In a way the general enthusiasm for Battle basically proves Matt’s point, which is that landing elite players like TB is the only reliable way to take the next step as a program and seriously compete for championships. Having a top-notch creator like Battle should (a) make everybody around him better and (2) help attract other first-choice guys as opposed to those who require extreme kool-aid consumption to get excited about. Goading the so-called “naysayers” who have actually been strongly advocating the recruitment of players like TB is pretty pointless, but if it makes you feel better…
I think it’s safe to say Matt D wanted to be proven wrong in this case. I’m sure he is shitting bricks of excitement right now. What a quality kid and perfect player to fill the void left by Levert next year. Plays his ass off both on Offense and D.
In a way the general enthusiasm for Battle basically proves Matt's point, which is that landing elite players like TB is the only reliable way to take the next step as a program and seriously compete for championships. Having a top-notch creator like Battle should (a) make everybody around him better and (2) help attract other first-choice guys as opposed to those who require extreme kool-aid consumption to get excited about. Goading the so-called "naysayers" who have actually been strongly advocating the recruitment of players like TB is pretty pointless, but if it makes you feel better...
Do you honestly believe that those of us on the “trust Beilein” or “only on-the-court production for Michigan matters” trains don’t want elite recruits like Battle, or don’t think we should be recruiting them?
If so, you misunderstand the arguments. The simplest response is that some people thought Beilein could still land them, despite others’ negativity. And those people are again reminded that they’re right today.
Obviously Im from Jersey. Coached against him this past HS season. It was I believe his second game back from injury playing for his HS team Gil St. Bernards. First off he is a full 6-6 could possibly be pushing 6-7. First thing I said when he walked into the gym was, “Damn he hit the weight room while he was out of basketball.” NBA body as a junior. He is extremely smooth, glides by people making it look effortless. Good quick release on the jumper, better ball handler than I expected. When we turned up the pressure, Battle was the one to control the ball for his team, valuing the ball and making good decisions. In New Jersey he is on par with Isaiah Briscoe (Kentucky) as far as quality of player. Only one other player I would say in Jersey can touch them and that is freshman Naz Reid who when it is all said and done will be one of the best to come out of the Garden State. Great get for UM, will fill the void left by Levert immediately. Go Blue!!
Obviously Im from Jersey. Coached against him this past HS season. It was I believe his second game back from injury playing for his HS team Gil St. Bernards. First off he is a full 6-6 could possibly be pushing 6-7. First thing I said when he walked into the gym was, "Damn he hit the weight room while he was out of basketball." NBA body as a junior. He is extremely smooth, glides by people making it look effortless. Good quick release on the jumper, better ball handler than I expected. When we turned up the pressure, Battle was the one to control the ball for his team, valuing the ball and making good decisions. In New Jersey he is on par with Isaiah Briscoe (Kentucky) as far as quality of player. Only one other player I would say in Jersey can touch them and that is freshman Naz Reid who when it is all said and done will be one of the best to come out of the Garden State. Great get for UM, will fill the void left by Levert immediately. Go Blue!!
Hey JJ, any Battle’s or Reid’s in the pipeline at your school? Let’s pass on this M good will to the next future Garden State Wolverine!!
Do you have a garden?
Chezaroo wish we did. However we are a public school. Our tallest player was only 6’3" tall. With that being said we still defeated Roselle Catholic two times this season. That team had Isaiah Briscoe, and 6 to 7 other D-1 players. 5 of them 6-8 and taller.
We do have a senior pg that has been ridiculously under-recruited. Otis Livingston is a 5-10 pg, 1st team all state in Jersey. He won two state championships at Linden. Won the under armour aau national title last summer. All he does is lead and win. He scores when he has to but he is more of a floor general and outstanding on ball defender. He currently holds offers from FDU, Robert Morris, Niagara, and 1 other while just recently hearing from Seton Hall. I keep telling myself he could be the next Spike!
However, if we ever have a blue chipper on the team, he will certainly know of everything UM has to offer! Go Blue!
Do you honestly believe that those of us on the “trust Beilein” or “only on-the-court production for Michigan matters” trains don’t want elite recruits like Battle, or don’t think we should be recruiting them?
If so, you misunderstand the arguments. The simplest response is that some people thought Beilein could still land them, despite others’ negativity. And those people are again reminded that they’re right today.
I admit to having been skeptical about JB’s willingness and ability to land top recruits, and would love to see the program leverage today’s success well into the future. The problem that realists have with the “trust JB” crowd is not so much their (justified) belief in his overall quality as a coach but in their inexplicable insistence on spinning every flaw and failure as a positive.
Doesnt matter, Coach Beilein is not cool enough. It will never happen.
Do you honestly believe that those of us on the “trust Beilein” or “only on-the-court production for Michigan matters” trains don’t want elite recruits like Battle, or don’t think we should be recruiting them?
If so, you misunderstand the arguments. The simplest response is that some people thought Beilein could still land them, despite others’ negativity. And those people are again reminded that they’re right today.
I admit to having been skeptical about JB’s willingness and ability to land top recruits, and would love to see the program leverage today’s success well into the future. The problem that realists have with the “trust JB” crowd is not so much their (justified) belief in his overall quality as a coach but in their inexplicable insistence on spinning every flaw and failure as a positive.
Doesnt matter, Coach Beilein is not cool enough. It will never happen.Do you honestly believe that those of us on the “trust Beilein” or “only on-the-court production for Michigan matters” trains don’t want elite recruits like Battle, or don’t think we should be recruiting them?
If so, you misunderstand the arguments. The simplest response is that some people thought Beilein could still land them, despite others’ negativity. And those people are again reminded that they’re right today.
I admit to having been skeptical about JB’s willingness and ability to land top recruits, and would love to see the program leverage today’s success well into the future. The problem that realists have with the “trust JB” crowd is not so much their (justified) belief in his overall quality as a coach but in their inexplicable insistence on spinning every flaw and failure as a positive.
It did just happen!
I think what’s sinking in a bit for me now is this is a different path to a commit than we’ve seen in a while. Not a late add, not rising Junior summer commit, but the staff genuinely impressing a prospect after a number of other schools have had their chance to make a pitch (granted, there is TONS of time between now and early signing period). But I have to say I think I feel pretty good about this fit.
I think what's sinking in a bit for me now is this is a different path to a commit than we've seen in a while. Not a late add, not rising Junior summer commit, but the staff genuinely impressing a prospect after a number of other schools have had their chance to make a pitch (granted, there is TONS of time between now and early signing period). But I have to say I think I feel pretty good about this fit.
Very similar to Kam Chatman. Although Kam waited until the fall to commit.
The problem that realists have with the "trust JB" crowd is not so much their (justified) belief in his overall quality as a coach but in their inexplicable insistence on spinning every flaw and failure as a positive.
Maybe for today we could designate the groups the “realists” and the “hate JB” crowd.
I think what's sinking in a bit for me now is this is a different path to a commit than we've seen in a while. Not a late add, not rising Junior summer commit, but the staff genuinely impressing a prospect after a number of other schools have had their chance to make a pitch (granted, there is TONS of time between now and early signing period). But I have to say I think I feel pretty good about this fit.Very similar to Kam Chatman. Although Kam waited until the fall to commit.
Yes, that was the one similarity I thought of, but since that was closer to the early signing period, I sort of sub-categorized it differently.
@DingoBlue The NCAA rule changes are key here as kids can now take official visits much earlier (they used to have to wait until their senior season).
Congrats to JB and staff! Great addition. Sorry I ever doubted you 
Local link hope it works http://mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/basketball/2015/05/11/gill-st-bernards-star-battle-commits-to-michigan/27128261/
I can’t believe Matt D is still radio silent on this commitment!
I can't believe Matt D is still radio silent on this commitment!
Crow takes a while to cook.
I’m happy for MattD. This is what he wants but didn’t think would come to fruition.
I hope this puts to rest the silly back and forth spitting matches for a couple days
I'm happy for MattD. This is what he wants but didn't think would come to fruition. I hope this puts to rest the silly back and forth spitting matches for a couple days
I’m happy for all of us!