The early signing period in November is less than two months away and we're coming down the home-stretch of several key recruitments. The uncertainty of stay/go decisions on the horizon after the 2022-23 season in tandem with the portal means the net is a bit smaller in relation to the past for HS recruiting. Let's see where we stand. GUARDS Isaiah Collier Height/Weight: Listed height in the 6'2 - 6'4 range, with listed weight ranging between 170 - 205. Eye test says he's probably a legit 6'2 and 190-195. High School/AAU: Marietta Wheeler HS (GA)/Nike EYBL The Skill Factory (GA) Mainstream Ranking: Now a consensus top-6 overall prospect EM Ranking/Projected Impact: 5-star/#8 overall. Expected projection/production of a true 5-star prospect, even if it isn't necessarily what is expected of a consensus top-10 prospect as a freshman. Think consistent rotation player that plays 15-20 minutes per game at minimum, with the potential to be a starter
While your author generally prefers providing recruiting updates/evaluations through positional designations, the 2023 pool for the staff is relatively small at this point, so let's take a big picture look at where things stand with practices scheduled to start later this month. GUARDS Isaiah Collier Height/Weight: Listed height in the 6'2 - 6'4 range, with listed weight ranging between 170 - 205. Eye test says he's probably a legit 6'2 and 190-195. High School/AAU: Marietta Wheeler HS (GA)/Nike EYBL The Skill Factory (GA) Mainstream Ranking: Now a consensus top-6 overall prospect EM Ranking/Projected Impact: 5-star/#8 overall. Expected projection/production of a true 5-star prospect, even if it isn't necessarily what is expected of a consensus top-10 prospect as a freshman. Think consistent rotation player that plays 15-20 minutes per game at minimum, with the potential to be a starter by the time February/March comes around. Has positional size/f
With Hunter Dickinson back for his junior season, the need for a portal big in 2022-23 becomes much less pressing even with the departure of Moussa Diabate. Still, it is difficult to imagine a situation where Michigan doesn't add an additional big from the high school ranks for the 2023-24 season, as Dickinson will presumably bolt for the professional path if viable. If that scenario comes to fruition, 2022 signee Tarris Reed would be the only true scholarship center on the roster. Let's take a look at the board coming off the first live evaluation period of June. Papa Kante Height/Weight: Listed at 6'10 and 225 pounds. Probably closer to a legit 6'8.5 - 6'9 and 215 - 220lbs. High School/AAU: South Kent School (CT)/Nike EYBL New York Renaissance (NY) Weekend Performance: I was in Hamden (CT) over the weekend for the NEPSAC live period event to get an updated look at Papa in a HS setting. Defensively, he was once again superb in every way imaginable. Rim pro
With Hunter Dickinson back for his junior season, the need for a portal big in 2022-23 becomes much less pressing even with the departure of Moussa Diabate. Still, it is difficult to imagine a situation where Michigan doesn't add an additional big from the high school ranks for the 2023-24 season, as Dickinson will presumably bolt for the professional path if viable. If that scenario comes to fruition, 2022 signee Tarris Reed would be the only true scholarship center on the roster. Let's take a look at the board heading into the upcoming HS live evaluation periods over the next two weekends. Papa Kante Height/Weight: Listed at 6'10 and 225 pounds. Probably closer to a legit 6'8.5 - 6'9 and 215 - 220lbs. High School/AAU: South Kent School (CT)/Nike EYBL New York Renaissance (NY) Mainstream Ranking: 4-star/80 - 140 Overall EM Ranking/Evaluation: Projects to have the impact of a 70 - 100 level prospect based on what I've viewed live so far. Superb defender w