Michigan Basketball: Juwan Howard’s ideal 2020 recruiting class

5-star C Walker Kessler

It’s clear from looking at Michigan’s roster that the Wolverines are going to need a big man to help offset the loss of starting center Jon Teske.

That player doesn’t necessarily need to come in and start right away with Colin Castleton also in the mix, yet if Michigan is able to land someone like five-star Walker Kessler, all bets are off.

Kessler, a 6-foot-10 center that ranks 16th overall in 2020 and fourth at his position is someone that the Wolverines have made up ground with since the hiring of Howard. Kessler was one of the first players Howard chose to watch during this week’s live evaluation period and when Kessler spoke to the media, he sounded impressed with Howard’s NBA experience, both as a player and a coach.

“The guy played 19-years in the NBA at my position during that big man stretch so you have to listen to him and he’s such a smart guy and I feel like he’s going to do great at Michigan,” Kessler said to the Michigan Insider Thursday.

As a more traditional big, Kessler is a tremendous finisher around the basket and would be lethal in a pick-and-roll combo with Jackson or Burnett. He has great touch around the rim and a nice hook shot. In some ways, he reminds me of Ethan Happ, just more athletic. He also shows nice shooting touch, as well as solid awareness as a passer.

Truthfully, he looks like someone who could start day one, possibly at the four or the five, so he would be the definition of a dream commitment for Howard.