Michigan Basketball: More optimism about Efton Reid, Harrison Ingram

In a pair of five-star recruitments, Harrison Ingram and Efton Reid, there are some positive signs for Michigan basketball.

Michigan basketball is off to a really good start when it comes to the Wolverines 2021 recruiting class, but it could get even better.

So far, the Wolverines have landed commitments from Frankie Collins, Kobe Bufkin, Will Tschetter and Isaiah Barnes, four guys who are basically rank in the top 150 across the board.

Now, Juwan Howard and company have their sights set on a pair of five-star recruits. One of them is Harrison Ingram, a forward with all kinds of ability.

Things have been trending in the right direction, as our Wolverine Corner covered earlier this week and it sounds like a decision is coming soon.

Yesterday, Ingram posted on his Instagram account that big news was coming soon. Of course, that could always be referring to him releasing a decision date, but according to Chris Balas of Rivals ($) a decision is expected soon:

"“Harrison Ingram is expected to decide this week between Stanford, Michigan. Anyone saying they know where he’s going … well, they don’t. Stanford has been the constant here, with Purdue right behind and Michigan a later revival. Regardless what happens, head coach Juwan Howard has done an unbelievable job recruiting him.”"

Yet, Brian Snow of 247 sports ($) also posted that a decision could be a little longer.

"“After checking with some sources, it sounds like Ingram might actually be waiting another week, or longer, before he issues a final call.”"

Neither Balas or Snow pegged Michigan basketball as the favorite in this race, but it’s clear that the Wolverines are right in the thick of it. Whenever a decision comes, they will be right there.

It’s also clear that Ingram really is going back and forth on this decision. But, Balas dropped this note which should be encouraging to Michigan basketball fans:

"“One of our analysts on the ground who spent time with Ingram said last week, “Michigan might have a slight, slight lead … but the kid is really stressed.”"

A lead doesn’t mean much in recruiting, but I’ll take it.

A little more on Efton Reid

Another top target for the Wolverines in the 2021 class is five-star center Efton Reid. Like Ingram, Reid would fill a big need. He’s a rim protector and the Wolverines will need depth at center.

The 6-foot-11 recruit plays at the IMG Academy with Jett Howard and the Wolverines have done a really solid job recruiting him.

Snow had an interesting update ($) on that front too, saying that Virginia, once thought be a leading contender for Reid was no longer in the mix.

"“Virginia appears to have significantly fallen off with Reid. The two schools you hear most often here are Michigan and Ohio State. Both the Wolverines and the Buckeyes have been involved with Reid for a while, and each has the need to add an established big in this class.”"

Snow also mentioned LSU, Georgetown and Pittsburgh as other schools in the mix for Reid, who is the No. 22 prospect in 2021 according to the 247 composite rankings.

It sounds like Reid is content to slow play things, so other programs could obviously get involved, but if this becomes a battle between Michigan and the other schools listed, U-M should prevail.