Michigan hosted Ty Rodgers the last couple days, and the visit was "outstanding," by all accounts. U-M head coach Juwan Howard has found his groove on the recruiting trail, honest and straightforward in his approach and comfortable with players and their families in his interactions with them.
We thought this one could even result in a commitment, but it seems clear Michigan is evaluating its targets and being careful with its scholarships. Rodgers might have to show a bit more before he's able to commit (that's the vibe, anyway). As we noted Friday, at the recent Spiece Event, for example, he put up 6, 7 and 13 points in three games. He's a high energy athlete but not a great shooter, though he's working on that aspect of his game.
Howard spoke honestly and directly as he does with each recruit about where Rodgers stands and what he (and every recruit, frankly) could expect if they join the program.
"He can do this because of who he is and how much they respect him," one source said.
He did it over dinner at his house, a great venue for recruiting. He's all about family, and that seemed like a logical move.
Another thing that seemed pretty clear, from those close to it — his mother wants to keep him closer to home. Michigan State has really gotten involved lately, but some close to him don't believe he'd be a good fit in East Lansing, even if he will take an unofficial visit there.
Syracuse, Purdue and UConn are still on his list, and he's going to visit the latter two, for sure, this month. It's clear, however, that Michigan is on his mind, and Howard and U-M made an impression.
Watch for more on this and other visits to come in the near future.
We thought this one could even result in a commitment, but it seems clear Michigan is evaluating its targets and being careful with its scholarships. Rodgers might have to show a bit more before he's able to commit (that's the vibe, anyway). As we noted Friday, at the recent Spiece Event, for example, he put up 6, 7 and 13 points in three games. He's a high energy athlete but not a great shooter, though he's working on that aspect of his game.
Howard spoke honestly and directly as he does with each recruit about where Rodgers stands and what he (and every recruit, frankly) could expect if they join the program.
"He can do this because of who he is and how much they respect him," one source said.
He did it over dinner at his house, a great venue for recruiting. He's all about family, and that seemed like a logical move.
Another thing that seemed pretty clear, from those close to it — his mother wants to keep him closer to home. Michigan State has really gotten involved lately, but some close to him don't believe he'd be a good fit in East Lansing, even if he will take an unofficial visit there.
Syracuse, Purdue and UConn are still on his list, and he's going to visit the latter two, for sure, this month. It's clear, however, that Michigan is on his mind, and Howard and U-M made an impression.
Watch for more on this and other visits to come in the near future.
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