Michigan Basketball recruiting is on quite a roll right now. The magnitude of that roll is highlighted by the incoming freshmen class and the outstanding 2013 class that John Beilein and his staff have assembled.
2013
Derrick Walton
Michigan’s 2013 recruiting class is ranked #2 nationally by ESPNU and highlighted by all-world point guard Derrick Walton. Walton has traversed the globe this year showcasing his talents and improving his stock at each stop.
Derrick Walton (Detroit, Michigan) is blowing up this summer and has firmly established himself as one of the nation’s elite players. The 6-foot-1, 170 pound point guard is ranked #40 overall in the latest ESPN 100. Walton is an outstanding ballhandler and can score in a variety of ways. Walton can break down a defense and take it to the rim. He can also knock down three-pointers and perhaps most importantly, he makes all of his teammates better.
Zak Irvin (Fishers, Indiana) Irvin is a pure scorer and has seen his stock steadily rise to the point where he is now ranked #61 on the ESPN 100. At 6-foot-6, 185, Irvin is a long athletic player who causes havoc for opposing defenses. Irvin can score in bunches and is known for his clutch shooting ability down the stretch.
Mark Donnal (Whitehouse, Ohio) Donnal is a no-nonsense guy who has rocketed up the rankings, he is #65 on the ESPN 100. Donnal is a 6-foot-8 power forward who can stretch a defense with his ability to shoot from beyond the arc. In a recent report on UMHoops.com, Donnal’s AAU Coach Dan Dakich said, “He can shoot. That’s first and foremost. He’s a good screener and pop shooter. Not a lot of guys are. A lot of guys can step up and shoot, but he can set a ball screen, pop, set a side ball screen and pop, and he’s getting better on the block.”
Austin Hatch (Fort Wayne, Indiana) is a member of this class, but may reclassify to 2014 as he continues his recovery and reintegration to basketball.
2012
Michigan has a quintet of outstanding players arriving on campus this summer and set to hit the hardwood at the revamped Crisler Center this fall.
Glenn “Tre” Robinson III – He developed into one of the elite players in the 2012 class and ascended to 5-star status in the rankings. The 6-foot-7, 192 pound Robinson is ranked #11 overall by rivals.com and figures to make an immediate impact at Michigan.
Mitch McGary – is a 6-foot-10, 250 pound, backboard breaking, rebounding machine. He is ranked the #27 prospect nationally by ESPNU.
Nik Stauskus – is a long (6-foot-6), athletic and versatile player. He has a sweet stroke from three-point range and can handle the rock.
Michael “Spike” Albrecht – he gives Michigan much needed depth at the point guard position.
Caris LeVert – a late addition to the class, LeVert’s nickname is “Baby Durant” due to his explosive scoring ability. He was originally committed to Ohio U, but was released from his letter of intent when John Groce took the Illinois job.
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