The Wolverine

June-July 2013 - Wolverine

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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2013 basketball recruiting issue man, of course. He was the Big Ten the film shows a player similar in Freshman of the Year in 2012, and stature and — dare it be said — abilearned National Player of the Year ity. Walton has a great handle and honors and led U-M to the national can finish with both hands. While he title game this year. With Burke hav- might not be the shooter Burke was, ing departed for a shot at the NBA, he might be even better in terms of it's now up to sophomore Spike Al- seeing the floor. brecht and freshman Derrick Wal"Comparing him to Trey is an unton Jr. to carry the torch, and those fair comparison," Michigan head around Walton insist he'll be ready. coach John Beilein said. "But we'll "They can say, 'They're not go- find out. Trey was even better after ing to be anything,' but Derrick is a two years training with [strength competitor," said Derrick Walton Sr., coach] Jon Sanderson. Derrick's a Walton's father and coach at Harper little bit older than Trey was coming Woods (Mich.) Chandler Park Acad- in, and I'm sure people will make a emy. "He's going to take a minute lot of comparisons, but that's not fair to adapt to the college game — the to either party. This young man is a physicality of it, how much faster really good leader, though, a highit is. But once they get a chance to character kid from a good family. see him, they're going to understand "I don't think he's billed with why those people were raving about Trey's shooting ability coming in, him. He's a true warrior." but we know how the young man This winter, Walton averaged practices and his court vision is ex26.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.3 steals ceptional. I'm sure he will help us in and 7.0 assists per game as a first- some areas most freshmen don't help team Class B all-state performer. He you in, but at the same time there notched 47 points and 12 rebounds could be some freshman areas he in one win over Detroit Crockett, could have to work through. People and put up a quadruple-double — will see a lot of similarities between 34 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and the two." 10 steals — against Chavez Academy. Beilein will no doubt coach them Rivals.com listed him as the No. 37 the same way, too, which Walton Sr. player nationally in its final rankings — admittedly tough on his players for the senior class. himself — appreciates. The scoring numbers are big for "He does an excellent job," Walton a pass-first point guard, but Walton Sr. said. "I feel comfortable with him has proven he can score when neces- coaching my son. Coach Beilein is sary. He's continued to work on his going to demand, but he's going to shooting and can pull up and knock keep his cool. That's what makes the down triples in transition with the kids that are there, and the ones combest of them. ing, want to play for him. Burke, though, he is not, though "He doesn't get rattled. He may get

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