NIC big man signs with Indiana

Steve McClain wanted North Idaho College center Guy-Marc Michel to play basketball for him at the University of Colorado next season.

But when McClain, then an assistant for the Buffaloes, wasn't offered the head coaching position when Jeff Bzdelik left for Wake Forest following the NCAA tournament, McClain took an assistant coaching job at Indiana University, where he sold head coach Tom Crean on the shot-blocking 7-foot-1, 265-pounder.

Now, Michel's a Hoosier.

Michel, who blocked 3.1 shots per game last season and led the Scenic West Athletic Conference in blocks in both of his seasons at NIC, has signed a letter of intent to play at Indiana, Crean announced on Saturday.

"Steve showed Tom (Crean) some video on Guy and he was impressed," NIC coach Jared Phay said. "Steve was really big on him to come to Colorado, but after he didn't get the job, he left to go coach at Indiana."

Michel, a native of Sainte-Marie, Martinique, averaged 7.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.

"He automatically upgrades our program on the defensive end with his shot blocking and post defense," Crean said in an Indiana University news release. "We also feel he will help us with defensive rebounding and help defense.

"Offensively, he wants the basketball with strong post ups. I also see him being able to pass the ball out of double teams and we feel he can shoot it up to 15 feet. His upside is exciting and once he gets in top shape, I think he will be prepared to help us."

During his freshman year, Michel led the conference in blocked shots with 103 and was named All-SWAC honorable mention after averaging 8.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

He was a member of the Under-20 French National Team and was widely considered one of the top prospects in Europe.

"I am glad Steve (McClain) is the relentless recruiter that he is, because this is another example of him going against the grain to find a real prospect," Crean said. "I know how excited Steve has been about Guy and we all feel the same way."