After an underwhelming season that saw Michigan Basketball finish 19-12 and ninth in the Big Ten conference, head coach Juwan Howard brings in the Big Ten’s top recruiting class in his first full cycle.
Michigan Basketball started the 2019-20 season off hot. They won their first seven games, including contests against Creighton, North Carolina, and Gonzaga. Unfortunately for the Wolverines, they couldn’t generate any midseason momentum as they commonly did with John Beilein. They finished 10-10 in the Big Ten but were still projected to earn an NCAA Tournament berth.
The Michigan roster saw a fair amount of turnover at the season’s end. Seniors Zavier Simpson and Jon Teske, the two top scorers, were lost to graduation. Three more players transferred to other programs. Guards David DeJulius and Cole Bajema joined Cincinnati and Washington, respectively. Forward Colin Castleton transferred to Florida.
However, these departures created room for the Big Ten’s highest-rated class this season. This will be the first year Michigan Basketball can claim conference recruiting superiority since 2003. The incoming class also ranks in the top 15 nationally.
After Juwan Howard’s first full recruiting cycle, things are looking up in Ann Arbor. In total, U of M will bring in six new players: four freshmen recruits and two transfers. Four of their newcomers were four-star recruits out of high school. Reflecting on Coach Howard’s vast recruiting reach, none of the newcomers are Michigan natives.
The Wolverine squad was in play for two five-star prospects, Josh Christopher and Isaiah Todd, but Christopher chose Arizona State and Todd de-committed to pursue a pro career. Don’t let the lack of five-stars fool you: Juwan Howard’s first class is a very good one.
Here’s a look at the players Michigan Basketball will add to their roster for the 2020-2021 season.