I would NOT. I absolutely would not redshirt

[Reality Man]

Wagner. He is raw. Yes...he has some work to do but I wouldn't save a year with a guy who really wants to play overseas when you are still going to have him for another 3 years. I understand the value of redshirting him but it's offset over something that is really important....

that is Wagner can help this team. This team is talented but Wagner brings something that Doyle or Donnal don't bring which is a guy who is very tall and athletic and plays physical hard nosed bball. I really like what I see in that he likes to mix it up. He has that Novak type mindset. He wants to get into a slugfest and he is young. He likes contact.

I don't think he has to score a point...guy is big and strong and can help on the defensive side of the ball..can give JB some fouls and comes across as a defensive PEST. This team can make some noise and don't keep a guy who brings something very unique to the table on the bench.

UM doesn't need another shooter (see Robinson addition) or another guard or forward...it needs 'tude' and this guy brings out the 'tude'. Don't redshirt him. He is a Big Ten player right now.



RM

 

[Reality Man]

One last thing about Wagner. He looks to be a match-up nightmare. Guy can run the floor and step out. I wouldn't want to see the guy on the floor if I was an opponent because my big would have to step out and this would create easier lanes to the basket.

The other problem is defensively he looks to be as good as Doyle..or more explosive. Wagner isn't going to score consistently down low but that isn't what the JB system is about anyways. Great job by JB and staff evaluating this talent.


RM

 

[blockm2]

my problem with his D is that he sure seems to love going for the steal. The problem is when you don't get it you give up easy baskets at the rim. And when you are the tallest guy on the floor and aren't in the lane there isn't going to be a lot of help for you.

 

[guestavo]

DJ/Doyle will be the center rotation.

 

[blockm2]

DJ/Doyle will be the center rotation.

I'd say it's more likely Wilson plays almost no minutes at center than it is he is the primary backup.

 

[Reality Man]

my problem with his D is that he sure seems to love going for the steal. The problem is when you don't get it you give up easy baskets at the rim. And when you are the tallest guy on the floor and aren't in the lane there isn't going to be a lot of help for you.

Yes...although JB will get the message to him to take less risk. I like Wagner for this year because he wants to bang down low and do the dirty work...hustle and has more athleticism than Doyle.

I don't dislike Doyle but I think Wagner brings another level of athleticism down low which I will GUARANTEE you that will help UM down the line.

UM is loaded right now...trade potentially 1 year later for this year. Wagner is going to play 10 minutes or so a game within a couple of months. Whatever you want to call it...he has it.


RM

 

[blockm2]

Yes...although JB will get the message to him to take less risk. I like Wagner for this year because he wants to bang down low and do the dirty work...hustle and has more athleticism than Doyle.

I see little reason to believe Wagner will be very successful "banging down low" this year. He's very skinny. While he may want to, Doyle and even Donnal will likely be a far more physical presence in the post.

Wagner is active, but not strong.

 

[guestavo]

I'd say it's more likely Wilson plays almost no minutes at center than it is he is the primary backup.

I'd be willing to make that bet. He won't succeed at the 4.

 

[92Wolv]

I'm not sure why people keep saying that Wagner wants to play overseas. I assume he came here because it gave him a better shot of ultimately making it to the NBA.

But I agree that we shouldn't redshirt him.

 

[Mroad]

I don't see Wagner being a banger from the limited film I've seen of him. I see him wanting to be more of a three where he's able to shoot three pointers and run the court. The last thing I see him being is a banger....he is more of a tall perimeter player.

 

[Blue66]

By mid-season, Wagner may not be starting but he will have more minutes than Doyle. Why? Because UM's biggest weakness is low post defending/rebounding. And it is clear that Wagner has the size/skills to do this better than anyone on this team.

 

[Deepfunk]

Agree. Very small sample size from Mo, but just that was enough for me to conclude he can give us valuable minutes this year. And almost comedically intense attitude. Unlike any of our other bigs he actually got under the skin of that wide-body quickly, fought him hard, and drew an elbow to the face that fouled the guy out. He looked so excited to be out there and it energized the crowd. And a nice shooting stroke too (nearly nailed the three he took). Great length, obviously a lot of potential, and makes up for his scrawniness with intensity and the promise of a rapidly-developing skill set.

 

[Reality Man]

When I say 'banger'...he likes contact down low. That is what I see. Maybe I should use a different word like...'physical'.

Is this a better word? My point still stands. He wants to have contact and be physical. High motor. I'll have a bet with anyone on this board that during the course of the BT season that Wagner will be the most physical down lost presence which includes the defensive side of the ball.


RM

 

[Mroad]

I believe Wagner has significant potential but people have to remember he just recently turned 18 years old....comparatively McGary and Spike were 20 years old at the same point of their freshmen year. In other words, he is very young and needs to develop physically. However, there is no reason to redshirt him because he is not going to be around for 5 years. I think he will be lucky to get 5-10 minutes this year but this game time will help him next year where we will most certainly need him. I would also have him on a high protein diet and a frequent visitor to the weight room.