Michigan Basketball: 3 Takeaways from 4-star Isaiah Barnes commitment

What does Barnes commitment mean for rest of 2021 class?

There are a few things to like about Barnes as the first addition to the 2021 class and one thing is that he will fit well alongside just about any other player Michigan basketball wants to add.

Barnes can play the two or the three, he can shoot the ball, he handles fairly well and if he can improve as shot creation, the Wolverines could really have something. And since Michigan could have as many as seven scholarships available in 2021, it stands to reason U-M would want a couple of wings who can shoot, as well as a point guard and combo guard, each.

If Chaundee Brown is eligible to play this season and Franz Wagner breaks out as many expect him too, those two would join Livers, Austin Davis, Eli Brooks and Smith as players leaving the program. Since Michigan has one open scholarship already that would leave seven total openings.

The backcourt would also be thin on depth and experience. Zeb Jackson and Adrien Nunez would be the only guards with previous playing time. Williams, Brandon Johns, Hunter Dickinson and Jace Howard would be the other returning players, but none of them handle the ball.

Williams is a solid 3-point shooter; Johns too. But adding wings and guards has to be a huge priority in this class, with likely multiple at each spot. Barnes is just the beginning, but his commitment is a very good place to start.