Thoughts on New Wilson Scouting/Film on Front Page

Michigan Basketball
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Apparently, Dylan/administration thought better than to let me post in the comments section of the new scouting report on Wilson - presumably to prevent World War III.

Anyways - I must say, this is the most impressive footage I’ve seen of Wilson thus far, doesn’t look nearly as stiff as he once did. In particular, Wilson shows the lateral ability to stay with the offensive player at the 1:10 and 6:55 marks, players that are smaller, can’t speak to comp level, but still impressive nonetheless. Obviously needs to put on weight, gets knocked off balance very easily. Really good help side defender, but very poor position defender. I like the fact that he high points rebounds, but still not seeing the box outs consistently. As Dylan mentioned though, very impressed with the passing, in particular when he drives left. Very strange, but geez Wilson looks awful going right, has no balance and just looks awkward. Look at the last minute of film, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player so uncomfortable using his strong hand.
Overall - much more encouraged by this film, lateral ability less of a concern to me. Will definitely need a RS year to add 25 lbs of muscle, may still need another year before he’s ready to get significant PT. Box outs/position defense will be where he struggles, at least initially. Very good passer at his size, will be fun to watch Wilson and Chatman as upperclassmen with the ball movement.

As I’ve always maintained, if I see improvement from Wilson, I’ll be the first to acknowledge it. No agendas, just call it how I see it.

Dylan - have I proven worthy to post in the comments section? Just kidding

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Will definitely need a RS year to add 25 lbs of muscle, may still need another year before he's ready to get significant PT. Box outs/position defense will be where he struggles, at least initially. Very good passer at his size, will be fun to watch Wilson and Chatman as upperclassmen with the ball movement.

100% agree that unless a miracle happens in the next 6 months before he’s on campus (or some attrition due to injury knocks on wood) he is a lock for a redshirt. If Donnal got redshirted this year, then no question D.J. seems headed that same way.

Also agree that I think the ceilings of both Chatman and Wilson won’t be reached until their third or fourth years in the system, and I hope we get to see them both as strong upperclassmen contributors to the team.

I haven’t watched the new film yet (will do so when at home), but it is encouraging that people say he is showing better now that he’s back from his injury.

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While until now, I have lurked outside of the fray, I actually have to agree with most of what MattD is saying about Wilson. He looks much more agile and skilled than some of the earlier videos but he also makes Caris look pretty big. Since anything can happen with the roster, need may not allow him to red shirt, but it would be valuable in his development.

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A few comments:

  1. First, I’ve always thought the criticisms of Wilson from MattD are generally fair (aside from the athleticism comments, which I’ll address below). With that said, I think it helps to remember the context in which we recruited him. We tried to get Looney. We tried to get Grantham. And if Bolden was in position to qualify, we would have gone hard after him. The question about Wilson is, given that we weren’t getting any of the aforementioned players, was he worth taking? My answer would be a clear yes.

  2. I like a lot of what he shows on film. His shot is nice, he handles the ball exceptionally well for a guy his size, and he gets off the floor quickly for rebounds and grabs the ball at its highest point. I really see a lot of Austin Daye in his game. I have a feeling after 3-4 years in our system, we’re all going to be pretty happy with him.

  3. As far as his athleticism, I continue to think he’s above average. For a 6-8 guy, the first two things I care about are: (1) does he play above the rim; and (2) how quickly does he get off the ground? I’d give Wilson a strong grade in both categories. I would agree his lateral quickness is not exceptional. It might even be a little below average. But honestly, I think that’s very important. Sure, if you want a guy to be an Anthony Davis type defender, lateral quickness matters. But there have been plenty of guys who are skinny, without great lateral quickness, who have been effective fours at the college level. A few would include Austin Daye, Jared Jeffries, Brian Cook, Channing Frye, and even a guy like Maceo Baston wasn’t very quick laterally but got off the floor tremendously fast and played above the rim. Now, to clarify, I don’t expect Wilson to be as good as any of those guys - after all, all of them were college stars and NBA players. But if Wilson is a 12/7 guy as a senior, and shoots a high percentage from the floor, that’s very useful for us. I think that’s possible.

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Sorry, I meant to say I don’t think lateral quickness is hugely important for a big man like Wilson.