Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: Analyzing top 15 players from 2019 recruiting class

By Joey Loose

MARIETTA, GA - MARCH 25: (L-R) Wendell Moore Jr., Isaiah Stewart, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Matthew Hurt pose during the 2019 Powerade Jam Fest on March 25, 2019 in Marietta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images for Powerade)
MARIETTA, GA - MARCH 25: (L-R) Wendell Moore Jr., Isaiah Stewart, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Matthew Hurt pose during the 2019 Powerade Jam Fest on March 25, 2019 in Marietta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images for Powerade) /
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ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 26: Josh Richardson #0 and assistant coach Juwan Howard of the Miami Heat on the bench on opening night against the Orlando Magic on October 26, 2016 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Manuela Davies/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 26: Josh Richardson #0 and assistant coach Juwan Howard of the Miami Heat on the bench on opening night against the Orlando Magic on October 26, 2016 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Manuela Davies/Getty Images) /

13. Cole Bajema (Michigan – SF)

Bajema, a native of Washington, will be the impact freshman on new coach Juwan Howard’s Michigan squad. He received interest from local schools like Washington, but spurned the Huskies and chose to play for the Wolverines. Bajema reaffirmed his commitment after Howard’s hiring, having originally committed to play for John Beilein.

At 6’7, Bajema has a slim build and decent length for his size. He has the ability to hit outside shots while also developing his interior game. His shot is pretty solid, though he’ll need some improvement at ball handling down low. Adding strength will be key for Bajema, and additional muscle would make him more of a force in the interior. His ability to hit jumpers makes him a valuable forward. If he can improve the rest of his game and add strength, then he’ll have a pretty high ceiling.

It’ll be interesting to see Bajema’s role in Howard’s offensive and defensive gameplan. He projects as a potential starter and could quickly become one of the Wolverines’ consistent scorers if he finds his stroke at the college level. With the Wolverines losing a lot of pieces from last year’s team, Bajema could play a major role in this team’s season, though there could be growing pains as Howard begins his head coaching career. Don’t be surprised to see Bajema develop into a very good scorer in the Big Ten.

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