Per his twitter.
https://x.com/m_phillips_07/status/1820873515291017689?s=46&t=jxqs74xjrj0YOEifH9UtCw
https://x.com/matthewbaltzmu/status/1820874264939044884?s=46&t=i0a7kojdtoV7frYNlGygVw
https://x.com/m_phillips_07/status/1820873515291017689?t=hYd6oFDQZqyMGXus9likmA&s=19
(https://x.com/m_phillips_07/status/1820873515291017689?t=hYd6oFDQZqyMGXus9likmA&s=19)
Quote from: TallTitan34 on August 06, 2024, 12:29:34 PM
Per his twitter
And Ben Steele.
Reclassifying to 2025 from 2026. 6'6 175 on 247 sports.
So this must be the "surprise commit." So surprising I had no idea that Marquette was even recruiting him.
https://www.on3.com/news/why-on3-is-higher-than-the-industry-with-4-star-sg-michael-phillips/
This site has him top 35
Wow! Let's go!
He was ranked #33 in 2026.
Nice! Interesting get by Shaka. 6,8" athlete in shoes and is a sniper from the outside, and gulp, blocks shots?
After five minutes of extensive YouTube scouting I'm in.
I originally read the title as "Michael Phelps."
Anyone know what went into his decision to reclassify then do it again?
Updated. Also added new scholarship limit (though TBD if used)
https://www.muscoop.com/index.php?page=scholarship
https://www.on3.com/news/why-on3-is-higher-than-the-industry-with-4-star-sg-michael-phillips/
Quote from: The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole on August 06, 2024, 12:31:37 PM
So this must be the "surprise commit." So surprising I had no idea that Marquette was even recruiting him.
This is definitely it. Big add for 2025. That class is going to be a monster.
Quote from: BM1090 on August 06, 2024, 12:33:27 PM
https://www.on3.com/news/why-on3-is-higher-than-the-industry-with-4-star-sg-michael-phillips/
This site has him top 35
Hard to read that article and not be incredibly pumped with this signing. Wow.
Add in Stevens, go all-in for Cam Ward, and that's as good a class as you'll ever see at MU IMO.
Get Stevens and we will have shooters galore. Love Miletic and Phillips together in one class. Two 6,7" shooters on the wings.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on August 06, 2024, 12:51:28 PM
Get Stevens and we will have shooters galore. Love Miletic and Phillips together in one class. Two 6,7" shooters on the wings.
Trilly Donovan says Stevens to MU is already done. Now we just need Cam Ward to wrap up 2025 class
Ben Steele (https://x.com/BenSteeleMJS/status/1820875255734206706) pointed out that Phillips attended the same high school as Keeyan Itejere. Given that Itejere was one of Shaka's few transfers out, this is a pretty good sign that there weren't hard feelings there.
Great, and welcome! Due to his age and reclassification, this feels like a potential redshirt.
But! Awesome. It is clear that MU is signing switchables. Love it. 2-3 bigs, 2-3 PGs, and a whole lot of mix and match, interchangeable wings with size, skill, athleticism, and versatility.
Just a really great signing by Shaka.
Scholarships going from 13 to 15 gives coaches a chance to take a shot on some younger guys that have a lot of potential to grow into. Should be fun to watch this staff work with guys like Clark and Phillips.
Quote from: tower912 on August 06, 2024, 01:05:46 PM
Great, and welcome! Due to his age and reclassification, this feels like a potential redshirt.
But! Awesome. It is clear that MU is signing switchables. Love it. 2-3 bigs, 2-3 PGs, and a whole lot of mix and match, interchangeable wings with size, skill, athleticism, and versatility.
Per his Twitter he states 2025 was his original class for what it's worth.
I read it. I also see he is going to be Markus-esque as a 17 year old freshman wing on a deep team.
https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/is-2026-michael-phillips-trending-as-a-top-100-prospect/
(https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/is-2026-michael-phillips-trending-as-a-top-100-prospect/)
Video and link to 247 article:
https://x.com/AdamFinkelstein/status/1820876213432529011?t=Vhpii9kP4p7Ky58IGhyMCQ&s=19
(https://x.com/AdamFinkelstein/status/1820876213432529011?t=Vhpii9kP4p7Ky58IGhyMCQ&s=19)
Turns 17 today so he'll be 18 for his freshman year. Youngish for his class, but not like Markus. Im not sure he will redshirt with how athletic and how good of a shooter he already is. Probably the biggest upside guy in our 2025 class now.
I have been wrong before. Regardless, glad he chose MU. Looking forward to it.
This is huge! Welcome!
Quote from: tower912 on August 06, 2024, 01:09:54 PM
I read it. I also see he is going to be Markus-esque as a 17 year old freshman wing on a deep team.
Much older than Markus. Just young for his proper year
Markus was straight up in the wrong grade and even in his original class he'd have been on the younger side
Phillips rating and skill set makes me
Hard pressed to believe he's planning on red shirting when he'd be a typical 18 year old freshman
If they use all 5 on HS recruits, plus Clark coming off his redshirt year, that's a lot of freshmen. Wouldn't surprise me if there was a redshirt in that group.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on August 06, 2024, 12:31:31 PM
And Ben Steele.
Reclassifying to 2025 from 2026. 6'6 175 on 247 sports.
6'6.5" without shoes at Nike elite 100 camp
Quote from: MUfan12 on August 06, 2024, 01:44:05 PM
If they use all 5 on HS recruits, plus Clark coming off his redshirt year, that's a lot of freshmen. Wouldn't surprise me if there was a redshirt in that group.
Yea, there's only 200 minutes to go around, it's a good problem to have, but very curious to see how things shake out.
Quote from: Its DJOver on August 06, 2024, 01:51:06 PM
Yea, there's only 200 minutes to go around, it's a good problem to have
Is it?
Looking good.
Quote from: Its DJOver on August 06, 2024, 01:51:06 PM
Yea, there's only 200 minutes to go around, it's a good problem to have, but very curious to see how things shake out.
Right...Shaka's been really good at keeping guys committed. I was surprised by at least one that came back this year, we'll see if that continues.
Welcome to Marquette! Like many of Shaka's recruits, he looks to be another long and athletic body with tremendous potential. Can never have too many of those.
Next year's class is looking to be phenomenal.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on August 06, 2024, 02:17:09 PM
Right...Shaka's been really good at keeping guys committed. I was surprised by at least one that came back this year, we'll see if that continues.
From inside sources or just because of recruiting acclaim vs playing time?
Quote from: Galway Eagle on August 06, 2024, 02:53:11 PM
From inside sources or just because of recruiting acclaim vs playing time?
Just my own gut, but largely do to lack of minutes, and likely lack of future minutes. Like I said, Shaka has been very successful in retention.
Welcome Michael Phillips Go Marquette!!
In my opinion, I think Cam Ward is viewed is a one or two-and-done kind of talent.
And Phillips would be able to step into that role if/when Ward presumably leaves early.
Again, just my opinion, but don't think Phillips committing has any bearing on the pursuit of Ward.
Another great day for MUBB.
Love the work Shaka and his assistants are doing on the recruiting trail!
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on August 06, 2024, 01:07:33 PM
Just a really great signing by Shaka.
Scholarships going from 13 to 15 gives coaches a chance to take a shot on some younger guys that have a lot of potential to grow into. Should be fun to watch this staff work with guys like Clark and Phillips.
Scholarships going from 13 to 15 gives coaches a chance to take a shot on some younger guys
- and Shaka does not have to adopt so many players anymore...
We are so damn lucky to have Shaka.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on August 06, 2024, 12:51:28 PM
Get Stevens and we will have shooters galore. Love Miletic and Phillips together in one class. Two 6,7" shooters on the wings.
amen Shooter. This ain't Terry Reason.
Quote from: avid1010 on August 06, 2024, 07:24:42 PM
We are so damn lucky to have Shaka.
I agree with this analysis. Was reading an article quoting Nigel James Dad who also coaches, and he mentioned Shake sent him some observations/ideas/feedback on the team - and Nigel's Dad thought that was really thoughtful and reflected really well on Shaka. I agree. Shaka is a gem.
Very interesting. Seems like a kid that Shaka csm develop.
Sounds like a recruit about to explode. A Shaka speciality.
How does a '26 reclassify as a '25? I understand how Hamilton did it when he decided to not do a post-HS prep year, but how does a kid who is entering his junior year of HS do it? Is it as simple as he probably just has enough credits to skip his senior year?
Quote from: StillAWarrior on August 07, 2024, 06:49:22 AM
How does a '26 reclassify as a '25? I understand how Hamilton did it when he decided to not do a post-HS prep year, but how does a kid who is entering his junior year of HS do it? Is it as simple as he probably just has enough credits to skip his senior year?
I believe that was the case with Markus. He was far enough ahead in school that he jumped from 2017 to 2016.
Phillips might be a bit different because he was originally in 2025, reclassed to 2026, and now is going back to 2025. He probably went from scholastically on track to ahead of his classmates to back on track.
Quote from: StillAWarrior on August 07, 2024, 06:49:22 AM
How does a '26 reclassify as a '25? I understand how Hamilton did it when he decided to not do a post-HS prep year, but how does a kid who is entering his junior year of HS do it? Is it as simple as he probably just has enough credits to skip his senior year?
kids load up on online courses to meet their NCAA core course and graduation requirements. The Fears kid who was a 2025 and committed to Illinois just decided to reclassify to 2024 and commit to Oklahoma by doing that. But with this kid he was probably more on track having dropped back a year before going back to his original class.
Quote from: StillAWarrior on August 07, 2024, 06:49:22 AM
How does a '26 reclassify as a '25? I understand how Hamilton did it when he decided to not do a post-HS prep year, but how does a kid who is entering his junior year of HS do it? Is it as simple as he probably just has enough credits to skip his senior year?
IF wherever they go to school allows it. The public high school where I work now has about 5-6 kids graduate early each year but they have to take a self-study English 12 Sem 2 during the fall semester to fulfill our requirements. We had one kid go to NIU for football and start early this way. I've not heard of someone graduating a whole year early though.
Or you just transfer to some private or online school that can make it happen. My guess is that GRACE Academy might be more able to bend some rules on what credits to accept.
This is another great signing by Shaka. Let's go!
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on August 06, 2024, 11:59:27 PM
Sounds like a recruit about to explode. A Shaka speciality.
If Phillips and Militec are the real deal we could have a dynamic duo shooting from beyond the arc like Markus/Rousey and Markus/Sam but without the hero ball ala Wojo. Looking forward to seeing if this plays out.
I am really enjoying how Shaka is putting together the team for the future. I was telling BC that is Shaka hits 50% with his recruits that the future looks very bright.
Quote from: Goose on August 07, 2024, 10:39:19 AM
I am really enjoying how Shaka is putting together the team for the future. I was telling BC that is Shaka hits 50% with his recruits that the future looks very bright.
Future looks very bright with 5 freshman if he signs Stevens and 3 playable sophomores. I can see a lineup of Militec, Phillips, Hamilton, Owens and James, looks promising on paper.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on August 07, 2024, 10:36:12 AM
If Phillips and Militec are the real deal we could have a dynamic duo shooting from beyond the arc like Markus/Rousey and Markus/Sam but without the hero ball ala Wojo. Looking forward to seeing if this plays out.
Stevens can also shoot behind the arc - he has had multiple games in AAU with 3+ three pointers. Phillips, Militec, and Stevens on the court at the same time has me drooling and very excited for the future.
Stevens can also play PG if you really want to play a huge, switchable lineup in the future
Quote from: MUbiz on August 07, 2024, 11:01:46 AM
Stevens can also shoot behind the arc - he has had multiple games in AAU with 3+ three pointers. Phillips, Militec, and Stevens on the court at the same time has me drooling and very excited for the future.
To clarify, you mean inside the arc?
Quote from: muwarrior69 on August 07, 2024, 01:23:14 PM
To clarify, you mean inside the arc?
Behind the arc, aka outside the 3 point line.
He has 500 days or so to improve and I am sure Todd Smith and his coach will have him on some type of plan. Talked to Bateman, and Iowa St has him on a program to improve. His best friend told me it was close, mentioned the NIL money was better at ISU. But they offered him a starting position, will see how that happens.
https://twitter.com/PhenomMixtapes/status/1821577179353751792
This guy may have the best looking shot we've recruited in a minute. And with that frame...I'm very very high on him.
Quote from: Tha Hound on August 08, 2024, 03:33:29 PM
https://twitter.com/PhenomMixtapes/status/1821577179353751792
This guy may have the best looking shot we've recruited in a minute. And with that frame...I'm very very high on him.
read some stuff also mentioning his ability to guard...obviously needs to add muscle as most freshmen do...but could be a 3 and D guy from day 1 in the right situations. shaka and company will develop him from there...
Fifteen guys on the roster is going to be interesting. In the NBA, guys will sit no problem bc they are getting a paycheck, but in college... man if you're not in the top eight rotation, you're going somewhere else. Gone are the days of Herb Harrison, who are content to ride the bench for four years. You're talking about half the team each year potentially transferring. I guess it will be survival of the fittest and you just have to be in the top eight. With 15 guys on the roster though, I'd expect three or four to transfer every year. Even with a high-retention coach like Shaka.
Quote from: Viper on August 06, 2024, 07:33:05 PM
amen Shooter. This ain't Terry Reason.
LOL. Had him in speech class.
😂😂😂😂
Quote from: Florida Warrior on August 08, 2024, 05:04:25 PM
Fifteen guys on the roster is going to be interesting. In the NBA, guys will sit no problem bc they are getting a paycheck, but in college... man if you're not in the top eight rotation, you're going somewhere else. Gone are the days of Herb Harrison, who are content to ride the bench for four years. You're talking about half the team each year potentially transferring. I guess it will be survival of the fittest and you just have to be in the top eight. With 15 guys on the roster though, I'd expect three or four to transfer every year. Even with a high-retention coach like Shaka.
I generally would not carry 15 viable options on a roster; would imagine many programs wouldn't (and in fact, many women's teams have passed on filling their 15).
For me, we'd have scout team guys who are great students in the classroom & teachers on the court — probably 2-3 of em — who now get scholarships to fill the "walk on" role.
Quote from: Jay Bee on August 08, 2024, 09:02:58 PM
I generally would not carry 15 viable options on a roster; would imagine many programs wouldn't (and in fact, many women's teams have passed on filling their 15).
For me, we'd have scout team guys who are great students in the classroom & teachers on the court — probably 2-3 of em — who now get scholarships to fill the "walk on" role.
I agree with this analysis
Quote from: Jay Bee on August 08, 2024, 09:02:58 PM
I generally would not carry 15 viable options on a roster; would imagine many programs wouldn't (and in fact, many women's teams have passed on filling their 15).
For me, we'd have scout team guys who are great students in the classroom & teachers on the court — probably 2-3 of em — who now get scholarships to fill the "walk on" role.
Excellent point. This might not change anything other than giving scholarships to guys who previously were walk ons. It's not like every school will suddenly have rotation caliber guys taking those spots.
I know little about eligibility rules. Would kids be more likely to get offers to enroll a year early and redshirt? Get some NIL, access to top notch resources and staff, compete against top talent, and plan on being on campus for five years?
Sure. As long as they graduate high school, there is no reason they couldn't go that route. They could even pull a Joey and show up mid-year.
This is why obsessing if MU has enough NIL is not really worth the effort. I am sure that Shaka mentioned to Phillips that getting on campus earlier opens him up to such opportunities.
Quote from: Florida Warrior on August 08, 2024, 05:04:25 PM
Fifteen guys on the roster is going to be interesting. In the NBA, guys will sit no problem bc they are getting a paycheck, but in college... man if you're not in the top eight rotation, you're going somewhere else. Gone are the days of Herb Harrison, who are content to ride the bench for four years. You're talking about half the team each year potentially transferring. I guess it will be survival of the fittest and you just have to be in the top eight. With 15 guys on the roster though, I'd expect three or four to transfer every year. Even with a high-retention coach like Shaka.
:o been a long time since hearing that name... like maybe since 1987
I am glad Herb stuck around, he had a hot sister and was a great guy.
Quote from: Florida Warrior on August 08, 2024, 05:04:25 PM
Fifteen guys on the roster is going to be interesting. In the NBA, guys will sit no problem bc they are getting a paycheck, but in college... man if you're not in the top eight rotation, you're going somewhere else. Gone are the days of Herb Harrison, who are content to ride the bench for four years. You're talking about half the team each year potentially transferring. I guess it will be survival of the fittest and you just have to be in the top eight. With 15 guys on the roster though, I'd expect three or four to transfer every year. Even with a high-retention coach like Shaka.
Everyone on MU's team is getting a paycheck and it is commesurate with what they're asked to do. One thing I don't worry about with Shaka is him recruiting 15 guys who all think they'll get starter minutes. I think his best talent is managing payroll and managing expectations.
Yep. And if someone transfers, they transfer. Not the end of the world for either party.
Quote from: The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole on August 09, 2024, 11:59:53 AM
Yep. And if someone transfers, they transfer. Not the end of the world for either party.
Nooooooooooooooooo!
Quote from: Goose on August 09, 2024, 10:05:55 AM
I am glad Herb stuck around, he had a hot sister and was a great guy.
that's definitely an affirmative!
Quote from: The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole on August 09, 2024, 11:59:53 AM
Yep. And if someone transfers, they transfer. Not the end of the world for either party.
This....but it is Hiroshima. ;D ;D ;D
I can see us taking a re-classify (atleast one every year) that would normally go the prep school route and red-shirt with us to gain experience at the college level for a year. Once integrated you have a gem after the red-shirt and ready to play immediately....(Hamilton)
Screw the portal......This has the potential to be a novel "huge" method.....
Taking a redshirt season to improve your skills is actually old school. See: Ryan, Bo.
Quote from: tower912 on August 11, 2024, 07:23:42 PM
Taking a redshirt season to improve your skills is actually old school. See: Ryan, Bo.
Including the re-classify?
Quote from: burger on August 11, 2024, 07:12:38 PM
I can see us taking a re-classify (atleast one every year) that would normally go the prep school route and red-shirt with us to gain experience at the college level for a year. Once integrated you have a gem after the red-shirt and ready to play immediately....(Hamilton)
Screw the portal......This has the potential to be a novel "huge" method.....
Yes....this seems to be angle that Shaka and the staff have and will continue to utilize. A year in our system as opposed to a prep school. Hamilton defending Oso everyday in practice will pay dividends in the future.
Hope sharing this doesn't upset anyone without access........
Article is basically a testimony to Shaka's philosophy on relationships and growth
https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/marquette/2024/08/12/marquette-basketball-2025-recruit-michael-phillips-ii-is-a-shooter-who-plays-like-kevin-durant/74735898007/
Quote from: LloydsLegs on August 12, 2024, 08:30:31 AM
Including the re-classify?
The 'reclassify' is secondary. Hamilton didn't reclassify, he chose a redshirt season at MU over a season of prep school. The question is how Phillips ended up a year of eligibility behind his age. Was it a strategy to help his body mature? Was it grades or maturity in his early elementary years? Apparently, his current classwork made it easy to do so, which is awesome and a credit to him.
I am glad he is coming. And I hope that he is wildly successful at MU. I actually like the idea of using the extra couple scholarships on players who would rather be at MU than at prep school.
247 update has Michael Phillips as a 3 star and #208 in the 2025 class
Quote from: WeAreMarquette96 on August 12, 2024, 11:23:41 AM
247 update has Michael Phillips as a 3 star and #208 in the 2025 class
Wasn't he top 35 in the 2026 class? How does that possibly translate to 208 in the 2025 class?
Quote from: tower912 on August 12, 2024, 11:22:06 AM
The 'reclassify' is secondary. Hamilton didn't reclassify, he chose a redshirt season at MU over a season of prep school. The question is how Phillips ended up a year of eligibility behind his age. Was it a strategy to help his body mature? Was it grades or maturity in his early elementary years? Apparently, his current classwork made it easy to do so, which is awesome and a credit to him.
I am glad he is coming. And I hope that he is wildly successful at MU. I actually like the idea of using the extra couple scholarships on players who would rather be at MU than at prep school.
Agree- love this, and it is an excellent use of an "extra" scholarship or 2 when 15 are available (meaning, avoiding/reducing a logjam)
Quote from: SaveOD238 on August 12, 2024, 12:14:29 PM
Wasn't he top 35 in the 2026 class? How does that possibly translate to 208 in the 2025 class?
Even the site that had him at 35 (https://www.on3.com/news/why-on3-is-higher-than-the-industry-with-4-star-sg-michael-phillips/) ran that with the headline, "Why On3 is higher than the industry with 4-star SG Michael Phillips." Although the difference between 35 and 208 is pretty glaring.
I'm going to guess he just hasn't been evaluated. I remember Markus being almost a 5 star but then ranked much lower when reclassifying.
Quote from: cheebs09 on August 12, 2024, 12:54:20 PM
I'm going to guess he just hasn't been evaluated. I remember Markus being almost a 5 star but then ranked much lower when reclassifying.
Not this drastic of a change though. Markus fell from 32 for 2017 to 44 for 2016 based on the article I found.
Quote from: StillAWarrior on August 12, 2024, 12:21:43 PM
Even the site that had him at 35 (https://www.on3.com/news/why-on3-is-higher-than-the-industry-with-4-star-sg-michael-phillips/) ran that with the headline, "Why On3 is higher than the industry with 4-star SG Michael Phillips." Although the difference between 35 and 208 is pretty glaring.
That website (On3) has him at #94 in adjusted 2025 ranking, which is much higher than the other websites still. Rankings are a crapshoot but I trust the evaluations from 247 far more than On3. Phillips may rise in 247's rankings though. FWIW 247 is much higher on Ian Miletic than the other websites which is telling (in a positive way)
If you read Steele's article it's clear that coaches were already aware of his potential ........lots of high major offers and even getting looks from blue bloods......Duke, Carolina.......
The recruiting sites can't be everywhere......and he was playing with the 16s......easy to slip through the cracks.
Think of recruiting sites in this way.. ...he wasn't rated at all by most of them.......then he commits to MU.....and he goes immediately to a 3 star ........it's almost like they said " oops......looks like we missed this one......lets make him a 3 star and evaluate him from there "
If he has a big senior season I'm sure he will rise further.......but if not.......i don't think Shaka cares where others evaluate him.
Ps The On 3 National basketball analyst is Jamie Shaw.........some might remember him as the guy who was very high on Jonas Aidoo and interviewed him after he announced for MU.......Shaw is based in North Carolina......so he is likely more familiar with Phillips as he was with Aidoo......who was also from NC.
If your a so called Top 20 kid, you might be a one and done type player. After that from 21-125 most players are pretty close. Need to stay in school for a few more years to improve there skills.