(Note: I added two links to the “Other Notes” section regarding Moses Morgan, Carlton Brundidge, and Amir Williams)
Evan Smotrycz
The last two weeks have taught us that Evan Smotrycz can play ball. He followed up his strong play from last week with another stellar performance at the Providence Jam Fest. Smotrycz led the Mass Rivals to a surprise trip to the 17U finals. It’s hard to find a negative scouting report about Evan. The highlight of the weekend for the Mass Rivals was a win over, former Michigan recruit, Nate Lubick’s New England Playaz team. Here’s what the leading east coast scouting services had to say on Evan this weekend.
NBE:
Good height, but needs to get physically stronger before the Big 10. His size and skill away from the basket makes it look like he was made for John Beilein’s system and he should get the most of his strengths at Michigan. Showed ability to slash to the basket, but needs to finish more often once in the paint, as evidenced by failing to convert on an easy lay-up. Added strength will help.
New England Recruiting Report:
Evan Smotrycz was the catalyst as the Michigan bound forward really brought his game to another level. Not only was he making shots from the perimeter, but he also showed a much improved dribble drive game, as he was able to break his man down with a right to left cross-over on more than one occasion. But it wasn’t just his ability to score off the dribble that was so impressive as he also passed the ball tremendously well, acting as a facilitator in the second half with his ability to create open looks for his teammates.
Evan Smotrycz picked up right where he left off a day earlier as he was outstanding for the second consecutive day, making shots, breaking people down off the dribble, and passing the ball very well. It was his consistent excellence throughout the course of the weekend that helped propel the Rivals all the way to the finals before finally losing to a New Jersey Celtics team that featured top 50 junior Kyrie Irving and the nation’s top sophomore Michael Gilchrist.
Will Regan
Will Regan, of the Albany City Rocks, told NBE this weekend that he is currently considering offers from Maryland, Virginia, Stanford, Arizona State and Providence. Regan is a 6-foot-8 forward who plays at the Nichols School near Buffalo (NY).
It sure looks like it. This has become clear over the last couple weeks and this update might be the icing on the cake. The same article has an updated list from Carson Desrosiers, a lanky big man that has been getting some Michigan interest, but it doesn’t appear that Michigan is in his top 8 right now.
Ray McCallum and Trey Zeigler
Rivals’ Jerry Meyer was fond of the Michigan duo at the adidas Nation event out in Vegas. Short but sweet:
Trey Zeigler has an impressive first step.
Ray McCallum has all the markings of a coach’s son when he is running the point. And over the past year, he has developed a great deal physically.
Scout also has an update from the adidas event with some more on McCallum ($).
Other Notes
- Vegas wrap up
Moses Morgan names Indiana his leader - Gauchos take King James title
Brundidge and Amir Williams both played well. Brundidge notes offers “from Mihcigan as well as Michigan State” - 2011 standout Dai-Jon Parker got the best of Brandan Kearney at the King James Classic this weekend.
- Video Highlights: Tim Hardaway Jr. ($)
Rivals has video from Tim Hardaway Jr. on the AAU circuit
