Michigan Basketball: 3 Highly-rated prospects with interest in Wolverines

Jace Howard

As a coach at a big-time program, you’re given the leeway to target the basketball players you think will fit in your system the best while also adding guys to the roster that might not make sense to some.

Steven Izzo, for the Spartans, is the latter of the two. He’s Tom’s son, and no one in their right mind is going to question the legendary coach’s decision to recruit his unranked kid to his basketball team.

Juwan Howard’s son Jace is not one of the latter, and while he currently only holds three stars, his 9008 composite rating speaks for itself.

Scouting and analysis

Ranked 180th nationally, 33rd at SF, and 18th out of Florida, Jace Howard would have been a solid grab during the Beilein era when ESPN’s top 100 commits were few and far between at Crisler Center. Now with Juwan deliberately targeting the one-and-done types, many believe the offer has more to do with nepotism rather than skill. That’s not the case.

Jace can hit from the outside, dribble-drive inside, and accurately dish the ball when necessary. And just a few months ago, Jace didn’t have a ranking, mostly due to an injury sustained, which removed him from competition last season, but his production and skill have elevated him to the national spotlight.

It’s only a matter of time before more Power Five programs come calling.