Mitch McGary could be Michigan’s transcendent recruit. The 6-10 power forward is good enough to elevate the Wolverines to a Big Ten contender, but that’s just for starters.
As Jeff Borzello writes, McGary’s commitment “potentially opens the door for more high-level recruits to make their way to Ann Arbor.” That happens and the 2012 prospect will be the school’s most important recruit since Chris Webber.
More dynamic recruits? That’s exactly what coach John Beilein wants to hear. Well, he’s pumped about this thought too:
“I’d like to bring a National Championship to Michigan next year,” McGary said at his ESPN televised announcement.
Don’t laugh. The Wolverines have plenty of talent to support the powerful forward (he shatters backboards!), assuming Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jordan Morgan stick around. With Trey Burke running the offense, that’s a group capable of winning the Big Ten and making a deep NCAA tournament run. (UM Hoops has excellent detail about how McGary will fit into Beilein’s system.)
Still, this more crucial for the other guys who might follow McGary. That won’t include anyone else in the class of 2012 (McGary’s their last scholarship) unless someone leaves early. But say McGary thrives, and that’s good news for any 2013, 14014 prospects contemplating the Wolverines. He chose Michigan over Kentucky, Duke, North Carolina, Florida and others.
Who’s to say others won’t do the same?
Related stories:
- Michigan is No. 19 in our preseason Top 25
- Beilein ‘absolutely’ intends for Michigan to be his last job
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