The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/982919
46 THE WOLVERINE JUNE/JULY 2018 2018 BASKETBALL RECRUITING ISSUE BY CHRIS BALAS A ny basketball enthusiast looking at the Michigan program would agree that, on the surface, the Wolver- ines appear to be in great shape over the next several years. The 2018 recruiting class appears to be very good, and there is still a lot of young talent on the team as it is, led by sophomores to be Jordan Poole and Isaiah Livers. That situation can change in an in- stant, however, whether it's injuries or unforeseen transition. It's always imperative to cover bases in case it happens, and the U-M coaches have done their due diligence in identify- ing potential future Wolverines. Here's a look at the 2019 prospects they're chasing, starting with those offered. D.J. CARTON 6-3 • 190 • Point Guard Bettendorf (Iowa) High Rivals.com No. 30 Junior Nationally Carton doesn't do many interviews un- less they're at events, choosing instead to spend home time with family (some- times even playing board games) and friends. It's refresh- ing, even if it makes it harder to get the latest scoop on his recruitment. He has visited U-M for a football game last season, has been to Wis- consin and Iowa a number of times, and has spoken with Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana about summer visits. He reportedly also plans to visit in-state schools Iowa, and some believe it would be stunning if he didn't stay in the Big Ten. Scouts on hand said U-M assistant coach Luke Yaklich watched Carton for a number of consecutive days at the NY2LA Event at the end of April in Minnetonka, Minn., and head coach John Beilein joined him on the final day. He's a Michigan priority, and there's been plenty of positive buzz about him and the Wolverines. Carton has come a long way to earn his ranking, and some think he's a potential five-star. "Last year I was 180 pounds and now I'm 198. I put in a lot of work in the weight room," Carton said in April. "I feel like I got a lot stronger, and the game has felt a lot easier with the added strength. Little things like that can help with my overall game." As a sophomore, Carton averaged around 10 points per game. As a junior, he was needed to score and posted about 25 points per game, plus five assists a contest. He insists there are no leaders and added he's got a while before he de- cides. Many believe it's only a mat- ter of time before the nation's elite programs get involved. Others, how- ever, think it could end this summer. His head coach, Curtis Clark, said Michigan coaches have made a great impression. "They've done a great job recruit- ing him," he said. "They are real, down-to-earth guys." Carton narrowed his list May 11, announcing via Twitter a final six of U-M, Iowa, Ohio State, Indiana, Marquette and Xavier. AN EYE ON THE FUTURE Michigan Is In On Many Class Of 2019 Standouts Bettendorf (Iowa) High standout D.J. Carton — Rivals.com's No. 30 overall player nationally — announced a top six of Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, Indiana, Marquette and Xavier. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM