The 2016 recruiting class will be much bigger and star studded to the 2015 class thanks to departing seniors and NBA prospects. Thanks to the new found respect for John Beilein, his program, and the open scholarships, it looks like this class could rival the 2012 class that featured 5* Mitch McGary, 5* Glenn Robinson III, 4* Nik Stauskas, 3* Caris Levert, and 2* Spike Albrecht.
Check out our 2016 Best Guess Recruiting Class:
1. PG 5* Derryck Thornton, 6\’2\’\’ 185lbs. Henderson, NV (Findlay Prep)
– One of the best players in the country, Thornton is a playmaking point guard that can cross you over in a phone booth. His handles, vision, and decision making makes him a perfect prospect for John Beilein. If JB can develop Thornton like he has with his former point guards, he could be another B1G POY.
Offer: Not Yet
Visit: This Summer
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
2. SF 5* Tyus Battle, 6\’5\’\’ 185lsb. Gladstone, NJ (Gill St Bernard S School)
– Battle is a prototypical 2-guard that can put the ball on the floor, create his own shot, finish at the rim, and knock down the deep ball. He is another player that Beilein can mold into an All-B1G player and possible NBA draft pick. Along with Thornton, he will visit Ann Arbor this summer and will likely leave with an offer.
Offer: Not Yet
Visit: This Summer
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
3. F 5* TJ Leaf, 6\’9\’\’ 210lbs. El Cajon, CA (Foothills Christian)
– One of the most versatile players in the country, Leaf is a long, rangy, sharp shooter that can also finish at the rim. His game is similar to Kevin Durant\’s thanks to the skill set and body type. In Michigan\’s offense, Beilein could turn Leaf into a star. And like he said after visiting in May, if/when the Wolverines offer, they will likely be at the top of his list.
Offer: Not Yet
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good
4. SF 3* Seth Towns, 6\’8\’\’ 190lbs. Columbus, OH (Northland HS)
– Another versatile forward, Towns has the length and skills to be a very good player in Beilein\’s offense (see the trend yet?). He can shoot it from deep and also take defenders off the dribble. After visiting Ann Arbor in May, he admitted the Wolverines were at the top of his list. If offered, it could be a very quick decision.
Offer: Not Yet
Visit: Yes
Michigan\’s Chances: Very, Very Good
- PG Derrick Walton Jr, SR
- G Tyus Battle, FR
- G Zak Irvin, SR
- SF Kameron Chatman, JR
- PF Mark Donnal, RS JR
- PG Derryck Thornton, FR
- G Muhammed Ali Abdur-Rahkman, SO
- G Aubrey Dawkins, RS FR
- F DJ Wilson, JR
- F Ricky Doyle, RS SO
- G Jalen Coleman, SO
- SF Seth Towns, FR
- F TJ Leaf, FR
- G Austin Hatch, JR*
* Injury scholarship
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