The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/603303
BASKETBALL RECRUITING prise. Most believed the Wolverines weren't targeting another big man, but Beilein liked what he saw of the in-state prospect so he challenged him to continue to improve and earn a scholarship. For Davis, that meant getting in better shape and being able to run the floor. Once 300-plus pounds, he worked his way down to 232 on Na- tional Signing Day and proved his desire in front of Beilein in the early evaluation period in spring, earn- ing an offer and committing shortly thereafter on April 16. "Austin is a strong low-post player who has great presence in the mid- dle," Beilein said. "He finishes well around the rim, rebounds well and has excellent passing skills. He has exceptional length and has really put in the work to improve his strength and physical conditioning. "We love his great attitude, pas- sion for the game and that he loves the University of Michigan. Austin is young for his grade — he just turned 17 this past July — so his best days are ahead of him." Davis was honored as the 2015 Associated Press Class B Player of the Year and was named first-team all-state, after averaging 26.2 points, 17.3 rebounds and 4.8 blocks per game last year. He led Onsted to a 19-5 record, a runner-up finish in the Lenawee County Conference (11-3 record) and a trip to the Class B Re- gion 10 championship game. A two-time Class B all-state first- team selection by The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press and a two-time Lenawee County Player of the Year, Davis helped guide Onsted to its first District championship in 32 years as a junior. He's grown seven inches since the eighth grade and has a 7-2 wing span. The Wolverines' third pledge in the 2016 class, Pickerington (Ohio) Cen- tral's Watson (6-4, 180, Rivals.com three-star prospect), also had to work to prove himself to the coaching staff, and he did, impressing in the sum- mer. He became more assertive and shot the ball well in front of Beilein and his staff. He pledged July 28, days after receiving his offer. Indiana and others had offered, but Watson dreamed of following in Cen- tral High grad and Michigan guard Caris LeVert's footsteps. He trans- ferred to the school last year and fin- ished his first season with the Tigers averaging 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. He played two varsity seasons at Athens High School before heading to Central, guiding the Bulldogs to back-to-back Tri-Valley I Conference titles. Watson averaged 19.8 points as a sophomore and 16.0 points as a freshman, producing 40 double-fig- ure scoring outputs in 48 games. As a freshman, he helped the Bulldogs to a 2013 district championship and the Division II regional semifinals. "We love the high ceiling for Ibi," Beilein said. "He has a tremendous passion for the game, and with his work ethic we have seen improve- ment year to year. He has the desire to become a great player. He can re- ally shoot and pass the ball.