The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/315684
2014 BASKETBALL RECRUITING ISSUE interest from Stanford, Arizona and more. He's already visited U-M and seems like a lock to receive an offer June 15. At that point, the Wolverines should have a great shot to be in his small group of leaders. "He's more than pretty interested — he's very, very interested," his dad and coach, Brad Leaf, said of Michigan. "He likes it a lot up there. Just the way their interchangeable parts are and the way Coach Beilein coaches them, the two, three and four, and the way T.J. plays inside and outside, handles it, penetrates and kicks — he just seems to fit the system." Leaf averaged 27 points, 12 re- bounds, seven assists and four blocked shots for the Foothills Christian team coached by his fa- ther, and he's a gym rat, the first one in and the last to leave. Basket- ball's in his genes, too — his father played 17 years overseas and was an outstanding player. The scary part — he's still im- proving in many facets of the game. "I think my passing ability is getting a lot better, along with my dribble and quickness," Leaf said. "I'm finishing better with my left hand now. I'm able to take contact and finish with my left as well as my right. "I want to be a guy that will be able to stay on the floor because I'll be able to play multiple positions, make the right play and get points, rebounds and assists." That versatility is one of the traits U-M seems to like about him the most. Outlook: Michigan has made an impression and will be there at the end, though IU is also going to be very much involved. "He gets very excited because you don't have to say much other than 'Michigan called,'" the elder Leaf noted. "He watches them on TV, and the program speaks for itself. "I was born and raised in Indiana and grew up being a Hoosiers fan, but it's all about the fit for my son," he added, noting there was plenty to like about Tom Crean's program, too. "Our whole family is from In- diana, they'd be able to see more games and we have friends in the Indianapolis area, too." ❑ T.J. Leaf averaged 27 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and four blocked shots last season for Foothills Christian High School in El Cajon, Calif. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM