Visits and more on Michigan basketball transfer targets

There is plenty of buzz about Michigan basketball and the transfer portal. On Wednesday, we got reports of more visits happening this weekend and more buzz about potential targets.

Last night, Aidan Mahaney entered the transfer portal. Since the Wolverines hired former Saint Mary’s assistant Justin Joyner, who has close ties to Mahaney, there was a lot of “smoke” about him and Michigan basketball.

St. Mary’s transfer Aidan Mahaney tells me that he has heard from the following schools since entering the portal:

Duke
UConn
Kentucky
Florida
USC
Virginia
Villanova
Alabama
Creighton
Michigan
Ole Miss
California
Colorado
St. John’s
Xavier
Arkansas

Big time portal prospect. 👀 pic.twitter.com/Vu2TnY3mNM

— Recruits Zone (@recruitszone) April 17, 2024

The Wolverines are in contact, along with a ton of other big-name programs. Joyner’s presence on the staff should give Michigan a fighting chance. You’d think they would at least get a visit, but NIL and other factors could play a role too and as you can tell from the contact, Mahaney will have his pick of where he wants to go.

Shot-blocker set to visit Michigan basketball

According to Davis Moseley of 247 Sports, 6-foot-9 forward from App State Justin Abson will take a visit this weekend. He’s one of the top shot blockers in the country. He’s a sophomore and blocked 2.8 shots per game last season. He also averaged 7.9 points and 7.1 rebounds.

Able to confirm there will be an additional visitor this weekend in 6-foot-9 App State forward, Justin Abson (@JustinAbson21).

Nations 5th best shot blocker at over 2.8 blocks per game.

Expecting Abson to be on campus Saturday.

— Davis Moseley (@DavisMoseley) April 17, 2024

The Wolverines have been in a good spot with Vlad Goldin but are still waiting for his commitment. Even if he joins the team, Michigan needs more bigs and more rim protection in the Big Ten conference. Abson doens’t shoot the ball well from 3-point range but shot 64 percent on 2-point attempts last season.

Michigan needs more frontcourt depth and Abson, with his ability to score inside and protect the rim, would make a lot of sense.

Trey Donaldson visiting too, Michigan is a team to watch

Former Auburn backup point guard Trey Donaldson will be visiting this week. According to Jamie Shaw, the Wolverines are the favorite and according to his sources, the visit could turn into a commitment.

Donaldson could compete to be Michigan’s starting point guard next season. The 6-foot-2 guard, who just finished his sophomore season at Auburn, made 41 percent of his 3-point attempts last season. He also averaged 3.2 assists and 6.7 points in just 19.3 minutes per game.

The point guard would be a great fit for what Dusty May wants to do. His best basketball is also ahead of him. As it stands, he could be the first commitment since Michigan is still waiting on the pledge of Goldin.

On another note, if you missed it, Tarris Reed, the starting center for Michigan basketball last season, has transferred to UConn to play for the two-time national champions.  Some Michigan fans are down on his ability but he could be a double-double guy and can also be a defensive force.

With Michigan and the portal, there are lots of moving pieces but some clarity should come soon.

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