Michigan basketball commit Austin Hatch still working on a comeback
Related story: Austin Hatch tells his story, says he intends to play at Michigan in 2013
Austin Hatch hasn't made it all the way back yet.
But that doesn't mean he's not trying.
Hatch, a 2013 Michigan basketball commit, did not play high school hoops last season at Fort Wayne (Ind.) Canterbury after being involved in a 2011 plane crash that took the lives of his father and stepmother.
Despite that, Hatch says he's back in school working on his grades and his game -- staying in contact with John Beilein and his staff throughout the entire process.
“They still feel just as good about me," Hatch told UMHoops.com this weekend at the Adidas Spring Classic AAU event in Indianapolis. "Not necessarily as a basketball player, but just from off-the-court stuff -- my schoolwork, the type of guy I am to them. So, the basketball stuff will come they say.
"It just takes time.”
Michigan basketball recruit Austin Hatch (30) did not play high school basketball last season after being involved in a plane crash that killed his father and stepmother.
Since Hatch is not a signed prospect, Beilein and Michigan cannot discuss his status publicly, per NCAA rule.
The 6-foot-6 Hatch is currently part of Michigan's four-man recruiting class for 2013, joining four-star point guard Derrick Walton, four-star small forward Zak Irvin and three-star power forward Mark Donnal.
Hatch was released from Traverse City's Munson Medical Center in October, nearly four months after the June 2011 crash.
Earlier this month, the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reported that inadequate airspeed and a failed approach by Hatch's late father, Dr. Stephen Hatch, were reasons for the crash itself.
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
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Comments
UofMbeBetter
Tue, May 1, 2012 : 9:41 p.m.
And im no stranger to Ft Wayne, I lived just up the road from Bishop Dewinger for 6 years. I lived in Canterbury Green apartments, Fantastic place to live, If you like Golf, Tennis, and 3 big swimming pools.
Blue Marker
Tue, May 1, 2012 : 7:06 p.m.
For once let the education of a young man take priority over wins, rankings and national prominence. This is one of the more heartbreaking and inspiring stories I've know. I'm pulling for Austin and commend Coach B for sticking with the guy. Michigan is his family now, let's treat him as such. Go Blue!
UofMbeBetter
Mon, Apr 30, 2012 : 9:05 p.m.
Eeke, Love this guy, but Michigan really needs help. Is there any way we can bring this kid in on a "Hardship" scholarship, and save the Bball scholly for a McDonald all American? is that mean? I mean we've pulled scholarship offers due to injury before, heck we've pulled offers over Twitter. Bring him in on a Hardship, let him walk on, Make a ton of money selling Hatch T-Shirts like we did with the 1% Mealer shirts, all will be right in the world. Go Blue!!!
Bruce Kennedy
Tue, May 1, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
I'm with ArthGuinness, I'm more concerned with Michigan doing the right thing and helping this kid out. He's been through BS for a lifetime. Take care of the kid and if he is able to make the team that will be an added bonus.
ArthGuinness
Tue, May 1, 2012 : 10:43 a.m.
I'd rather Michigan just help the kid out, whether that hurts us in the win column or not.
1bit
Tue, May 1, 2012 : 3:22 a.m.
There's still time. Give the kid a chance.
1959Viking
Mon, Apr 30, 2012 : 7:56 p.m.
Hopefully with a red shirt he'll have time to pull his life together and get back on track. God bless you Austin!