Michigan Basketball: Analyzing Wolverines 2021 incoming recruiting class

Caleb Houstan

Houstan was a consensus top 7 player in the 2020 class — rated 6th (ESPN), 6th (Rivals), and 7th (247 Sports). He is very long and really shoots the ball well. The 6-8 wing possesses a high basketball IQ and is also a quality rebounder.

Houstan, who reclassified from the class of 2022, averaged 13.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, shot 53 percent from the field and 40% from beyond the arc last year while helping Montverde Academy (Fla.) to win its second straight Geico Prep National title. The Ontario product also helped the Canadian U-19 team a bronze medal this summer, compiling 17.0 points per game while adding 5.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 steals.

Houstan will start at small forward and is potentially a one-and-done player.

DeVante Jones

The 6-1 guard is the only transfer (Coastal Carolina) in the class. Jones is a scoring guard who likes to get downhill although he has improved his perimeter shooting. He is also a good distributor and strong rebounder. Turnovers are an issue for him.

Jones averaged 19.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.9 treys, 2.9 assists, and 2.8 steals last year. He also posted a shooting line of .487/.368/.862 last year. The 2020-21 Sun Belt POY scored in double-figures 23 times, topping the 30-point plateau. In addition, Jones posted five double-doubles.

Jones is slated to start at shooting guard.

Bottom Line: Howard has already proven that he is a great coach in just two seasons, although recruiting is still his forte. Houstan is the crown jewel of the incoming freshmen.

While all eight newcomers have the potential to stay at U-M for multiple years, Jones and Houstan could jet after just one year. However, everyone with the exception of Burns has the potential to be an impact player during their tenure in Ann Arbor. Grade A+.