Michigan Basketball: Evaluating Wolverines chances with 5-stars in 2020

Walker Kessler

Of all the five-star recruits Michigan basketball has offered in 2020, the best hope of landing one might just be Walker Kessler, a 6-foot-10 center that ranks 16th overall and fourth at his position.

The Wolverines first got involved with Kessler’s recruitment when Beilein was still the head coach and he hosted the five-star big man on an official visit. And Austin Ewing who works with Kessler as a coach and in the recruiting process had this to say to The Michigan Insider ($):

"“The positive is I think Michigan speaks for itself as far as the university. Walker loved it when we went there.  He loved the people that we met. We’ve been on a lot of trips, but I think Coach Beilein did an amazing job of making sure that the recruit that is being recruited has time to interact with the team that is there. That is who he’s going to be playing with, you know?  And so, I think that resonated with Walker.”"

Not only did Kessler enjoy his visit, but he has also spoken highly of Howard and all of his NBA experience. Juwan’s work with NBA bigs such as Hassan Whiteside has also captured the attention of the elite center. Here’s what he told 247 sports ($):

"“I am still very interested in Michigan. I have talked to Coach Howard a lot. Obviously, with him being a big man who played 15 years in the NBA who was a stretch big who could do it all, it is very appealing for a player like me.”"

Duke is seen as the favorite right now with 80 percent of his crystal ball predictions from 247 sports. But Howard seems to give Michigan basketball a chance and if he can sell that his system with highlight Kessler, landing him is certainly possible.