Michigan basketball targets a 5-star, plus another transfer

Dusty May has his work cut out for him. After Christian Anderson re-opened his recruitment, the Wolverines are down to five scholarship players. Even then, not all of them are firmly committed to Michigan basketball for next season.

That means May will need to build a roster on the fly. The transfer portal will be the primary tool, but if there are chances to add recruits from the 2024 class, Michigan basketball should jump at those too. It’s also why George Washington III should be recruited back.

Players need to fit May’s system. That means being able to move without the ball, shoot, and attack the rim. If you can’t do those things, you aren’t going to fit. Michigan basketball is going to play multiple ball-handlers, creators, and guys who can shoot the three.

Recruiting News:

I spoke with Liam McNeely on his de-commitment from Indiana and his current recruiting situation.

"I personally reached out to Indiana, spoke with Coach Mike Woodson and had a direct conversation with him," McNeeley told ESPN.

“I expressed my utmost respect… pic.twitter.com/ou3JuSHO3L

— Paul Biancardi (@PaulBiancardi) March 29, 2024

That’s the goal at least. Finding those pieces is easier said than done though. In terms of the 2024 class though, May has Michigan basketball in the mix for Liam McNeeley. The 6-foot-7 forward ranked 15th overall in the 247 Sports composite rankings. He’s an elite talent and despite some crystal balls to Kansas, May has reached out. It was his first recruiting call at Michigan which caught the attention of McNeeley according to Paul Biancardi.

“Moving forward, I have had contact with several schools, including Kentucky, UConn, Kansas, Houston, and many others,” McNeeley said to Biancardi. “New Michigan head coach Dusty May said I was his first recruiting call. That was special.”

A new transfer portal target for Michigan basketball

Louisville guard Mike James has entered the transfer portal and Michigan basketball has reached out. James played two seasons for the Cardinals and is an Orlando native.

James averaged 12.6 points per game last season in addition to five rebounds and 1.5 assists. He shot 34 percent from 3-point range and 42.6 percent from the field overall, as well as 81.8 percent from the free throw line. The 6-foot-5 guard seems like a logical fit. He’s only got two seasons left and again, unless he’s graduated in three years, this will be another test for admissions if the Wolverines wind up as a contender.

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