Wolverines, Wildcats make top six for 2017 wing Anthony Gaines

The 2017 recruiting picture is slowly beginning to take shape. What makes this process seem even slower is the flurry of prospects listing their top schools every other day. Whatever merit fans hold to these lists is up to them to decide but they do allows fans to grasp a prospects level on interest early. Wednesday went by and so did another players final six schools list. This list was the final six schools for 2017 wing Anthony Gaines and featured both the University of Michigan and Northwestern University.

Many fans may not know about Gaines and that is perfectly normal. He falls outside 247Sports top 150 prospects, missing the cut by three spots. The recruiting service also ranks him as the 34th best shooting guard in the country and a top three player in the state of New Hampshire. Hailing from New Hampton, New Hampshire, Gaines averaged 11.3 points, 11 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2 assists per game in the Nike EYBL Peach Jam.

Listed as 6’4” tall, Gaines uses his large wingspan to his advantage. He will rarely use his jumper and attacks the rim with rare aggression. His intangibles are highlighted with his savvy shot selection and when chasing down missed shots. His combination of length and leaping ability is what led him the averaging a double-double during Peach Jam. Defensively Gaines always seems to have a hand on the ball. He can close down passing lanes quickly and scoop up tipped pass attempts.

Northwestern has been in on Gaines for a while, trying to add depth on the wing for 2017. The Wildcats may stand have an advantage on other school as it appears academics will be a factor in Gaines decision. Most of the schools on Gaines list are regarded as academically strong. He could bring some size off the Wildcats bench should he commit to Northwestern.

The Michigan Wolverines also appear on Gaines list which may come as a shock to some. There has not been much chatter from either side about Michigan’s interest in Gaines and it is currently unknown if he poses a scholarship offer. His increase in performance at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam may have something to do with the Wolverines recruitment of Gaines as coach John Beilein was in Atlanta scouting players during the event.

Gaines may not be a game changing five star recruit but he could be a nice developmental piece for their team. The Wildcats could use the size on the wing and the Wolverines would have a player to stow away and develop for a few seasons should he choose either school. The summer put Gaines on the map, his senior high school season could pay dividends and be a major factor on where he commits to.