MICHIGAN'S MEN'S BASKETBALL: 2015-2016

[hack]

Is that the chatter, Oracle? So be it. Would have been nice, but, whatever. This is still a high-expectations team. For the first time in a while the oldest players will be the best players, in Walton, Irvin and Spike. And maybe even LeVert. And from the rest of them there will be very, very solid contributions and one or two sophomore leaps. Next year Beilein has exactly what he wants, so no excuses. NO EXCUSES.

[The Oracle]

That was the chatter even before he visited. He had family in the area, he was an Adidas guy(that has an effect these days) and I think one of his parents was an alum perhaps. Either way, there was/is no confidence M is a viable option. I hope everyone is wrong too.

[hack]

Right -- free family visit.

I'm not holding out hope either, but I was wondering if you'd read some sorta post-visit thing. Of course I think wing play is going to be great either way next year, but with a guy like that you do have to kick expectations up a notch still. It's just highlights but there is a meanness in his game, and man would that be welcome here.

[WM Wolverine]

Anytime a kid steps on campus, the chances shoot up but this is probably one of those cases it doesn't...

Duncan Robinson is a big addition, especially if he learns that he's allowed to use his left hand. Not sure if Wagner will come here but he'd help a good bit too, probably at the PF spot...

Didn't see enough special moments from Chatman to think he'd be a ton better. I see a step forward but not a massive one, hope I'm wrong but I've been a lil disappointed with his athleticism/skills that I don't see his upside quite as high as I did in November...

Without knowing early entries I see M doing very well in the B10 in '15-'16, a legitimate B10 contender and arguably a top 8-16 program, depending on if LeVert returns.

[Cody_Russell]

Michigan is in the top 2 for Jaylen Brown according to sources from a MGBlog thread.

[hack]

If that happens then expectations are rightfully massive. They surely would have to scour about pretty hard for a grad-transfer big. Or maybe even go back to Zimmerman and Swanigan and check again. With Brown, and if they can free up another scholarship, you'd think a top 5 guy would listen and look again. Hard to imagine another team with so much opportunity at that spot, unless Horford's perception is now a widespread opinion.

[The Oracle]

People can't be falling for this...

[hack]

Well there's anything past the skepticism already existing, do share. I dunno anything other than that Webb's credible.

[Cody_Russell]

I know nothing... Except that this would make Michigan a great team next season.
Hate to get my hopes up because Michigan comes in 2nd place a lot when it comes to this stuff... Except for getting Peppers.

Outside of Brown and people close to him, who really knows.

[The Oracle]

Balas says all signs are pointing to Wagner committing and soon. Great news.

[*JD*]

I know nothing... Except that this would make Michigan a great team next season.
Hate to get my hopes up because Michigan comes in 2nd place a lot when it comes to this stuff... Except for getting Peppers.

Outside of Brown and people close to him, who really knows.

McGary picked Michigan over doook.

[hack]

Well, McGary's a weirdo -- the best kind of weirdo, but still. Seriously -- it's easy to see why a guy like that might look at UM, it's campus, and Ann Arbor, and feel like it's a better fit than Durham and Duke.

Man, what a shooting star his time here was. What a shame. At least it paid off and we had him around for a while and ``Win the game'' and his Dakich dance competitions were fun. Seems like a great kid with a ton of personality. I hope his body holds up in the pros.

[Cody_Russell]

Hmm, no mention of Bielfeldt. Hopefully he stays!

U-M's LeVert undecided about NBA, still gathering info

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2015/04/06/michigan-basketball-caris-levert/25385777/

EDIT: I guess Bielfeldt's spot was given to the newcomer, Wagoner... so Bielfeldt is gone.

[lineygoblue]

U-M's LeVert undecided about NBA, still gathering info

I will never understand why players think its a good idea to enter the NBA draft as an underclassman, while also coming off an injury.

[Da Geezer]

Liney:

I think they figure anywhere in the first round gets them a guaranteed contract, and more important, starts the clock ticking on seniority toward their second contract, the one that is the big payoff. Hypothetically, let's say that LeVert is never the same. Why not get that one payday? If he comes back to college and his diminished skills are on display, maybe he is no longer in the first round. I think that once you are going to reach the first round, you go pro. That's why Robinson should not have left early.