Michigan basketball: Coach of UM targets 5-star Hardy, 4-star Collins talks hoops

Q: Jaden Hardy is originally from the mitten state and is being targeted for the Wolverines 2021 class. He’s currently fifth in the nation for his cycle. If he were to pick Michigan over the other suitors, what should UM fans expect to see on the court?

A: “Jaden is, in my opinion, the most gifted offensive player currently in high school basketball.  His ability to score and move on the offensive end of the court looks effortless, making him an amazing athlete to watch.  His range and ability to create space follows in the footsteps of a James Hardin or Bradley Beal.

“What is even more interesting is that Jaden is a phenomenal passer with great vision as well as a long defender that can block shots and rebound.

“All in all, the Michigan fans, a group that really knows their basketball, will appreciate the fact that Jaden brings so many tools to the game and excels in all areas.”

Q: Again, if Hardy picks the Wolverines, what can the staff, fans, and media expect from Jaden off the court? (Personality, academics, etc.)

A: “As a coach, I think this is the most important question a journalist could ask and something that we stress in our program at Coronado.  The Michigan fans will be instantly drawn to Jaden.  His large smile and humble personality are infectious.  Aside from always taking the time to shake hands and talk with the staff, fans, and media, Jaden will learn the history, traditions, and values of the Ann Arbor community.   Not only would Jaden be a supportive and philanthropic community member, but he would also motivate his teammates to do the same.  In the classroom, Jaden is an outstanding and hardworking student.   Jaden is on track to graduate Coronado with an honors diploma, and he was the Chemistry student of the month this past January.”

Q: Point guard Frankie Collins left Nevada for Arizona and is back again, this time on your roster. What do you expect from him during his first year under your tutelage?

A: “I have had the pleasure of knowing Frankie for several years.  Frankie plays a power-point guard position and is way above the rim.  He always wants to be on the court and just by watching him play, you can see the joy he gets from the game.   My biggest expectation for Frankie is that he become the best leader he can be.  I want to see him motivate his teammates and be a role model, especially for the younger guys.  In terms of performance, I would expect nothing less than for Frankie to average a double-double in scoring and assists this year, and I would certainly not be surprised with quite a few triple-double games.”

Q: I know he wasn’t on your team last season, but surely, you’ve seen plenty of Frankie’s tape. What are the biggest strengths and weaknesses of his game?

A: “I have watched Frankie play for years.  His biggest strength is his heart!  Frankie is fearless, regardless of whether he is trying to dunk in traffic or defend the other team’s best player.  Frankie has so many weapons that it is hard to categorize him.   Frankie plays 100% every minute of every game and practice.  Of course, he is a great passer and shooter and does all of the little things right, but as a coach, watching his intensity is very satisfying.

“What I intend to try and guide Frankie with this year is to get him to trust his teammates.  Frankie puts the weight of the world on his shoulders and willing to burden all of the responsibility.  There are times in a game as well as in life that you have to count on others to come thru for you, and as Frankie matures, he will understand this, only furthering his talent as a guard.”

Q: According to my research, you’ve been the head coach at Coronado since 2010. Over that time period, I’m sure you’ve had plenty of contact with college coached. How does the Michigan staff compare to some of the other coaches from around the nation in terms of recruiting?

A: “We have been fortunate to have several outstanding coaches and programs visit Coronado year in and year out.  From Coach Calipari to Coach Cronin, our players have been very lucky to have so many great coaches stop by and see them.  When Coach Howard walked through the door with Coach Eisley, our player’s lit up as there is always that awe of seeing former NBA and college stars.  What was great to watch was how Coach Howard interacted with the players and how hard they listened. He is a very warm and intriguing person.  Also, I have to say that Coach Washington has been here during the season and in the summer and he is a tireless worker not only building relationships with players, but with coaches and families as well.”

Q: With the current state of affairs, do you foresee a basketball season at Coronado high school? If so, where do you see your team finishing? Will they improve upon last season? If not, how do you plan on keeping your guys ready for whenever basketball does return?

“There will definitely be a season, whether it starts in January or at some other time, we will for sure have high school basketball.  I expect that we will be one of the two top teams in the state and, as usual, battle Gorman.  What is almost as exciting is that we will have five months of pre-season to work as a club team, safely traveling and playing against other high school clubs.  I think the pre-season is going to offer great matchups and a lot of opportunities all done in a healthy environment.”

Q: Last – and possibly the most important – question. At the Big City Showdown this time around, with Collins on your roster, do you think you will beat your rival, Bishop Gorman?

A: “Well, let’s face it, January 23rd is circled on our calendar.  I would like to say that I hate Bishop Gorman, but the fact is that they have an outstanding group of kids and their head coach is one of my best friends.  All that being said, there is nothing I expect to achieve more than beating Gorman at this year’s BCS on ESPN.”