Michigan Basketball lands legit centerpiece in Hunter Dickinson

Michigan basketball has been thriving on the court and in recruiting since Juwan Howard arrived, which continued with the commitment of Hunter Dickinson.

For much of the past few months, Michigan basketball has been trending with four-star center Hunter Dickinson and Friday, the No. 6 center in the 2020 class made his decision.

And he ended up committing to Michigan basketball, in what ended up being a pretty cool announcement video released on Twitter.

It wasn’t a huge shock to see Dickinson commit to the Wolverines and head coach Juwan Howard, however, it was a still a big win for U-M, which now has three top-60 commits in Dickinson, Zeb Jackson and Isaiah Todd as part of its 2020 class.

While Todd is a truly transcendent talent that could be a typical one-and-done player, Dickinson doesn’t necessarily strike me as that. He’s going to be a perfect replacement for Jon Teske, who will graduate after this season and will provide a low-post presence on offense that Michigan basketball hasn’t had in a long time.

Dickinson, who is the No. 34 prospect in the 2020 class, is 7-foot-2 and even though he moves pretty well, he may not be as mobile as Teske, especially on the defensive end.

Of course, that will change over time. With Howard especially, Dickinson can be counted on to become a solid defender inside and in the pick-and-roll.

Yet, the biggest difference that Dickinson will make is giving Michigan basketball someone it can build an offense around. Todd is certainly that kind of player, but he will only stick for a year.

Dickinson also feels like he will be an NBA player eventually, but it could take him more time. He will certainly need to get more athletic and develop his mid-range game. But playing alongside guys like Franz Wagner, Isaiah Livers and David DeJulius is ideal.

Michigan can work the ball inside to Dickinson who is arguably as skilled in the block as any player in the 2020 class and then run the offense through him. It was done at times with Moritz Wagner, but with his size and skill, Dickinson can be the focal point.

Here is what his scouting report reads from 247 sports:

"Big body who can occupy space. Not an explosive athlete. Good basketball IQ and positional defender and rebounder. Effective in the high/low game. Knows how to seal his man and can also deliver a pass from the high post. Has reliable jump hook with his dominant left hand. Can make a face-up midrange shot. Should end up being a second-round draft choice."

Dickinson isn’t the biggest star in the 2020 class, but he’s a great fit for Michigan basketball and under Howard’s tutelage, it wouldn’t be shocking if he grew into a first-round pick.

And if he stays in Ann Arbor for two or three years, it’s easy to see him growing into a centerpiece for the Wolverines.