Michigan Basketball: Landing Isaiah Todd shows that Howard can recruit
By Nick Popio
The new Michigan basketball coaching staff is picking up where John Beilein’s regime left off and then some.
Juwan Howard is reaching for the stars and his hard work is quickly paying dividends for Michigan basketball.
This time he was able to beat out the Kansas Jayhawks for a top-tier recruit that is rated in the of the consensus top 15. Todd now becomes the best recruit in the school’s history since arguably Chris Webber. Todd joins shooting guard Zeb Jackson for the moment in the 2020 class.
Howard isn’t planning on stopping anytime soon though. He has his sights set on adding to the class with even more star power. Hunter Dickinson and Juwan’s son, Jace, appear to be the next dominoes to fall in Howard’s favor. Therefore a top ten finish for Howard’s first full class could become a reality and cement Howard’s prowess as a force to be reckoned with.
Landing Todd puts Howard light years ahead of where he probably should be for a first-time head man. This can only make it easier for him to sell the program as well. Usually, when a superstar of Todd’s level decides to jump on ship, others tend to eye the situation closer and give Michigan basketball a better chance at landing them. This could potentially even earn the Wolverines a peek now by Michigan State’s recent decommit, Jalen Terry.
When trying to win over a youngster, Howard’s genuine humbleness is something that the parents of the young man can notice immediately. He presents himself in a manner that every person should aspire to be, especially as a well-known basketball coach. That is going to hopefully close the deal in Michigan’s way when a student-athlete has a decision to make on where they want to attend their schooling.
Isaiah Todd’s commitment is massive for Juwan Howard. It’s real proof that Howard can blossom into an elite recruiter. How often does a guy land a five-star before coaching a single game? Todd picked Howard and U-M over Bill Self, John Calipari, Roy Williams and Penny Hardaway.
— Daniel Dash (@DanielDash_) October 17, 2019
As for Todd, he will almost certainly be a one and done with Michigan basketball. That is a risk that any university is willing to take with a superior talent like him though.
He was once considered as the number one overall recruit in the class as well. His undeniable athleticism is something that the Michigan crowd will love. If things go right for him at U-M, he should go down as one of the all-time greats even if it is just for that one season.
Howard will now turn his attention to getting his first team ready to compete. In a mere two weeks from now is when the season tips off.
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The maize and blue have the Gavitt games, Battle 4 Atlantis, ACC/Big Ten Challenge in Louisville, Oregon, and the Big Ten openers to deal with all within about the first month of the schedule. They will be tested early and often, proving how Juwan Howard can transition as Michigan’s man for the job.