Michigan Basketball: Juwan Howard’s ideal 2020 recruiting class

Donovan “Puff” Johnson

The case of Donovan “Puff” Johnson is an interesting one. His brother Cameron Johnson was a target of Michigan basketball when he decided to transfer from Pitt, but he ended up at North Carolina.

Last season, Johnson and the Tar Heels paid a visit to Michigan basketball and Puff Johnson also watched that game. And much like his brother, he has also become a target of the Wolverines staff. First, it was John Beilein and now, it’s Howard that is pursuing the sharp-shooting small forward.

The 6-foot-7 wing is ranked as the 49th-best player in 2020 according to 247 sports, however, he’s 13th among small forwards and the top player in the state of Pennslyvania.

He’s also a solid 3-point shooter and that’s a skill that has attracted a number of programs, including Michigan which is working to rebuild the relationship with the new staff. Here is what Johnson said to this about Howard to the Detroit Free Press:

"“He’s a great recruiter,” Johnson said. “He’s good with the kids, because he knows he’s been in our position before. He knows what we’ve been through and how we do it. So he understands what we have to do.”"

While Johnson is currently part of the 2020 class, it’s possible he could still reclassify for 2019 after being denied another high school season with his current team. North Carolina wants him as part of 2020, while Arizona, the favorite with 80 percent of his crystal ball projections is interested in him in 2019 or 2020.

In terms of Michigan, Johnson said he and the Wolverines haven’t talked about it. Yet, with two open rosters spots and a need for shooting, as well as scoring, it would make perfect sense.

Johnson would be a great fit in 2020, adding another shooter on the wing, however, if he was eligible to play next season, he would make an immediate impact just like Franz Wagner.