3 Thoughts on Michigan Basketball landing 5-star Caleb Houstan

Michigan basketball got a commitment from five-star recruit Caleb Houstan Friday and here’s what it means for the Wolverines.

When juwan Howard was hired as Michigan basketball coach, many speculated that recruiting would be one of his strengths.

And while it may have taken longer than expected to land a five-star commitment, although he did get Isaiah Todd to commit before he left for the G-League, Howard finally landed his five-star prospect Friday as Caleb Houstan announced his commitment to the Wolverines.

Houstan isn’t just a five-star recruit, he’s one of the best shooters in the 2021 class and he’s ranked as the No. 8 overall prospect in the 247 composite rankings.

The Wolverines beat out other finalists such as Alabama, Duke and Virginia for his services, and now, with one spot left for the 2021 class, Michigan is ranked No. 1 overall in the 247 team rankings.

Some of that obviously has to do with the fact that Michigan is putting together a big recruiting class as Houstan is the Wolverines fifth commitment and they are still pushing hard for a center such as Efton Reid or Charles Bediako.

Whether or not they land those recruits, the 2021 class is turning out to be something special for Michigan basketball and that’s where we start with our thoughts on this commitment.

Michigan basketball is getting exactly what it needs out of 2021

There have been some disappointments along the way to be sure with this recruiting class, but there always are. Jalen Warley looked like a good bet for the Wolverines at one time, however, when that didn’t happen, Juwan rebounded quickly with the underrated Frankie Collins.

Collins is ranked 60th overall in the 247 composite rankings and he’s joined in the top 100 by Kobe Bufkin, a combo guard who ranks 65th. Isaiah Barnes and Will Tschetter are ranked a little lower, but Barnes is still a four-star recruit and Tschetter is No. 154, despite some insane production.

Outside of finding a rim-protecting center, Michigan has checked all the boxes this cycle and Houstan is the perfect addition, not only with his ability to shoot but also to add even more versatility in this class.

Imagine at some point a lineup with Tschetter at the four and Houstan at the three? Or one where Tschetter is playing center and Houstan is the four, that’d be awfully difficult to defend.

Plus, if you look at what Michigan will need heading into the 2021-22 season, following the expected departure of Franz Wagner, as well as the graduation of Isaiah Livers, the biggest need, outside of rim protection is shooting and Juwan just added one of the best shooters in the entire 2021 class, if not the best.

In his other four commitments, Howard has guys who can contribute and will likely spend 3-4 years playing in the Big Ten. That’s the foundation of the program. The key is surrounding those players with elite talents like Houstan.

Michigan has done that now and the roster turnover with the past two recruiting classes has really been extraordinary.