[jwplayer CMgxASXf-XNcErKyb]
Michigan basketball just got its first 2021 commit this week in four-star shooting guard/small forward Isaiah Barnes. Is Juwan Howard just getting the momentum going this recruiting cycle?
It would seem so, though a top group certainly doesn’t equal imminent commitment, especially for a five-star prospect.
One such five-star recruit that the Wolverines are heavy after is Minneapolis (MN) Minnehaha Academy center Chet Holmgren, rated by 247Sports’ proprietary rankings as the No. 2 player in the country, regardless of position. The 7-foot-0, 190-pound inside man is a projected first-round, if not top ten, pick once he gets to the NBA draft, but as he’s looking to go to college first — rather than opting for the NBA G-League or playing overseas — Howard & Co. are working to secure his services for the team in Ann Arbor.
And the pitch seems to be working, as Holmgren released a top seven on Friday evening, with the Wolverines included.
Final 7‼️🤟🏼 Thankyou to all the coaches who have recruited me to this point🙏🏼@TiptonEdits pic.twitter.com/hHWnlSaVIU
— chet holmgren (@ChetHolmgren) June 26, 2020
Here’s the scouting report from 247Sports’ national basketball analyst Josh Gershon:
Extremely unique player who is unlike almost any American prospect in recent years. Good size, long arms and plus athleticism but very narrow frame. Extremely physically immature and may take a while to put on strength due to narrow shoulders/base. Despite lack of strength, very tough kid with impressive mental makeup. Has range to perimeter with jumper, good body control and high feel. Outstanding rim protector and rebounder. Level 10 motor. Hard to be overly critical outside of lack of strength/narrow frame. Projects as lottery pick.
Of course, going up against rival Ohio State, local Minnesota as well as powers North Carolina, Gonzaga, Memphis and Georgetown, Howard and the staff will have their work cut out for them.