The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/315684
2014 BASKETBALL RECRUITING ISSUE this year, he came in and stood next to Jon Horford, and was a full 6-10. He's got instincts with his back to the basket that are very important. Yet his skill set facing the basket is very good. I'm very anxious to coach him." The Wolverine: How do you see Wil- son fitting in? Beilein: "He's another one where strength will be the biggest issue. He has gained weight this year. D.J. has the ability to play at the rim and above the rim. He can shoot, and has a huge skill set. "He's very versatile. He can play a lot of positions for us. We prob- ably won't know until his junior year what his best position is. He's still growing. His length, ability to block shots and skill set all stood out." The Wolverine: Your thoughts on Austin Hatch? Beilein: "We cannot wait to coach Austin Hatch. He will be here in five weeks. He'll go right into action for us. We anticipate him going right into practice. He was able to play a little bit this year, for a really great high school team. "It will be a great day when he gets out on that court as a Wolverine and we begin working with him." The Wolverine: When you're in a situation of getting someone late, like Muhammad Ali Abdur-Rahkman, how do you quickly evaluate a guy like that? Beilein: "We request as much film as possible. We got five or six games. Then we sent Bacari [Alexander] to see him, watch him play a little bit, and find out what type of person he is. We saw such high character. We saw such a great skill set. "I watched every second of film, much like the Caris LeVert and Spike Albrecht recruitments. It's late, and you're trying to watch as much as Beilein has won 150 games during his first seven seasons in Ann Arbor, which ranks fourth on Michigan's all-time wins list. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN