The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1460661
60 THE WOLVERINE APRIL 2022 BASKETBALL RECRUITING "Before McDaniel, there was a parade of celebrated guards patrolling the Paul VI backcourt, many of whom are now starring in the college ranks. But none of them had been able to cradle the WCAC championship trophy and get swarmed by friends and family members looking for a picture." He couldn't stop smiling, they re- ported, and you could understand why. "I've been here four years, and the greats before me haven't been able to do this," McDaniel said. "I wanted this for them. I wanted to bring one home." McDaniel was the only player to finish in double digits for St. Paul VI Catholic, which finished its season 26-4. ONE BIG REASON MICHIGAN IS IN GOOD SHAPE EARLY FOR STANDOUT 2024 CENTER St. Louis Christian Brothers Acad- emy's John Bol is just getting started in basketball, but the 7-2 center is already one of the most coveted players in his class. Bol, who is originally from South Sudan, only started playing basketball three years ago while living in Nairobi, but now he's in the United States chasing his dream, having arrived last year. "When I came, I didn't know much. I didn't know how to dribble; I didn't know how to shoot," Bol admitted to On3.com's Jamie Shaw. "It's been a year, and the de- velopment I've made so far, it's so visible … to the point where if I keep doing this … I'll be on a different level. It's a blessing." Michigan head coach Juwan Howard has noticed. He offered in February, and his timing couldn't have been better. The night before the offer came, Shaw reported, Bol watched "The Fab Five" ESPN documentary highlighting the 1990s Michigan basketball team. Howard, of course, was a big part of that. Bol, though, said he had no idea who he was before that. "I did not know about Juwan. I did not know about Michigan," he said. "I had no idea. I didn't know a lot of things when I came to the United States. "The next day when Juwan Howard called me and offered me a scholar- ship, I was super excited. That was the best thing that's ever happened to me in terms of getting a scholarship. The fact that it was the head coach that called me and offered me, that meant a lot to me." Illinois, Clemson, Butler, Missouri, Kansas State and Saint Louis have all offered since, but knowing Howard's NBA background and the thought of being coached by him have put U-M at or near the top of Bol's list in the early going. He'd be a great fit in many ways. Bol carries a 4.0 GPA with a grade of 98 or higher in six of his seven classes. He's learning Spanish, and he also speaks fluent English, Swahili and Arabic. On the court, he blocks shots left and right (literally) with his 7-9 wingspan. "I can defend anyone, one through five, because I can easily move my feet," he said. "Seven-foot guys usually cannot move well or slide their feet. But when it comes to me, that's actually easy. Before basketball, I started playing soccer when I was 6 years old. So, when I switched to basketball, it was easy for me to guard people. "I have a motor that I bring to the court every single day. I talk a lot on the defensive end. I have a jump shot, too, with a soft touch around the rim that I'm still working on right now." And he's just getting started, making him one to watch closely over the next few years. JUWAN HOWARD EXTENDS ANOTHER 2023 OFFER Guard Isaiah Collier of Marietta (Ga.) Wheeler is Michigan's latest 2023 offer, and he's a good one. On3.com's No. 29 overall player in the junior class can score at all three levels and has several suitors. Michigan recently threw a hat in the ring when head coach Juwan Howard of- fered in March. Though he'd narrowed his list to Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Cincinnati, UCLA, Southern Cal and Florida State, he insisted he was open to other offers. U-M will be in consideration. "I am a willing passer, a team guy first," Collier told On3. "I can score, but I'll go out and get what the defense gives. I've been shooting better; some of the shots I make today I wouldn't have hit last year. I am shooting the ball off the dribble bet- ter, knocking down shots. "I'm working hard on getting more athletic right now. … I'm athletic, but still working on it. I'm just continuing to get better at everything." It's working, On3.com's Jamie Shaw reports. "Isaiah Collier is a bigger guard with a strong build and nice length," he said. "He is at his best in the pick and roll, where his pace and vision can stand out. "Collier has improved his jump shot, and he is confidently taking it off the bounce. While he is not a top-end ath- lete, he has enough pop to get where he needs to go, and there are still some kinks to work out on the jump shot. But it is clear to see why Collier is a top-30 pros- pect in his class." Collier knows exactly what he wants in a school. "I am going to look at the academics of each school; I want to finish school and get a degree and a master's, hopefully," he said. "I'll look closely at the system of each school. I want to go to a place that will let me play and give me the freedom to do me. "How much love they show, too. I am looking for a brotherhood really, a family type atmosphere." ❑ John Bol has only been playing basketball for three years, but the 7-2 center already has offers from Michigan, Illinois, Clemson, Butler and Missouri, among others. PHOTO COURTESY ON3.COM On The Web For regular reports on Michigan basketball recruiting plus videos of U-M commitments and targets visit TheWolverine.com.