Michigan Basketball: Targets requiring more time from Wolverines

Some prospects require only an offer, others require time and in some cases, an intervention. The Michigan basketball staff needs time and intervention for these two recruits.

Let’s delve into the world of Michigan high school basketball for a moment. Specifically, let’s take a look at the new school in Ypsilanti that will be the landing spot for Michigan basketball target JaVaughn Hannah: Ypsi Preparatory Academy.

Emoni Bates, the No. 1 recruit for the 2022 class, will be the main attraction, although, the cabinet isn’t bare. While JaVaughn is certainly a future Division I prospect, the academy has become Michigan basketball’s powerhouse, it seems.

There is a gap in the market. It is well documented the top players in-state typically venture out for a larger national spotlight.

MSU had to round up Miles Bridges, Josh Jackson, and Rocket Watts, who all left the mitten for prominent hoop academies nation-wide.

If you look at the roster, Ypsi Prep is trying to compete on that scale.

The academy is filled with local talent that could easily slip into a tournament against opponents like IMG Academy, Mater Dei, and others.

The issue here is the relationship with the Bates family. The Spartans were the only serious contenders for Emoni, despite his status as the nation’s best recruit.

The world assumed he would skip college for the G-League, and that still might be the case, but for the time being, he is a future Spartan and his dad is going to be running the program that Hannah is joining. A program with strong ties to Tom Izzo.

An intervention is required. U-M must gain a foothold on the academy grounds, and a commitment from one of the best prospects in the 2022 class would be a great start. Aside from getting a guy with the ability to drop 50+ points, the Wolverines would be letting MSU know they no longer control the turf of Ypsi Prep.

Five Star weighing his options

Harrison Ingram is a no-nonsense basketball player. He’s efficient, intelligent, and a winner for his high school and AAU team in Texas.

There’s no doubt he’s one of the best in the country, no matter what class he’s playing for. Per the 247 sports composite, Ingram is 15th in the country for the 2021 class, the fifth-best SF, and No. 1 from TX.

He’s a star looking for an education, and while Stanford appeared to be in the lead, HBCUs have emerged as a contender, as well as the Wolverines. Michigan made his narrowed list of schools that included Arkansas Stanford, Baylor, North Carolina, Memphis, Louisville, Purdue, Texas A&M, and Tennessee.

The issue here is the Wolverines might need to wait longer than they’re accustomed.

“Really just feeling things out right now and enjoying time with friends and family,” Ingram said in an interview. “Not really thinking about committing any time soon but everyone is a player.”

Matt’s musings

Harrison Ingram has always been an unreachable target with the hopes the top-notch education would persuade Ingram that Ann Arbor is the place for him. It’s unlikely, but not out of the realm of possibility.

JaVaughn, on the other hand, is a much more important prospect in terms of in-state recruiting. He’s quite possibly the most underrated recruit from the 2022 class and by putting in effort early, UM might find its way into metro Detroit’s basketball powerhouse.