Michigan Basketball: With Jalen Warley trending to FSU, what next?

Another five-star PG is trending away from the Wolverines, so who will Michigan basketball target at that position next? Read on to find out!

Michigan basketball appeared to be the leader for the services of the incredibly talented five-star point guard, Jalen Warley. Phil Martelli is leading the charge for the Wolverines – he coached both Jalen’s dad and his uncle at St. Joes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Warley’s family remains in the area, and Jalen plays at Westtown School in West Chester, Pennsylvania – less than an hour’s drive from the City of Brotherly Love.

In a tweet, Jalen says he will announce his college decision on August 9th.

If the flurry of predictions from Rivals analysts are accurate, Florida State is about to get a whole lot better. The Wolverines, however, are about to lose out on a kid they desperately need.

At PG, Michigan would have plenty of depth this season, and possibly the next had David DeJulius stuck around. Juwan Howard began recruiting players for the position, and David felt he required a change in scenery. He’s now a Bearcat in a city that many Ohioans consider part of Kentucky.

For the 2020-21 season, U-M has Columbia transfer Mike Smith, freshman combo guard Zeb Jackson, Duquesne transfer Brandon Wade (who sat out last season), senior Luke Wilson, and potentially Eli Brooks if Chaundee Brown is eligible at the two.

For the 2021-22 season, Michigan will be significantly lighter for primary ball handlers. Wade and Jackson will be around, although, Zeb is considered by many to be better suited as a SG. Incoming freshman Kobe Bufkin could contribute at the one, but again, he’s a better fit either at the wing or at the two.

Who will fill the depth chart?

As of now, Michigan is in a good position with a pair of four-stars. Frankie Collins from Nevada or Arizona, or Nevada, or wherever, is a phenomenal floor general. He’s ranked 57th nationally and the ninth-best PG in the country for the 2021 class.

Despite no reported offer, the calls between the staff and Collins have made quite the impression. In July, Frankie announced his top eight, and the Wolverines are still in contention.

There’s also Carter Whitt, who earned an offer in July.

Carter is ranked 71st nationally, and the 11th-best PG. In addition to being projected as a Power-5 starter, Whitt was given a comparison to Gonzaga’s former star Josh Perkins, and the following evaluation from Jerry Meyer, the Director of Basketball Scouting for 247 sports:

"Good length for a point guard. Average athlete, but has the frame to fill out and hold his own physically. Is a top of the line passer. Excels at the hook pass against the grain. Goes either direction equally well. Will get a little loose with the dribble at times, though. Keeps the defense honest with his shot but has room to improve as a shooter. Average at best defender, but is opportunistic and will compete for rebounds and loose balls."

Both Carter and Whitt seem to be year two or three starters, therefore, UM will need an instant injection of talent at the position.

Warley was supposed to be that guy at Crisler. Without him, Michigan might have to go with whichever guy listed joins the 2021 commit list, or, more likely, try their hand again in the transfer market and find a viable grad transfer. Howard has done it before, and he’ll do it again.