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Michigan basketball: former McDonald’s All-American could be the answer

Could this former McDonald’s All-American be the answer for Michigan basketball?

Published

3 weeks ago

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former McDonald's All-American, Julian Phillips, transfer portal
Tennessee's Julian Phillips (2) during the NCAA college basketball game against Georgia on Wednesday, January 24, 2023 in Knoxville, Tenn. Gvx Ut Hoops Georgia

With the recent decommitment of Caleb Love, the Michigan basketball program has some questions to answer. One of the most concerning questions is the guard/wing positions. After losing small forward Jett Howard and guard Kobe Bufkin to the draft, the two positions became immediate concerns. While many Michigan fans thought guard Caleb Love would turn out to be the answer, it unfortunately was not to be. Now, it’s time for coach Juwan Howard to take a good hard look at the transfer portal yet again. One possible answer comes from SEC territory as former McDonald’s All-American Julian Phillips could be exactly what the Wolverines need.

Former McDonald’s All-American could be just what Michigan basketball needs

When we look at the Michigan basketball team heading into 2023, there are a few pretty major concerns to say the least. Possibly the biggest concern is elite guard and wing play, as most of their production from this past year is headed to the NBA. Now, as coach Juwan Howard and Michigan basketball likely turns to the transfer portal yet again, one particular name from down south might be the perfect match.

Forward Julian Phillips was a freshman this past year playing for the Tennessee Volunteers. Throughout the season, he recorded 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 41.1 percent from the field. For whatever reason, despite shooting the ball at a high rate all season long, he wasn’t put in position to be a major factor on the Volunteer offense, likely being the cause for his transfer decision.

Coming out of high school, he was listed as No. 19 player in the country and a five-star prospect per 247Sports. He also happened to be a McDonald’s All-American, so he has elite talent without a doubt. Even despite his lack of eye popping stats this past season, he was invited to the NBA Draft Combine before he elected to return and transfer. He’s that good.

With wing being a major concern for Michigan basketball heading into next season, it would be wise to at least give Julian Phillips a look. Juwan Howard knows how to get players into the NBA. Julian Phillips more than likely has NBA aspirations. This could be a perfect matchup for all parties, so keep an eye on Phillips as he continues to weigh his options for his future home.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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BREAKING: Michigan basketball lands major transfer portal target

JUST IN: Michigan basketball has locked down its top transfer portal target

Published

2 days ago

on

June 7, 2023

By

Michigan basketball, major transfer portal target
Mar 23, 2023; New York, NY, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Olivier Nkamhoua (13) controls the ball against Florida Atlantic Owls guard Alijah Martin (15) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The recruitment of Olivier Nkamhoua, a highly sought-after four-star prospect, has been a rollercoaster ride for the Wolverines. Initially considered a strong contender for Michigan, Nkamhoua’s interest seemed to shift elsewhere at one point. However, contrary to earlier reports, Michigan basketball has successfully secured the commitment of this major transfer portal target. Nkamhoua, a former standout player for the Tennessee Volunteers in the SEC, will don the Maize and Blue jersey in the upcoming season as a fifth-year senior.

Michigan basketball lands major transfer portal target

Last season, Nkamhoua truly showcased his talent and emerged as a prominent figure in college basketball. His contributions played a crucial role in Tennessee’s journey to the Sweet 16, averaging an impressive 10.8 points per game while boasting a remarkable shooting percentage of nearly 70%.

With his arrival at Michigan, Nkamhoua is poised to take on a more significant role and bring his strong defensive skills to the Wolverines’ lineup. As a four-star transfer portal recruit, he was undoubtedly one of the top priorities on head coach Juwan Howard’s offseason wishlist.

Nkamhoua’s exceptional performance against the Duke Blue Devils in the Round of 32 during the 2023 March Madness tournament further solidified his reputation. In that game, he erupted for 27 points and grabbed five rebounds in just 22 minutes, leading Tennessee to a victory. Such displays of talent have garnered attention and anticipation for his future with Michigan basketball.

While the Michigan basketball team continues to undergo offseason transformations, securing a major transfer portal target like Olivier Nkamhoua marks a significant stride in the right direction for the Maize and Blue. The upcoming 2023-24 season holds great importance, as it may shape the trajectory of Juwan Howard’s tenure as the Wolverines’ head coach.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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Young Michigan basketball star inks major NIL deal

The young Michigan basketball star Tarris Reed just signed a big-time NIL deal!

Published

6 days ago

on

June 3, 2023

By

young Michigan basketball star, Tarris Reed, NIL, Randy Wise Automotive
Feb 8, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Tarris Reed Jr. (32) grabs the rebound in the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Regarding the University of Michigan and NIL, Michigan football has been king. However, it appears that basketball is now making a push in the industry. Today, young Michigan basketball star center Tarris Reed signed a NIL deal with Randy Wise Automotive.

Young Michigan basketball star Tarris Reed signs noteworthy NIL deal

When it comes to Randy Wise Automotive, they know a thing or two about Michigan athletics. While this is the first NIL deal they’ve signed with a Michigan basketball player, they have plenty of Michigan football players on board.

He joins a list of Michigan athletes, including stars like quarterback JJ McCarthy, linebacker Junior Colson and tight end Colston Loveland.

Historically, the automotive company has used these NIL deals in charitable ways. More specifically, the company, alongside the Michigan football program, has helped with various charities, including the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint and United Way of Genesee County as well as J.J.’s For The Kids Foundation.

Now, with Tarris Reed on board, the company has an even broader reach within the Michigan community. Not only does this expand their brand, but it also expands their options for charity events into the future.

Big things are expected of Reed in 2023

It’s been a less-than-ideal offseason for Michigan basketball so far in 2023. They’ve lost out on several big-time transfer targets, and they also happened to lose several players to the transfer portal and NBA draft.

Still, not all hope is lost, as some young studs are returning to the program. One of which is none other than center Tarris Reed who is likely to start for the Wolverines at center this upcoming season.

The 6-foot-10, 260-pound center had a solid freshman campaign in 2023, especially breaking out toward the end of the season. Recording 3.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game, he was fantastic as a backup to superstar Hunter Dickinson.

With Dickinson heading to Kansas, Tarris Reed will need to step up in a significant way for Michigan basketball. He has the size and skill to be a star in college basketball. All he needs is a chance to prove it, and that opportunity is coming up this season.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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Former Michigan basketball transfer commit chooses final destination

Former Michigan basketball transfer commit Caleb Love has made his decision!

Published

1 week ago

on

May 30, 2023

By

Michigan basketball transfer commit, Caleb Love, transfer portal, Arizona Wildcats
Dec 21, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Caleb Love (2) drives against Michigan Wolverines forward Terrance Williams II (5) during the first half at the Jumpman Classic at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a whirlwind couple of months for Michigan basketball fans. Even more so, it’s been a whirlwind couple of months for former Michigan basketball transfer commit Caleb Love. In March, he made his decision to enter the transfer portal, leaving North Carolina before committing to play for the Wolverines in April. Then, in a turn of events, he shockingly decommitted from Michigan and has committed to play for the Arizona Wildcats.

Former Michigan basketball transfer commit Caleb Love is an Arizona Wildcat

When shooting guard Caleb Love committed to Michigan basketball, Wolverine fans once again had something to be excited about. Following a disappointing season ending in a trip to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), things needed to change.

Naturally, coach Juwan Howard took to the transfer portal to find a potential new star for the program. It seemed like Caleb Love was going to be that guy before he surprised the world and decommitted. Now, it appears the former five-star commit is headed to Tucson, AZ.

The Arizona Wildcats are getting a good one in Caleb Love. Through three seasons at North Carolina, Love recorded 14.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steal per game. Not to mention, he’s an elite shot creator who is more than capable of making something out of nothing.

With Caleb Love officially headed elsewhere, Michigan basketball still has plenty of questions to attend to. Since the 2022-23 season ended, the Wolverines have lost out on stud players like Jett Howard, Kobe Bufkin, Hunter Dickinson and now Caleb Love. The team still has plenty of talent, but not much of it is proven.

If coach Juwan Howard hopes to pick up any extra pieces before next season, he needs to get on it soon. While the transfer portal is still technically open, many of the top options have already committed elsewhere. The future of Michigan basketball could still be bright, but coach Howard has plenty of work ahead of him.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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