson was the fifth best player during his sophomore year, Morgan and Walton’s numbers would not be what they were if they were primary options like Robinson. Morgan scored literally 90% of his points on wide open rolls to the basket, and Walton was a spot up shooter who benefitted significantly from the defensive attention Stauskas, Levert and Robinson drew.
As a junior, MAAR was literally our fifth option, as evidenced by his 2 points in 38 minutes against Oregon. Indeed, he might have even been behind Duncan, and thus our sixth option. Plainly, all of Walton, Mo, Wilson, and Irvin were ahead of him.
Like Walton the year before, MAAR really came on in the final 10-15 games of his senior year. In those games (only), I would say he was as good as sophomore Robinson. But that apples and oranges. If GRIII stays four years, I think he’s light years ahead of MAAR as a senior.
Regardless of who was better, MARR or GRIII, guys like MARR help advance the program in years 3 and 4. Those are the guys that fill recruiting gaps and maintain culture. So much of the teams past success have been a compliment of kids improving and the systematic opportunities. Lots of chatter regarding the BIG’s put PG play will be a key to success moving forward. We had excellent guard play and limited TO’s in the past 12 years.
I agree. I liked MAAR a lot, I just didn’t agree with the notion that he was better than GRIII.
I could see Jace Howard, if Juwan asks him to join the program, as a similar player to MAAR. Not a superstar recruit, but a “program” guy who will work hard and contribute meaningfully.
I also like Scooby Johnson as a guy who could project as a 4 year player. I’m hoping 2020 has 2-3 instant impact starter level players, but that they fill in the rest of the class with 3-4 year players. Even if Juwan can recruit a bunch of one-and-done level players, I would prefer that at least some of the guys stick around a while. I don’t think I would enjoy the Duke or Kentucky model even if it’s feasible.
Scooby Johnson is a great program guy, no doubt about that. Super productive, great feel, high bball IQ. Given the potential size of Michigan’s 2020 class, he’d be a great add.
When you watch his film, there seem to be a lot of hustle plays. He’s not super athletic, and he’s not a great shooter, but he always seems to be at the right place at the right time. He also seems very fundamentally solid, both on offense and defense. His form on his jumper isn’t awesome (actually looks a little like Kawhi’s), but it seems to go in.
You never anything for sure, but I would think being Juwan’s son, and knowing how much Juwan cares for his school, that’s a kid that would give 110% on the court for us.
I think it’s closer than that. Maar was not a primary option that year like Glenn but I thought that was a huge mistake. It seemed to me that more maar and less Irvin on offense would have improved those teams.
Is Glenn the better talent? Yes, but I thought maars value overall was right there and that he was better at creating and getting good looks for himself. Late in the shot clock in a tight game I’d rather have had maar with the ball attacking than Glenn.
Last 7 minutes or so of this is some good info from Illinois prep basketball scout joe henricksen about just how connected Juwan is in Chicago and specifically in the CPL.