Beasley Working Into Notre Dame Prep’s Flow

Ron Bailey, Publisher

December 14, 2006 – Before heading to Kansas State University, 6’9” multi-faceted forward Michael Beasley is spending his final season of high school, at Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, MA. At the time of this writing, the Washington D.C. area native had enjoyed an uneven time at the school, but expected that to soon change.

“I’m doing well academically” said Beasley, home visiting his family. On the hardwood, Beasley shared things were “not to good. I strained my groin”. The injury had at that time relegated him to “about two games in a month”. His rehabilitation consisted of “running a lot” to maintain overall fitness, but resting it in terms of basketball play.

Beasley responded “It’s alright, the team needs work” when asked about the overall direction of Notre Dame’s squad. As is his way, Michael can be expected to focus equally on improving his individual skills. “I’m going to work on everything” he said, including “ball handling, shooting” and “post moves”.

That should be good news to the K-State faithful, as presently Beasley is a tall, 235lb forward capable of scoring from inside and outside, combining both skill and strength. On the boards, at times, Michael displays a relentlessness not often seen. When asked to define his game, Beasley remarked ““My game is different, you’ll never find another player like me”

With his package of size and skills, Michael Beasley (seen here playing for DC Assault AAU), that intrigue college and pro basketball officials. (Picture courtesy of Rivals.com)

Damon Handon, who has coached with DC Assault since the organization’s inception in 1994, agrees Beasley commands a diverse skill set. “He’s unique. He has the ability to score the ball” said Handon, who has personally worked with Beasley extensively. “He can post, face up, and put the ball on the floor”.

Always the vigilant coach, Handon would like to see Beasley “play with the same level of intensity” on a consistent basis, also adding “He can also become a better defender”.

“Mike reminds me of Derrick Coleman (offensively), but he doesn’t rebound and defend as consistently as him” continued the long time DC Assault coach. When that happens, Handon, who has worked with a number of present NBA players, thinks the sky is the limit for Beasley.

Before he matriculates to Kansas State and plays for Bob Huggins - a coach Michael defined as “real cool, and not cocky” - Beasley must deal with his physical challenges, as well as continue his academic progress and basketball improvement. Judging from the young man’s constant development– and the commitment that took - over the past three years, there is no doubt he will do just that.