Brad Redford for Michigan Mr. Basketball...

[sash19]

Here is a link to a game recap for the most recent Brad Redford scoring extravaganza-

http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/game/recap/76884/

[michiganXman]

I have seen Mr. Redford play several times in person, and as you can imagine, he's an unbelievable shooter.

The only concern is that the competition he goes up against in his area of Michigan is pretty weak.

[Newton]

I have seen Mr. Redford play several times in person, and as you can imagine, he's an unbelievable shooter.

The only concern is that the competition he goes up against in his area of Michigan is pretty weak.

No reason to be concerned. He can play in any league, any time against any one. He has been all over the nation on the AAU circuit and he has played against great players everywhere. He plays at a Class B school which actually has an enrollment that makes it close to being Class C.

He carries his team to put it mildly. They would not be 16-0 without him and his 40 points a night. He has seen every gimmick defense in the book and noone has been able to shut him down.

Here's where he becomes one of the intriguing pieces that Sean Miller has recruited over the years - The 3 point line moving back next year at the collegiate level.

That plays right into Brad's strength and it will be pick your poisons for defenses that play Xavier. He needs very little breathing room to get off his shot. His shot selection is excellent and decision making. So if teams are so concious of him out on the perimeter at Xavier, that will open up things inside and at other areas offensively. He has lethal from the new 3 point line. A lot of kids are going to have a harder time with the line moving back. Brad is already coming armed to handle that with no problems.

The challenge for Brad in the Atlantic 10 - will be when he has to play on defense. That is not his strongest area. He also is only 6'0" tall so depending on who he is guarding for other teams, I would think that some other coaches are not going to mind attempting to post him up inside with taller or more physical guards. No player is perfect, but what you gain offensively with Brad's shooting skills, I think it is worth it.

Just wanted to chime in, this crap about the competition he plays in does not hold water. He actually has some of his best games against the stronger competition. He is really capable of going off on anyone and his head coach knows that so the offense runs through his talents. Frankly it has to be because the dropoff in talent level is immense.

Mr. Basketball - I think Redford is going to win it.

16-0
102 FT in a row
Averaging 40 points a game

I think he has made a tremendous case and the kid going to MSU has kind of had a so-so senior season this winter and came in overweight from the past summer.

[X Factor]

Nice post Newton.

102 free throws in a row is amazing. It would great to see him break the national record.

The kid is deadly from anywhere on the court.

I can't wait to watch him in a Xavier uniform.

[michiganXman]

He has been all over the nation on the AAU circuit and he has played against great players everywhere.
......................................................

We all know how much AAU basketball resembles the real thing.

[MADXSTER]

Brad reminds me of a Gerry McNamara of Syracuse or a Steve Logan of UC. Short guard who can shoot lights out.

[jaxalum]

People don't realize he plays for the the AAU Michigan Mustangs, who play at all the big national tournaments. He was a 4 star on hoopscoop and was in the Rivals 150 for awhile as well. There's a pretty good consensus out there that he's the best shooter in the entire 08 class. The whole "soft competition" arguement is bogus because he lights it up against the top players at these AAU tournaments. Miller got his man in redford. The three top guys on the board at this position PG/SG were REdford, Lyons, and Dominique Buckley, who was 90% ready to verbal to X, but at the last second verballed to Iowa State. I think it worked out perfectly for us....a shooter and a jet quick slasher. Everyone keeps pawning Brad off as playing just SG. I'd love to see him play some point. He's got a great BBall IQ, tight handle, and of course can shoot light out. Just needs to get stronfer and work on his D.

[LA Muskie]

Brad reminds me of a Gerry McNamara of Syracuse.

That's exactly what I thought as well. Actually, it's what I hope. But I also hope folks give him some time to develop. As usual, I am concerned about early expectations for a player who is not used to (i) the quality of defense he will face at the D-1 level, or (ii) the need to play strong, intense team defense (which we all know is rightfully priority #1 with Coach).

He's clearly an outstanding talent, and he will have the full support (and assistance) of a great coaching staff. I look forward to seeing what he does with the opportunity.