Breaking down commitment of Tre Donaldson to Michigan basketball

There were some conflicting reports about whether or not Tre Donaldson made it for his visit to Michigan basketball this weekend. That was on Friday. By Sunday, Donaldson was a Michigan Wolverine.

Donaldson made it for his visit. He attended the spring game on Saturday and Dusty May’s recruiting hot streak continued as May landed the third transfer portal commitment for Michigan basketball in as many days.

DUSTY MAY MY GOODNESS! Tre Donaldson… YOU ARE A MICHIGAN WOLVERINE 〽️〽️〽️ @tredonaldson3 @TiptonEdits #ExpandTheMaizeRage #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/fL0rIxFdm2

— Maize Rage 〽️ (@MaizeRageUM) April 21, 2024

The Wolverines landed Danny Wolf on Saturday, which followed Rubin Jones on Friday. Sunday brought Donaldson, a point guard from Auburn, whose best baskeball is ahead of him.

Here’s our breakdown.

Michigan basketball found its point guard in Tre Donaldson

Donaldson started 10 games last season for Auburn but was mostly a backup. However, there’s a lot to like about his game including the fact that he’s a 41-percent 3-point shooter for his career. He hasn’t been a high-volume shooter or scorer but averaged 6.7 points and 3.2 assists in just 19 minutes last season. Donaldson also shot 47 percent from the field.

According to UMHoops.com, Donaldson ranks in the 91st percentile in catch-and-shoot situations, as well as 86th in off-the-dribble attempts. Those are common shots for a point guard. Donaldson can also get to the rim and create for others as evidenced by his assist rate.

The turnover percentage needs to come down. That’s probably the one concern was his high turnover rate. But Donaldson is a 6-foot-3 point guard who also played safety in high school and was a four-star recruit in football. He’s tough, athletic, and a two-way point guard with two years of eligibility.

Unlike many of Michigan’s previous point guard transfers, he’s already played in a power conference. He just wasn’t a full-time starter but he’ll get that chance for May and Michigan basketball.

All in all, this is another stellar move. Donaldson has upside and while he’s not a top-20 transfer like Danny Wolf, he will be an effective starter next season and was another no-brainer for May.

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