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Michigan Basketball Recruiting: Impact of Isaiah Todd’s commitment

By Lukas Harkins

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 08: Former Michigan Wolverines player Juwan Howard supports Michigan against the Louisville Cardinals during the 2013 NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at the Georgia Dome on April 8, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 08: Former Michigan Wolverines player Juwan Howard supports Michigan against the Louisville Cardinals during the 2013 NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at the Georgia Dome on April 8, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 08: Former Wolverines player Juwan Howard greets. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 08: Former Wolverines player Juwan Howard greets. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

The Juwan Howard coaching era of Michigan basketball has begun. Five-star forward Isaiah Todd just became the former star’s first commit in Ann Arbor.

Michigan basketball is ushering in a new era under recently hired head coach Juwan Howard. The former Wolverine and NBA star took over this summer in relief of John Beilein, who left for the NBA, and expectations are high under the new leadership. Fans and experts from around the country quickly noted Coach Howard’s impressive work on the recruiting trail after his first few weeks on the job. That hard work also just paid off with the commitment of Isaiah Todd, a five-star power forward out of North Carolina.

Todd, who is ranked as the No. 12 overall player in the 2019 class, is a superb snag for Coach Howard as a building block for the future. He chose Michigan over Kansas in his final two. Todd will be joining shooting guard Zeb Jackson (No. 62), who committed under the previous regime, in the class and they could form a dynamic duo together.

With regard to his playing style, Todd brings a mobile 6-foot-10 frame to the court. He is a true face-up forward and runs the floor exceptionally well for his size. Todd is a great athlete and a versatile competitor. He can stretch the floor out to 3-point range, beat his man off the dribble, and finish around the rim. He can also be a switchable defender and uses his long arms and athleticism to swat shots inside. Todd might not be the most polished player in the country but he boasts plenty of gifts and an insanely high ceiling.

The five-star recruit showcased his all-around game this summer while playing on the Nike EYBL circuit. Across 18 contests with Nightrydas Elite (FL), Todd averaged 17.7 points (.508/.293/.651), 8.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in just under 30 minutes per game. It is no secret that he will be a high-level player in college and he might be a “one-and-done” as well. Todd is uniquely talented and will be a difference-maker in Ann Arbor.

Let’s dive a little bit deeper into this commitment, though, and analyze Todd’s potential role with Michigan both on the court and with regards to future recruiting efforts.

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