The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/106890
Burke, a lot of the shots they get are uncontested. He does a great job of getting them the ball." All four have a shot to play at the next level, Fife said, adding center Mitch McGary (5.5 points and 5.7 rebounds in 15.9 minutes a contest) should and freshman shooting guard Caris LeVert (3.5 points, 12.5 minutes) could end up in the NBA, as well. "Caris, the way he's growing, might end up to be seven feet tall," Fife said, only half joking. While it's not fair to compare them to the best just yet, the signs are there, McCormick said, noting he anticipates they'll continue to improve. "Trey Burke compares very favorably to the best point guards in Michigan history, going back to Rickey Green, Gary Grant and Antoine Joubert [1986] and Jalen Rose," he said. "Trey will be an All-American, and he will go down in Michigan lore as one of the best players ever, probably a lottery pick. "You hear the comparisons to [Los Angeles Clippers point guard] Chris Paul, though, and I think that's way premature. I do think he will continue to get stronger, and he'll be worth the investment because with what he's shown so far, he could be a standout NBA point guard for 10, 12, 15 years. He has a really good demeanor, keeps his man in front of him, shares the ball and is a highcharacter kid." Robinson III, he continued, will be the NBA's "prototype wing player" in time, while Hardaway will have his own opportunity if he makes the same jump he made from last year to this year. "I know NBA scouts love length and athleticism, transition ability and shot making, and those guys have the ability to do each of those," he said. "But I think they both would benefit by coming back. NBA scouts are just now starting to learn about them. In another year, when the scouts are more familiar and comfortable with the U-M players, they can move them up the draft ranks. "The NBA will be there, and when you enter the league, it's really important to be a lottery pick. If a team doesn't have a lot invested in you — if you're just another guy on the roster — there's no incentive to get you on the court. For Hardaway and Robinson, the longer they stay, the higher they will go." McGary, he added, is one of the hardest-working big men he's ever seen, though he is still developing his skill set. Fife, meanwhile, believes the jury is out on all of them given how much Burke helps each of their games. As an NBA scout, Hughes can't comment on individual players. He's simply happy watching another outstanding Michigan team play. "They tied our record, and these kids deserve a lot of credit," he said. "That was a senior-laden team we had, and these guys have really done a nice job. "Even though it's a young team, these guys have been around some, understand each other and play with chemistry. That's what it takes to build a winner." ❑