Danny Wolf - Michigan

[Laimbeer]

Michigan forward Danny Wolf delivered one of the season's better performances during Saturday night's 85-74 victory for the Wolverines over USC.

During the road contest against the Trojans, Wolf posted a double-double while leading Michigan in all the major offensive categories: 21 points on 9-for-12 from the floor, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 6 blocks and 2 steals.

Wolf's six blocks are the most by any Wolverine since 2008, and his stat line is unmatched by a men's Division I player since 2010.

"Danny Wolf is an NBA player," USC coach Eric Musselman told reporters postgame. "It's flat-out become apparent. He transfers up [from Yale], and he's dominating.

https://247sports.com/college/michigan/article/danny-wolf-is-a-future-nba-player-its-flat-out-become-apparent-usc-coach-says-of-michigan-star-243565999/

[babyjax13]

I have him over Queen. One player can actually shoot from three and is a real offensive hub with a handle, the other is a fun college player who can be a secondary creator and can't hit a three yet.

[The-Power]

I have him over Queen. One player can actually shoot from three and is a real offensive hub with a handle, the other is a fun college player who can be a secondary creator and can't hit a three yet.

Not sure who's more likely to be an offensive hub (both have ways to go but flash potential) but the shooting is obviously an important factor to consider. Queen needs to develop in that regard. I'd disagree, though, with the implication that Queen doesn't have a handle; sure, it's not Guard level (neither is Wolf's, though) but pretty advanced for a big. He constantly creates off the dribble for a reason.

Besides shooting in favor of Wolf, I think an important factor in Queen's favor is the ability to defend out on the perimeter. I have to watch Wolf more to determine where he lands in that regard but I like Queen's potential on the perimeter on defense. I think he'll play PF in the NBA if he gets into great shape (I will grant, though, that Queen's drive and motor are a bit of a concern for me and so he might never fully live up to his potential). Do you think Wolf can play out at the perimeter consistently on defense?

[babyjax13]

I have him over Queen. One player can actually shoot from three and is a real offensive hub with a handle, the other is a fun college player who can be a secondary creator and can't hit a three yet.

Not sure who's more likely to be an offensive hub (both have ways to go but flash potential) but the shooting is obviously an important factor to consider. Queen needs to develop in that regard. I'd disagree, though, with the implication that Queen doesn't have a handle; sure, it's not Guard level (neither is Wolf's, though) but pretty advanced for a big. He constantly creates off the dribble for a reason.

Besides shooting in favor of Wolf, I think an important factor in Queen's favor is the ability to defend out on the perimeter. I have to watch Wolf more to determine where he lands in that regard but I like Queen's potential on the perimeter on defense. I think he'll play PF in the NBA if he gets into great shape (I will grant, though, that Queen's drive and motor are a bit of a concern for me and so he might never fully live up to his potential). Do you think Wolf can play out at the perimeter consistently on defense?

I don't think so, but maybe my opinion will change. I also think his handle is MUCH better than Queen's, although his is better than most centers. But I think if you move Queen to the 4 his handle is below average at that position in the NBA.

[The-Power]

I don't think so, but maybe my opinion will change. I also think his handle is MUCH better than Queen's, although his is better than most centers. But I think if you move Queen to the 4 his handle is below average at that position in the NBA.

It's flashier for sure – but I'm not sure how much more functional it is. But I'm happy to admit that I need to watch Wolf more closely, so I could well be off here. Tend to agree with you on Queen's handle compared to NBA PFs right now. I still think it's good enough to effectively play that position on offense in the NBA.

[FarBeyondDriven]

don't kill me but he reminds me of Larry Bird with his feel and skill set for a 6'10" guy. He's obviously not as good and a lot of that is because he's not even as athletic as Bird was but from his looks, the way he moves, shoots and hustles, it's very similar. I think he's my favorite player this year. I think a lot of his game will translate too especially if he gets in better shape. I don't think he can play center like Sabonis or Sengun so he'll need to play the 4 and get quicker to be able to defend the perimeter. But his offense might keep him on the floor regardless.

[The-Power]

don't kill me but he reminds me of Larry Bird with his feel and skill set for a 6'10" guy. He's obviously not as good and a lot of that is because he's not even as athletic as Bird was but from his looks, the way he moves, shoots and hustles, it's very similar.

This really does help, doesn't it?

[arusinov]

Here's thread in "International Basketball" starting back at Jul 15, 2023 named "The curious case of Danny Wolf" :

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2308995

[EvanZ]

Thought there was already a thread here but anyway...I'm pretty skeptical of this guy outside the fact that he appears to have one elite skill at his size. Even that is a bit questionable because he has a really high dribble that leads to turnovers. That problem will be exacerbated at the next level. He's intriguing and weird and sometimes you just have bet on that kind of thing working out. Not sure how high I can get on him yet.

[EMG518]

Some Franz to his game. I like what I have seen, he definitely looks like he will be good in the league. Steal I am sure when we look back.

[jasonxxx102]

I have him over Queen. One player can actually shoot from three and is a real offensive hub with a handle, the other is a fun college player who can be a secondary creator and can't hit a three yet.

I don't really think either player looks like an impact NBA player but why are people so hyped over Queen? He's a tweener big man who can't defend in space, isn't some elite creator, and can't shoot.

[The-Power]

I have him over Queen. One player can actually shoot from three and is a real offensive hub with a handle, the other is a fun college player who can be a secondary creator and can't hit a three yet.

I don't really think either player looks like an impact NBA player but why are people so hyped over Queen? He's a tweener big man who can't defend in space, isn't some elite creator, and can't shoot.

Queen is pretty awesome for a big at defending in space, actually. I don't see many, if any, big men that project to be more switchable than him in this draft (don't be fooled by his looks). If you see him as a defensive liability then yeah, he shouldn't be that hyped. I think he has all the tools to be a good NBA defender (think Kevon Looney-esque) – just not 100% sure about the mindset.

The shooting and creation are two things to observe with him. I understand the skepticism but I also believe he has a solid foundation to build on this those regards. I won't fault anyone for being relatively low on Queen, though (even as I'm relatively high on him). He's a tough prospect to evaluate.

[jasonxxx102]

I have him over Queen. One player can actually shoot from three and is a real offensive hub with a handle, the other is a fun college player who can be a secondary creator and can't hit a three yet.

I don't really think either player looks like an impact NBA player but why are people so hyped over Queen? He's a tweener big man who can't defend in space, isn't some elite creator, and can't shoot.

Queen is pretty awesome for a big at defending in space, actually. I don't see many, if any, big men that project to be more switchable than him in this draft (don't be fooled by his looks). If you see him as a defensive liability then yeah, he shouldn't be that hyped. I think he has all the tools to be a good NBA defender (think Kevon Looney-esque) – just not 100% sure about the mindset.

The shooting and creation are two things to observe with him. I understand the skepticism but I also believe he has a solid foundation to build on this those regards. I won't fault anyone for being relatively low on Queen, though (even as I'm relatively high on him). He's a tough prospect to evaluate.

Yea to be fair, I haven't watched more than maybe an hours worth of his game time. Maybe I just caught some bad games but nothing really stood out to me.

I mostly wait to evaluate prospects until they get to the NBA

[greg4012]

Brad Miller

[tmorgan]

Fun guy to watch, but even as a guy on MY team, I have zero idea what translates and what doesn’t for Wolf.

There’s a reason big skilled white guys don’t get drafted early. Sometimes it’s a big mistake, other times not so much. Someone will take a flyer on him, though, and it’s up to Danny to work his ass off to impress. Somewhere in the 15 to 25 range is my guess.

[shangrila]

Thought there was already a thread here but anyway...I'm pretty skeptical of this guy outside the fact that he appears to have one elite skill at his size. Even that is a bit questionable because he has a really high dribble that leads to turnovers. That problem will be exacerbated at the next level. He's intriguing and weird and sometimes you just have bet on that kind of thing working out. Not sure how high I can get on him yet.

This is where I'm at as well. I'm not buying the shooting until the FT% improves either, but I'm also wary of his handle. I do wonder if it could be less of an issue in the pros though, particularly if he's matched up against Cs. The high handle seems to cause him trouble when he's either guarded by a smaller guy (Thierro had his number for most of the Arkansas game) or when he gets into heavy traffic, which the more spaced out NBA should limit.

In terms of role I think he'd be effective in a similar one to Naz Reid, basically someone that can slide into either wing or big positions in an offensive set as the game requires.

[BoyzNTheHood]

I like him, but how does he compare to a guy like Sandro Mamukelashvili?

[pad300]

I like him, but how does he compare to a guy like Sandro Mamukelashvili?

Sandro has PF size, while Wolf is C sized.
Sandro doesn't have the foot speed to defend on the perimeter at the PF spot, and doesn't have the mass to defend at the C spot. Wolf has the mass to defend the C spot; don't think he has the foot speed to be anything but a drop big.

[EvanZ]

One thought. Imagine if Filipowski had stayed 3 years at Duke...probably would be much better than Danny Wolf is right now.

[BlazersBroncos]

Not seeing it.

He has passing chops but not so much out of the post. His passing is more when used as a point-Center which is totally untenable at the next level. He isnt good enough to play that role, not even close. I dont trust that 3PT% when he is shooting under 60% from the line.

I would take a guy like Alex Condon over him all day, every day. Better athlete, better shooter, close as a passer (And more of a post / high post passer where as outlined above Wolf is passing off the dribble), stronger, etc.(This was also my excuse to bring up Condon who I think is a late R1 talent).