Welcome Xander Wedlow

[Chuck]

Unfurl "The Bonnies just got a commitment from Xander Wedlow, a 6-9 center from Detroit Uprep. Wedlow, who SBU offered May 1, will enroll as a freshman and plans to be on campus for the 2nd summer session."

twitter.com/SBUnfurled?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

More information on 6’9” 225 pound Xander Wedlow.
— From Detroit Michigan.
— Attended Detroit University Prep, which is equivalent to high school.
— 2 time All State Player from Michigan.
— As a junior averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds and 8 blocked shots per game.
— Website State Champs “THE ELITE EIGHT TOWER OF POWER” of Metro Detroit, has Xander with following “Long, rangy and active, the best rim-running prospect in Detroit.”
— Interviews describe blocking shots is a strength of his game.
— Received offer from DePaul, and 5 other mid majors.
— Listed among Prep Hoops “5 must have available seniors” from Michigan.
— Xander is fast and is in shape. Has the 8th fastest 400 meter run in school history.

basketball.thedzone.com/players/xander-wedlow
www.ironmountaindailynews.com/sports/local-sports/2024/03/michigan-ap-division-2-basketball-player-of-the-year-durral-brooks-of-grand-rapids-catholic-central/
247sports.com/Player/xander-wedlow-46136267/TimelineEvents/
bankhoops.com/x-marks-recruit-thats-how-theyre-supposed-to-look/
statechampsnetwork.com/manning-the-middle-with-ferocity-metro-detroit-big-fella-boys-bball-rankings/
www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/SchoolRecords.aspx?SchoolID=19538

[ddsmugs]

Nice surprise....roster has a nice mix of young and old.

[fortytwo]

Pretty excited about the arrival of this rim protector.
Young, a division 2 all state player from a good program and from a state that historically produces Division 1 players.
I think this might be a diamond in the rough if he buys into Mark's program.

[Chuck]

A few highlights from Sam Wilson’s OTH article “Detroit HS big man Wedlow commits to SBU.”
— No. 6 recruit in Michigan, the No. 52 center overall and a three-star prospect according to 247 Sports.
— Averaged a double-double — 15 points and 10 rebounds — with huge defensive production at eight blocks per game as a senior.
— In MLive’s “25 players to watch in Michigan’s boys high school basketball quarterfinals,” Wedlow was described as “a load to handle in the paint.”

www.oleantimesherald.com/sports/detroit-hs-big-man-wedlow-commits-to-sbu/article_2a32f726-29c0-11ef-9682-1796b07c8de7.html

Following are a few more comments about Xander.
— Prep Hoops Jonathan Gilbert covers Michigan high school basketball states “It starts down low with 6-9 Xander Wedlow. Wedlow is possibly the best unsigned senior in the state. He is skilled, has a college ready frame and long arms. Few can match his physical gifts. He will be a major factor on both ends of the court.” This article was printed on November 29, so there were many unsigned players from Michigan at the time. At Prep Hoops Gilbert has Xander among the top 3 bigs from Michigan.
— Free Press high school guru Mick McCabe gives his list of the top 100 boys basketball players in Michigan for the 2023-24 season: Xander is #9.
— Sports Illustrated Shane Hoffman has article “Meet Michigan’s top bigs” states following “At 6-foot-9, Wedlow is a threat any time he’s near the basket. He has offers from DePaul, Ball State and Eastern Michigan, according to 247sports.com. Wedlow has been a starter since his freshman year.”
— Fans on Instagram state “Xander was doubled team in every game this season.”

Attached highlight video of Xander scoring 21 points and 11 blocks against Roseville. Very athletic dunk at 25 second mark.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOBnrVvgn2U

[fortytwo]

Thanks Chuck!

[OceanStateBonnie]

Welcome Xander!

Our “X Factor”.

[marylandbonnie1]

Welcome Xander!!I guess the question is, can he play a bit at PF when Brown is on the floor as well?

[Chuck]

Jun 14, 2024 13:52:45 GMT -5 marylandbonnie1 said:

Welcome Xander!!I guess the question is, can he play a bit at PF when Brown is on the floor as well?

Sure makes sense with 3 bigs (6’11”, 6’11” and 6’9”) but after Karim Coulibaly, I’m giving it about zero percent with seeing Xander at PF.

Karim a starting center at Pitt left, because he wanted opportunity to play PF. Looked like a good bet with just 6’5” Adaway being his main competitor for the starting 4 spot. Karim wasn’t even a backup to Adaway. For the season, Karim played a total of 9 minutes at PF. It occurred in the 1st half during Bonas’ last game against Xavier in the NIT. Strange part is playing Karim at PF was very successful as Bona turned a 1st half blowout into a competitive game. At halftime, I was expecting Karim to be starting at PF in the 2nd half. At the time I would never believe Karim wouldn’t even play in the 2nd half.

You can’t say never, but seeing Xander at PF is pretty close to zero percent. It will be interesting to see how PT will be distributed among 3 bigs at center. Always better to have too many bigs than not enough.

[Chuck]

Attached is Go Bonnies introduction to Xander. Following is Schmidt's comment "Xander is a long, athletic big man who can score with his back to the basket and facing up," Bonnies head coach Mark Schmidt said. "He runs the court really well. On the other end, he will make an impact with his ability to block shots and protect the rim. We believe Xander has tremendous upside and his best basketball is ahead of him. Xander is a great kid and good student, he fits the type of person we want in the program. We are excited to get him on campus this summer."

It is interesting as Schmidt's comment is very different than Michael Folarin. Really like Schmidt's comment about Xander "athletic big man who can score with his back to the basket and facing up." Appears Folarin and Xander will complement each other very well as a backup to Noel, as they bring different skill set.

gobonnies.com/sports/mens-basketball

[mnbonnie]

WelcomeXander,

An interview with Xander

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae7qLN7rI_s

Some footage from peach jam

www.maxpreps.com/mi/detroit/university-prep-panthers/athletes/xander-wedlow/media/videos/?careerid=5s8hfriho55k4

[Chuck]

In the Olean Times Herald, Sam Wilson interviews Xander’s coach Bob Barrett with “Wedlow hasn’t touched ceiling.” Xander sounds like another Chad Venning. An overweight kid, who needed a coach guidance to get in condition.

— “He didn’t start playing basketball (until) like the eighth grade. He was, initially when I got him, like 6-3 and maybe ... he was fat as a house (with a chuckle). But he was a chubby kid. And he actually just devoted himself to getting ready as the years went on. It just grew into something.” Wedlow is now listed at 6-foot-9, 225 pounds. Barrett praised Wedlow’s work ethic in transforming his body.
— Barrett said. “He’s always had great hands. His hands are huge. So he could always catch the ball. And now the weight is off of him, so he’s athletic.”
— “He blocks shots in his sleep. He’s been a natural shot blocker since I got him. He just has a pure knack for blocking shots, his timing is impeccable and I think he was blessed with that. So he’s a natural shot blocker. He changes shots, alters shots. And he has a very high IQ.”
— “He’s a great passer from the elbow. And he can shoot,” he said. “So his game just developed over the years. He can dribble, he can play with his back (to the basket). He’s a traditional big, but he has some versatility to him, which I’m sure Coach is probably going to utilize as the season progresses.”
— “He hasn’t even touched the ceiling yet, man, he can shoot the ball, he can finish around the rim really well, he can catch it off the glass and dribble. And he’s thriving. I just think he has a very high ceiling.”

www.oleantimesherald.com/newsletter/barrett-bonnies-wedlow-hasnt-touched-ceiling/article_3b7e3df2-3027-11ef-8bb9-7778e3057f20.html

I’m very curious how Schmidt was able to sign someone with Xander’s credentials, so late in the recruiting process. Jim Crowley with a serious need for size should take notice. Barrett states, “Xander may even be growing some more — with a 6-foot-10 father and 6-foot-2 mother” and “Xander is oldest of three kids with two younger sisters.”

[mnbonnie]

Chuck, thanks for digging out the peace on the OTH. The more I read about zander, the more impressed I get. I think zander and Abraham could really give this group a boost. We’ve got good versatility at Center with Noel, providing the muscle and the other two guys both seem to be at blocking and are very athletic. Iowa I think it’s asking for his shot. I think Hilton is a natural score and likewise is kind of a mismatch. And I think we’re going to contribute this year as well. The kid from Vanderbilt is Idris kind of player really great Defender. I know it’s only June/July when I look at the postings and I see Chuck’s post listed. It makes me feel like the season is about to begin. Thanks again Chuck go Bonnie.