'09 MN SF Mike "The Bruiser" Bruesewitz is a Badger!

[Bernini]

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Mendota Heights (MN) Sibley

Ht: 6-7
Wt: 210

Statistics: 16 pts

Offers: Wisconsin, Iowa, Washington State, Valparaiso, Montana, North Dakota St.

Ratings:

- 3* per Rivals

Rivals $ 2/5

Scored 30 points and pulled in 12 boards....will be in Wisconsin this weekend.

[Heavystarch]

Rivals $

2/10/08

I haven't heard anything about this guy, but it sounds like he might verbal. I don't think I am a fan, given what else is out there, but I haven't seen anything on him.

[OnWisconsin07]

I am NOT a fan. We have so much talent for 2009 and only limited schollies to give out. Bo Ryan really needs to put guys like this on the slow-track in recruiting and keep schollies open until big names start giving verbals to other schools. I would hate to fill up our scholarships and not get a guy with more talent b/c we got ahead of ourselves. Which, I believe, is the case here.

With that being said, I have not seen this kid play either nor have I read much about him (which probably isn't a good thing), but I shouldn't judge his abilities without better knowledge.

This is just my gut reaction to the offer.

[Bernini]

Here's some dunk highlights from Bruesewitz, although it's mostly Chris Halvorsen (who I think the Badgers have minor interest in as well). Mike is #33.

YouTube - Chalvo Dunks

Having not seem much more I'm going to have to trust Bo Ryan about his abilities. The only thing that might dissuade me from doing so is if he prevents us from landing Jamil Wilson, on the condition that it's known we are in excellent standing with Jamil. Bruesewitz and Wilson would fill similar roles. It would be tantamount to accepting a commitment from Jason Bohannon when Jerry Smith had scheduled a presser to announce for the Badgers.

The ideal class for me right now would be: Jamil Wilson, Rodney Williams, and a combination guard who can shoot. I don't know if that's Diamond Taylor or not. I don't think we need someone who is an amazing talent at that position. Just someone that can handle, has a little quickness, can get his shot off easier than Bohannon, and can shoot with efficiency. Jamil and Rodney aren't snipers so floor spacing would be at a premium.

[OnWisconsin07]

I have a feeling that even if Bruesewitz commits, Bo would still make room for Wilson. And although they would play similar rolls, it seems that Marquette is loaded up on guys that play a similar to that of Wilson as well, so having the Bruiser would not hurt in that comparison (assuming Marquette and Wisco are Jamil's favorites....?).

I agree....Bo knows what he's doing. I have also read in a few articles that this kid is a "coaching dream"....works hard and is a sponge....so, this is good news.

Favors the dunk, huh?

[wbbadger]

Heard Mike Bruesewitz committed to the Badgers last night.

[Heavystarch]

I'll take your word for it, since it seems inevitable anyways.

[Heavystarch]

Rivals $

2/20/08

WB probably tipped off Rivals, but either way they confirm that Bruiser is a Badger.

[Bernini]

It was actually originally posted in the Capital Times early this morning. But anyways WB, thanks for relaying the information.

I'm completely cool with the Bruesewitz commit as long as we add complimentary players. Ideally, I think Jamil Wilson fills a similar role as Bruesewitz, only with more skill. But we could take both and make it work ala Krabbenhoft and Landry. That leaves Rodney Williams out in the cold who finally would have given us a competent matchup against opposing wings. We're in good shape for Diamond Taylor. A Bruesewitz, Wilson (if Troy is accurate), and Taylor class seems like a decent mix and very reasonable at this point.

[Heavystarch]

I don't think we need a "true" big this year, so I would definitely be happy with your three. So you think this this leaves both Prosser and Williams out? I could see the Taylor/Williams thing turn into a Jerry Smith/Trevon Hughes deal where whoever takes the offer first gets it. I do think that Prosser will have a hard time becoming a Badger at this point.

[Bernini]

Originally Posted by Heavystarch

I don't think we need a "true" big this year, so I would definitely be happy with your three. So you think this this leaves both Prosser and Williams out? I could see the Taylor/Williams thing turn into a Jerry Smith/Trevon Hughes deal where whoever takes the offer first gets it. I do think that Prosser will have a hard time becoming a Badger at this point.

Yes, well the Bruiser commitment effects Prosser more so than Williams. We'll most likely save one scholarship for Wilson. If Wilson decides to go elsewhere and Williams is still available, I could see the Badgers accepting his commitment to compliment Bruiser. But I doubt we take both Bruiser and Prosser.

Your analogy is somewhat applicable to the situation. Although, I think it was Bohannon or Smith seeing as though both were combination guards. And Smith cancelled his announcement following Jason's decision. We still would have taken Jerry Smith had he wished to commit. Then Hughes would have been left without a scholarship because Smith scooped it first.

[Heavystarch]

Free Scout

2/21/08

Talks about Bruiser's commitment to the Badgers.

[Bernini]

Bruiser helped Henry Sibley advance to the upcoming Minnesota State quarterfinals by pitching in 19 points. He's averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds on the season.

[Heavystarch]

Minnesota State High School League

Bru bested Rodney Williams and advances to the state championship game against Trent Lockett, Raymond Cowles and Minnetonka.

[Bernini]

Rivals: Real Deal Top Surprises (free):

When the 6-foot-7 forward committed to Wisconsin during the high school season, the news didn't really cause a stir on the national scene. At the time, the big redhead was a regional name in recruiting circles. He should receive more recognition because he's a talent. Bruesewitz is a prototypical Wisconsin player and that is about as good as a compliment you can give a player like the Minnesota native. He's a skilled forward with great strength, toughness and passing skills. His frame will be able to get bigger and stronger. That will make him an even more intriguing prospect for the Badgers.