8B -The Michigan Daily - SportsMonday - September 24, 2001
Willi Recruiting success dependent on in-state players

AMAKER
Continued from Page 18
"He's winning the war right
now," said Warren Cousino High
School basketball coach Mike Gur-
ney. "Not only is he going after
schools with the top notch recruits,
but he's also paying attention to
other no-name schools like us. And
I can respect that."
Amaker has already landed three
recruits for the 2002 season, and
with two scholarships remaining he
has a chance to bring in a top 10
recruiting class in just his first year
as Michigan's coach. He's had
commitments from one of the top
shooting guards in Daniel Horton
(Cedar Hill, Texas), guard Lester
Abram (Pontiac) and a much-need-
ed big man in 6-foot-9, 230-pound
Graham Brown (Mio).
Amaker isn't allowed, according
to NCAA rules, to talk about
recruits until they are officially
signed, but said he had a "pretty
good summer" recruiting-wise.
And that's not a surprise to
coaches around the state - includ-
ing new Detroit Pistons coach Rick
Carlisle.
"He was a great hire for Michi-
gan," Carlisle said. "A lot of peo-

ple know basketball and have
played basketball. But the great
thing about Amaker is that he has
these qualities and he is also a per-
sonable guy.
"He's instantly liked and has
good integrity."
By gaining the trust of high
school coaches and recruits around
the nation, Amaker can bring in the
type of talent that can take, Michi-
gan back to where he thinks it
should be.
"Michigan is on an upswing,"
said Detroit Finney coach Bob Pre-
ston, who's in his eighth year at
Finney and 34th overall. "He has
the attitude of bringing Michigan
back to the golden years."
Amaker said he not only wants to
be "visible" in the state, but also
"accessible." He's made Michi-
gan's practices open to all high
school coaches and their players, so
they can be more orientated with
the program and feel more comfort-
able.
"To invite kids there can make
them excited to make the next
step," Preston said. "They under-
stand what college is all about and
to stand on the same floor as (Cazz-
ie) Russell, (Chris) Webber and the
Fab Five - that's special for kids

who look up to them."
Starting on Oct. 1, the coaches
and players will also get a sneak
peak into the revamped locker room
that Amaker had a part in overhaul-
ing. Amaker wanted it to compare
to the other top of the line facilities
in the nation, and with all the cus-
tom changes made such as maple
furnishings and photos of former
All-Americans on the wall it's a
good bet that future recruits will be
impressed.
Places for such recruits during
the season will also be set aside in
the new student bleachers that are
being placed behind both benches
at Crisler Arena this year.
Until then, Amaker has set up a
"Coaches Clinic" for Oct. 27th,
which will be open to all high
school coaches and include guest
speakers like Carlisle, Clarkston
High School coach and former
Wolverine Dan Fife and Michigan
women's basketball coach Sue
Guevara.
Other than the lectures, there will
be a time for the coaches to watch
and go over Michigan's practice
that day.
"Good coaches, average coaches,
and wannabe coaches will all learn
some things," Preston said.

MARJORIE MARSHALL/Daily
New Michigan men's basketball coach Tommy Amaker knows that one of the
most important parts of his job takes place on the road.

Recruiting trail
While Amaker has three commit-
ments for the 2002 season, he has
two more scholarships in hand and
is in fierce competition for several
other prospects.
COMMITTED:
Lester Abram Pontiac
This 6-foot-6 shooting guard from Ponti-
ac-Northern is ranked No. 33 in the
nation by Hoop Scoop.
Graham Brown Mbo
A 6-foot-9 power forward can give a
much-needed boost in the post.
Daniel Horton Cedar Hill, Texas
Ranked No. 9 in the country by Hoop
Scoop, the playmaking guard had an
impressive summer at several camps,
while also earning a 3.45 G.P.A.
JUNIOR PROSPECTS TARGETED
Chris Bosh Dallas, Texas
Horton's friend and 6-foot-10 power for-
ward is ranked No. 5 in the nation by
Hoop Scoop. Florida stands in the way
of Michigan grabbing this talented big
man.
Travis Garrison Hyattsville, Md.
Another power forward who is choosing
between his hometown Terrapins, Michi-
gan and Miami (Fla.)
Chris Hunter Gary, Ind.
A 6-foot-11 center from the Midwest
who's deciding between Illinois, Michi-
gan, Georgia Tech and Seton Hall.
Matt Trannon Flint
A maker may try to snag this 6-foot-7 for-
ward who is ranked No. 25 in the nation
by Hoop Scoop from the hands of Michi-
gan State, which Trannon is also consid-
ering.
STUDENTS WITH
CROHN'S
DISEASE
OR
ULCERATIVE
COLITIS
Please join
Dr. Ellen Zimmermann
Assistant Professor of
Gastroenterology,
U of M
For an informal
discussion of
topics including:
eNutrition
*New Therapies
*Latest Research
Next meeting will be:
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2001
7:00 pmto 8:30 pm
Room 3443
Mason Hall
Central Campus U of M
Monthly meetings planned

(734)-763-7278