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Michigan Basketball: A preview of the 2018 recruiting class

By Matthew Bartlett

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines reacts against the Villanova Wildcats in the second half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines reacts against the Villanova Wildcats in the second half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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The Wolverines’ National Championship hopes may be over, but they have much to look forward to next season. John Beilein has reeled in a very respectful 2018 recruiting class that can help keep Michigan in contention moving forward.

Michigan Basketball coach John Beilein has continued to shine, leading the Wolverines to their second National Championship game since 2013 last week. John deserves all the credit he’s been receiving because he doesn’t typically land a top tier recruiting class. This year however,  he was able to earn the No. 16 ranked class in the country according to 247sports. Let’s take a look at each signee and see what they can bring to the table next season.

F, Brandon Johns

Johns, the East Lansing native may be the most skilled recruit in Michigan’s class. The No. 74 ranked recruit in the nation, per 247sports chose Michigan over Purdue, Kansas, and hometown Michigan State. Johns is a great fit for this offense designed to free up shooters. He can hit the outside shot, but is very exceptional driving to the hoop. Johns could potentially make a significant impact on this team, especially if Moe Wagner and Charles Matthew decide to declare for the draft. Johns will eventually become one of the mainstays in this Michigan front court.

PG, David DeJulius

David DeJulius is a 6′ point guard that played for East English Village Prep School in Detroit. Although 247sports lists him as the No. 130 ranked recruit in the country, his film shows great potential. He has the ability to pull up and shoot with a hand in his face and make next level passes. I think DeJulius has a serious chance of hopping Eli Brooks on the depth chart as the No. 2 point guard next season.

F, Ignas Brazdeikis

Another highly rated forward featured in this Michigan class is 6’8″ Canadian, Ignas Brazdeikis. 247sports has Brazdeikis ranked as the No. 75 overall recruit in the country, adding even more depth to the Wolverines’ front court. Brazdeikis’ game isn’t all that different from Johns’ in the sense that both players could play outside and inside. Brazdeikis may be more of a a shooter, while Johns likes to play around the rim. Ignas may not start next season, but he will definitely earn some meaningful minutes.

G, Adrien Nunez

Nunez is not a highly touted recruit, but his ability to hit the three is a crucial skill set in Beilein’s offense. Now that Duncan Robinson has graduated, Nunez might be able to shoot his way into some minutes in 2018. There are also tons of other guards that he’ll have to compete with, so a red shirt year might make more sense for Nunez in the long run.

F/C, Colin Castleton

Castleton is another guy who most people know nothing about. He isn’t talked about much, but he did put up monster numbers in high school. The 6’10, 215 pounder averaged a double-double and over five blocks per game at Father Lopez Catholic. His height could be very useful to Michigan, as he would be the second tallest player on the team. If he plays well enough in practice there’s a possibility for playing time in 2018, but a red shirt may also be a good option for Castleton because of the amount of depth this team has at the forward position.

Next: 3 things to watch at Michigan's spring football game

This is the highest ranked recruiting class Beilein and the Wolverines have had since 2013. Michigan has been one of the more successful basketball programs over the past few years, and it looks like the recruiting has finally caught up.

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