The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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BASKETBALL RECRUITING junior in the land) continues to play well. He's had games of 47 and 35 points, and recently went over the 1,000-point mark for his career at Co- lumbus (Ohio) Northland High. Towns has an Ohio State offer, too, and continues to weigh his options. • Finally, Michigan has offered a number of 2016 standouts and another could be in line for an offer soon if he continues to maintain his torrid pace. Barrington (Ill.) High forward Rapolas Ivanauskas (6-8, 210, Rivals.com three- star junior) has been in Ann Arbor for a visit and is hoping to return soon. Ivanauskas averages 23 points, 10 rebounds and four assists for a 16-8 Barrington squad. He's an outstand- ing shooter and a candidate to play the stretch four position at U-M. "I was there in late June last year," he said. "I really loved the visit. The campus is absolutely beautiful, they're strong in the field I wanted to go into, business, and have a new building that's been all renovated. It just felt amazing and seeing Crisler Center, it just looked amazing. I like the facilities and everything about it." Ivanauskas emerged last spring with Full Package AAU and is now consid- ered one of Illinois' top juniors. He got to know Beilein during his three-hour tour of campus and has continued to form a relationship with assistant Meyer. "I spoke with Coach Meyer recently, and he said I have an open invitation to get up there," Ivanauskas said. "I'll definitely be able to get to Ann Arbor again for a game. "When I watch them play, I think about how I could play on the wing and use my versatility in the offense. Matchups are very important, as well, and one of the main things I look for is the way he would play me. Michigan is a shooting team. I believe I can fit into that very well because I'm a versa- tile player, can shoot from long range, from the midrange and in the post. I can also handle the ball, push the ball and pass the ball well." Ivanauskas recently picked up a Pur- due offer to go with offers from Iowa and Northwestern, among others. He's in no hurry to make a decision, and will take a few campus visits dur- ing the season and continue to stay in touch with the schools recruiting him. He's a serious student, and quality of education, style of play, and fit will be big when it comes time to decide. "Education is central for me," he said. "I look at Michigan — it would be great to get an education like that, but I'm keeping all my options open. "I'm more focusing on how to get better as a player. I still have a lot of time, but time sometimes is a luxury you don't have, too. I know I'm go- ing to have to start thinking seriously about recruiting." Ivanauskas scored 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in a win over Hoffman Estates Feb. 6, a game cov- ered by TheWolverine.com. ❏ On The Web For regular reports on basketball recruiting, plus videos of all the top prospects in the nation and Michigan's commitments, visit TheWolverine.com.