The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/447116
BASKETBALL RECRUITING to make a quick decision." The Battles will try to make a re- turn trip to Michigan in January and take another one to Duke. Tyus will then schedule some official visits in February. Gary Battle was on hand for the Wolverines' game with Villanova in New York in November, one that re- sembled an NCAA Elite Eight con- test and might have gone U-M's way with a few made free throws down the stretch. Michigan's struggles since then haven't dampened Battle's interest. "That doesn't faze us," he said. "They lost five guys to the NBA, and they've explained the process to Tyus. Most programs don't recover that quickly with youth. Not everyone is like Kentucky. "Michigan is still having a winning season [10-7, 3-2 Big Ten as of Jan. 14], and they're still young. They've got a few injuries that people don't know about, youth in the paint and not a lot of depth at some positions. There have been guys thrust into unique positions, but Coach Beilein is unique. He'll help them through adversity." Florida, Connecticut, Louisville and Ohio State are some of the others still high on Battle's list, and there is plenty of recruiting still to be done before he pledges. He's grateful for all of his options, his father said, and is looking for more than just a place to play basketball — also somewhere he feels comfortable going to school and where he fits in. Expect Michigan to be there until the end. CLASS OF 2016 PLEDGE JON TESKE PICKING UP STEAM Michigan class of 2016 big man pledge Jon Teske (6-11, Rivals.com's No. 97 junior nationally) and his Me- dina (Ohio) High team started the season No. 17 in the state rankings despite losing five seniors. Medina struggled some in December, but has since picked it up. Medina opened the season with a 49-42 win over Ashland Dec. 5 in which Teske scored nine points. He was averaging 10.0 points per game under first-year coach Chris Hassinger. "It's been a transition, especially with a new coach and offense," Teske said. "It's a lot different. There are more options compared to last year, more freedom to move around. I feel like I'm doing well, playing my role, pick and pop, working inside." Teske only had six points, but col- lected 12 rebounds and blocked two shots in a 71-43 win over Beachwood Dec. 9. He scored 12 points and was on Cleveland.com's "who stood out" list for Medina in a 59-37 loss to Gar- field Heights Dec. 19. "The junior center didn't shoot a very high percentage, but still finished with 12 points," the website noted. "He's clearly the focal point on offense and will continue to improve." Medina improved to No. 14 in the state, but lost 49-48 to Ellet Dec. 27. Teske finished with six points, 10 rebounds, eight blocks, a steal and an assist. He scored nine points in a 68-55 win over Olmsted Falls Dec. 30, and