Michigan basketball coach John Beilein drops in on Italian-born point guard recruit
Whether or not Trey Burke is part of the Michigan basketball program next season, the Wolverines need extra ball handlers.
And on Thursday, Michigan coach John Beilein was reportedly addressing that very need.
UMHoops.com reported Thursday night that Beilein personally visited guard Amedeo Della Valle, who attends Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nev.
“It was good seeing [Beilein] in the stands for the scrimmage,” Della Valle told the site. “Then we talked afterwards, and he explained to me how the school is, how they play, how academically things are. Basically he told me there’s potential to just go in and play right away.
“He said if you come for a visit, you could have a scholarship. He doesn’t offer before a visit.”
The Italian-born Della Valle, listed at 6-foot-3, 180 pounds by Rivals.com, is a three-star prospect.
Per UMHoops, he's trimmed his recruiting list to Arizona, Texas A&M, Michigan, Gonzaga and Ohio State, and has plans to visit Ann Arbor at some point in April.
The spring signing period begins April 11.
Earlier this week, Burke's father, Benji, confirmed that the Wolverine point guard will seek information from the NBA draft advisory council to gauge his potential status in this summer's draft.
Burke hasn't declared for the draft yet, and has not made any decision one way or another.
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
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Comments
Jim
Sun, Mar 25, 2012 : 9:59 p.m.
regarding Ray Lee, he does look better in video than Amedeo, keep in mind Amedeo is being recruited by higher profile teams, so other programs must think he's a good kid. Ray appears to have to settle for EMU, switching HS's is a big red flag too, and what wasn't mentioned was that when he visited Marshall he was accused of sexual assault, and charges were dropped, that might have turned off a lot of bigger programs. Are we desperate enough to look past those red flags? Maybe not if Burke returns, maybe consider it if Burke leaves this year.
Mick
Sun, Mar 25, 2012 : 12:15 p.m.
Hey Smokblwr, electricity was discovered, not invented. A car is an invention, a vacuum is an invention, TV is an invention, electricity not so much. Plus we were all born when electricity was DISCOVERED and Rickey Green was a stud PG for us in the 70's, have a little appreciation for history. As far as this Amedeo kid is concerned, he looks meh to me, just a guy. There is a stud PG at Romulus named Ray Lee, he's 6'3" and can dribble and shoot and dish the ball with the best of them! He's right down the road Coach Beilein, offer him please! What is it with Beilein? We've had a shortage of big men the last few seasons and now we're gonna have a shortage of backcourt guys. Why can't he get this right, very frustrating to me. I also didn't like that he didn't play Horford the latter third of the season, why red shirt? For what? If he can play and develops, he's not gonna stay a 5th year, we really needed him down the stretch. Seems like quite a few guys have decided to transfer or leave early when they shouldn't have with Beilein as coach, I'm wondering what is behind this. Can you investigate this Nick, I'd like to know, you know?
boo
Sun, Mar 25, 2012 : 2:22 p.m.
Mick, let's see. three NCAA tourneys in Five years. Zero for the ten years before that. Yes, they lost early and didn't play well vs Ohio, but it turns out Ohio was pretty good. Could and should have beaten UNC. If you think Ray Lee is the answer, you are crazy. Four high schools in four years? That kid wouldn't make it to fall registration before transferring to another school. As far as players leaving, get used to it. It's the culture of college basketball. The four year player only occurs when kids like Stu Douglas and Zack Novac are in your program. If they come back, Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway will be gone before they ever play a game in their senior year. And Mich McGary is one and done too. Glen Robinson is much better than people think, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was one and done. If you want Belien to recruit at the highest levels, then you better be ready for the baggage that comes with that. Zack and Stu are once in a generation players. I mean that sincerely. Very few kids go to Big time programs like Michigan and stay four years. Those two came in and made a mark for all the right reasons at Michigan. You can forget about kids like that coming to Michigan from now on. Be careful what you ask for.
Mike
Sat, Mar 24, 2012 : 10:52 p.m.
I like Burke as a college PG. Burke is quick but not fast. A 5' 10" slow guard well not make it in the pro's.
garrisondyer
Sat, Mar 24, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.
I've never seen a basketball that looks like that being used in an officiated game.
UofMbeBetter
Sat, Mar 24, 2012 : 5:48 a.m.
Wow, because we all know the best Bball is played in Italy......... Thats why our best NBA stars go there.
Burke Street
Sat, Mar 24, 2012 : 5:35 a.m.
I would like to apologize to Ricky Green for the comments of the person who cannot remember Michigan "taking" junior college players. That person is not a real Michigan basketball fan. Real Michigan fans know that Mr. Green was one of the most exciting players and best guards to ever play for the University of Michigan.
smokeblwr
Sun, Mar 25, 2012 : 1:19 a.m.
Uhhh....yeah.....I was born after they invented electricity so I don't remember Ricky Green....
ajwigfield
Fri, Mar 23, 2012 : 11:34 p.m.
If Burke leaves, and this is his replacement, we won't win more than 15 games next year. Maybe its time to start recruiting some athletes Coach... ever heard of them? Cough.. Shaka Smart... cough...
Mick
Sun, Mar 25, 2012 : 12:25 p.m.
I'm with you AJ, I see Shaka Smart as a potential Calipari or Pitino type coach without the Italian thingy. I bet that guy could recruit like a stud in AA, I like the way his teams play. Under Beilein, I've been very frustrated by the lack of rebounding and the overkill on the 3 pt shot. To me, next year is pivotal for him, I hope we improve in areas that have been weak in for 5 seasons now.
1bit
Sat, Mar 24, 2012 : 11:45 a.m.
You do realize that he's got a great recruiting class coming in, right?
towny
Fri, Mar 23, 2012 : 10:57 p.m.
Burke is now way ready for NBA. He's dreaming. Wonder who is filling his head.
chuck
Fri, Mar 23, 2012 : 9:16 p.m.
Good job...B LINE...Get on it!!! dont sit idle and wait for Burke to jump ship before covering yourself and the program in order to continue moving forward...
smokeblwr
Fri, Mar 23, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
@Mike...I don't think UM takes junior college transfers. I can't ever remember them taking one in basketball or football.
Tally10
Fri, Mar 23, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
From the video, Amedeo looks more like a 2 guard than a point guard. Also, didn't see anything in the way of running the floor or offense.
Mike
Fri, Mar 23, 2012 : 6:23 p.m.
Amedeo has shooting skills but lacks quickness, jumping ability and strength. We need a penetrating point guard who can shoot, pass and more of a athletic than Amedeo. I would look at John Taylor from Mott Community College who is great athletic who is a great point guard that has a 3 point shot, scores going inside and is a great passes. The best guard in the state.