Michigan Basketball: Update on five-star Harrison Ingram

Michigan basketball fans shouldn’t have to wait much longer to hear where five-star Harrison Ingram is going to school. It appears Ingram could be making a decision as soon as this week.

All signs over the past two weeks have indicated that Ingram’s recruitment was winding down. 247Sports Insider Brian Snow feels the same way and offered this on Ingram this morning ($):

"We definitely won’t have to wait too much longer for a decision out of five-star Harrison Ingram. The versatile and skilled forward hasn’t officially set his announcement date, but it should be happening this week."

There have been rumors swirling over the past few weeks that Michigan basketball could possibly be leading in the Ingram sweepstakes. Yet, Snow doesn’t feel confident naming a leader at this point ($):

"For now, we wait, and there isn’t a ton of clarity. Stanford and Michigan continue to generate buzz, while North Carolina and Purdue also are right in it, and the decision is definitely coming soon."

While insiders may be cautious to name a leader, I am confident in saying that the Wolverines are in a great spot with Ingram. After missing out on Trevor Keels, coach Juwan Howard still wants to land a big fish in the 2021 class for Michigan basketball.

Ingram is a very unique prospect. He’s a big wing but he’s also a play maker and likes to have the ball in his hands. Juwan Howard has pitched the idea of Ingram being a point-forward type player for the Wolverines.

Contenders:

I believe this is a true three team race between Michigan, Stanford, and Purdue. I wouldn’t consider North Carolina a threat at all.

Purdue has been recruiting Ingram the longest but Stanford was considered the favorite for quite some time. As a matter of fact, Stanford currently holds the only crystal ball for Ingram. However, that was made way back on January 10th.

Michigan basketball made up serious ground over the late spring and summer months to put them in this three team race.

My Gut Feeling

Last week I predicted Michigan to land Ingram and I’m sticking to that. It’s no secret that Harrison Ingram values education. Just look at the schools involved (Stanford, Purdue, and Michigan).

I feel like Michigan offers the perfect balance of high academics while still giving Ingram a chance to compete for a national championship. He would also be joining an already great recruiting class that is ranked 5th nationally.

Michigan is losing Isaiah Livers and will likely lose Franz Wagner after this upcoming season, so Ingram would step on campus as a day one starter at one of the open wing spots.

If Ingram were to come to Michigan, he’d be the highest ranked recruit to come to Ann Arbor in either the John Beilein or Juwan Howard era.

Stay tuned for a possible commitment this week. We will have the latest on Ingram as we learn more. This could be a very special week for Juwan Howard and Michigan basketball.