Guy-Marc Michel signs with Indiana. So, apparently, this Mark Michelle guy (he's gonna need a nickname) is a 7-1 center from North Idaho junior college. Last year, he averaged 7 points, 7 rebounds, and over 3 blocks per game. That's the part that sounded familiar to Jobe -- although Guy's 7 & 7 is better than Tijan's 4 & 4, they still aren't staggering numbers out of junior college.
That being said, the reality is that there just aren't that many big men out there that are skilled all-around players. When you do find a skilled all-around big man, he's typically going to be a one-and-done.
So, while most Hoosier fans don't seem to be thrilled with this signing, I am going to take a wait and see approach. GMM sounds like a legitimate shot blocker -- something the Hoosiers desperately need. IU was 158th in D-1 in shot-block percentage last year. If you think that's bad, they were 342nd out of 347 D-1 teams in getting their shot blocked. Ouch!
Also, this guy Guy did grab 7 rebounds per game. That could certainly be worse.
If he can add a shot-blocking threat and grab some boards, then I think he fills a need for IU, even if he is very raw on offense. Look at our center position last year, Pritchard doesn't block shots and did next to nothing offensively. Capobianco doesn't block shots and is not a big offensive threat. Jobe and Muniru didn't play any meaningful minutes last year. So, if this guy Guy can give us any meaningful minutes even if he is only a shot-blocking presence, then it's probably a small step up from what we got out of the 5-spot last year.
Of course, the big question is just how raw is he and can his shot-blocking in junior college carry over to the Big Ten? He's only got 2 years, so I am hoping Crean and staff see somthing that makes them believe he can help this team immediately. By the way, it is believed that new assistant coach Steve McClain likely had a lot to do with this signing as Colorado was giving GMM a close look.
Jobe was signed just to be able to field a team. However, this signing isn't absolutely necessary unless he can actually help the team. If he turns out to be so raw that he can't contribute and just sits the bench, then I think this is a bad move by Crean to use a scholarship for 2 years.
So, I guess we'll have to wait and see on this one.
Additional coverage on Guy-Marc Michel:
Also, in case you didn't hear that Armon Bassett got arrested, here's that link too (Xavier Keeling too).
Friday, May 7, 2010
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