Evan Smotrycz
As I mentioned Friday, this was a big weekend on the AAU circuit with two big tournaments. There was understandably plenty of eyes pointed in Evan Smotrycz’ direction. This was after all, his first big tournament since making his Michigan commitment. The early returns on Evan’s play are definitely positive. Scout.com’s Evan Daniels was impressed ($) with Smotrycz’ play and ESPN’s Reggie Rankin echoed his sentiments:
Smotrycz was a pleasant surprise but more of a standout player this weekend. This super skilled combination forward has all the tools on the offense end of the floor. He is a perfect fit for the offensive system he will play in at Michigan. Smotrycz is a terrific 3-point shooter with NBA range. He has a quick trigger and the size to shoot over smaller defenders with ease. Smotrycz runs the lane in transition and does a great job of stretching the defense with his ability to make shots. Making plays off the dribble is also strength of Smotrycz’s. He is a very good ball handler and does a great job of creating space with scoring dribble moves that include a step back pull up jumper going to his left. He would be perfect in pick and pop situations as well. His skill set doesn’t stop with his scoring he is also a very good passer. He can drive, draw and kick in transition or in the half court where he has the ability to pass with either hand. Smotrycz is a good area rebounder but must add strength to prepare for the physical Big Ten but his upside is tremendous.
Most scouts point to the same qualities: a skilled ball handler who can shoot the ball. Beilein preaches skill and length, at 6-foot-9 Smotrycz appears to be the perfect “four man” for this offense.
More:
- Mass Rivals Turn Heads at Pittsburgh Jam Fest
6’9″ New Hampton Prep Junior Evan Smotrycz showed why he is Michigan bound as he made several big threes, and was able to get the basket off the dribble with ease. Smotrycz like Brown has a great weekend as he mixed it up with some of the best in the country. - New England Men’s Rankings
Smotrycz moves up to fifth in the latest NERR 2010 rankings
Team Detroit
Evan Daniels caught Team Detroit in action in Pittsburgh. Daniels was impressed with not only Trey Zeigler and Ray McCallum but Detroit Southeastern power forward (2011) Percy Gibson as well.
We only caught a half, but it was enough time to know that he deserved some print. A 6-foot-7, 215-pound sophomore, Gibson is a guy that has a nice set of hands, soft touch inside and the ability to maneuver on the block to score.
Scout also posted an updated school list for Trey Zeigler:
Trey Zeigler claimed scholarship offers from Michigan, Michigan State, LSU, Miami, Arizona State, Providence and Dayton. Kansas and Texas are showing interest as well.
I don’t think there is a scout in the country that doesn’t love Ray McCallum. The issue for Michigan is that when you’re that good, every school wants a piece. Michigan is showing Ray the love but the odds aren’t great in that recruitment to say the least. For more on McCallum, here is a recent Rivals update ($).
Other Notes
- Meet our 2009 boys basketball dream team
Appling, Maurice Jones, McCallum, Ben Simons, and Zeigler - Team USA dominates Team Florida during Senior Showcase all-star game
Morris with 13 points for Team USA - Grand Rapids Storm Classic Results
The Michigan Mustangs rolled through the GRSC on the back of MSU bound Keith Appling and Michigan target Devin Oliver. - Real Deal: Day Two, Part B ($)
Casey Prather was dominated by Harrison Barnes. Before you panic, Barnes is one of the best, if not the best, prospects in the country. - Game-raising Regan a major player
Some updates on Will Regan
