Wolverine Wednesday: Predicts a New Basketball Commit Maybe On His Way

Wouldn't it be strange if the Crisler, Ross, or Glick had a family member that was a division 1 basketball prospect that ended up playing at another Big Ten School?  I guess the closet thing Michigan has to that situation is Glen Rice, Jr. playing at Georgia Tech. 

The Michigan basketball program seems to have a very good shot of landing a 2011 class forward prospect out of Illinois named Max Bielfeldt, whose last name is on the Athletic Office Building of the University of Illinois.   Max is a 6'8 220 pound forward that has averaged 24 points a game, 12 boards and 5 blocks this year.

Here is ESPN's take on Max:

Strengths:

This strong high energy power forward never takes a possession off. Bielfeldt runs the floor on a consistent basis and simply out works opposing post for easy baskets. In the low post he scores with good touch and crafty moves. Bielfeldt is a below the rim finisher that can also face and knock down mid range and open three with needed time and space. He can drive from the high post as well. Bielfeldt is a good passer and active rebounder on both ends. He could be affective in both pick and pop or role situations. Bielfeldt won't wow you with athletic ability but will with his consistent production.

Max was just offered a couple weeks ago by John Beilein, and his final two schools are Illinois and Michigan.  He is expected to take an official visit to Ann Arbor this week (maybe to watch practice), and the win over Illinois in the BTT probably didn't hurt either.  

What makes me so confident that Max will choose the Wolverines over his family's legacy at Illinois?

It seems Illinois has accepted a point guard transfer from Bradley which takes the last scholarship spot on the team.  Max has an offer to walk on if he likes.  Michigan now is his largest offer for the 2011 class, but teams like Florida, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Nebraska, Tulane and Butler are showing interest in this young man.

Let's hope John Beilein can lock Max down on his visit, and the Wolverines can take the momentum to the tournament and get a win over Tennessee.