Michigan picked up a commitment from 2017 PA PG Eli Brooks, a guy who's blown up on the recruiting trail as of about two days ago, when he fielded Ohio State and Villanova offers. Brooks in fact called Villanova his "dream school" under two weeks ago, which… uh… I don't think that word means what you think it means. As a man who has a crystal ball vote I sympathize with the folks with a big red X next to their Nova projections.
Brooks was flying under the radar for a reason:
Brooks is a 6'1" point guard from Spring Grove, Pa. who plays for the non-sponsored Jersey Shore Warriors AAU program (alongside Villanova Football verbal Kyle McCloskey). Because the Warriors don't play on one of the major AAU circuits, Brooks has mostly flown under the radar. A strong AAU season has led to more offers, with Kansas State and NC State jumping in the mix recently.
City Of Basketball Love has a scouting report:
Strengths: In his area, Brooks is known as a scorer, putting up over 25 ppg for Spring Grove High School as a junior. However, his biggest strength is his ability to run a team. Brooks plays the game at a great pace. He never allows the defense to speed him up, and makes his teammates better every time he touches the floor. His jump shot has continued to improve and he his now knocking down outside shots on a consistent basis.
Weaknesses: One concern for Brooks heading into the summer will be his lateral quickness. During the high school season he is not challenged to defend on a consistent basis; it will be interesting to see during the AAU season how he keeps more athletic guards in front of him.
Overall: A super-stock riser over the last few months, Brooks' amazing 2016 summer was capped off with a commitment to Michigan. But he's proven he's a true high-major guard of late -- he's completely unflappable, limits his mistakes as well as anybody around, and is a knockdown shooter from all over the court who also makes his teammates better both in his style of play and his leadership. Has been a winner at every level and will only make a program better at the high-major level, even if he's not a four-year starter.
Ace will have a full Hello post tomorrow.