Michigan Basketball: Confidence level is rising with DeVante Jones

Michigan basketball is one of four finalists for transfer guard DeVante Jones, who will decide Saturday. Here’s why the Wolverines have confidence. 

Juwan Howard is one hell of a recruiter and it appears like he may have sold another talented player on joining the Michigan basketball program.

That player is transfer guard DeVante Jones, who is clearly Michigan’s top target in the portal right now. U-M held a meeting with him via Zoom on Monday and apparently, things went well because there’s a ton of confidence about Jones to the Wolverines right now.

One day after meeting with Michigan basketball, Jones announced he had cut his list down to four teams: Michigan, Texas, Texas Tech, and Baylor. He also said he would be announcing his decision Saturday, although, in an interview with 247 sports’ Dushawn London, he said he made it already.

"“I made my choice based on where I can fit the system. I watched film on all the teams and there is a particular team that stood out for my style of play and I can’t unsee it. I feel like the only way it wouldn’t work if it was my fault. I couldn’t blame anyone, it would be my fault. Plus the fan base stood out. Coastal had a major fan base and it doubled them and they were amazing. Just the collective effort from the coaches, the fan base and just the whole university.”"

Jones talked to London about each of the finalists, however, he was gushing about Michigan and also revealed that even connected with Mike Smith to ask him about his experience at U-M.

"“I spoke with their guard/leader Mike Smith who’s leaving and he said great things. He was in the same situation as me coming in from a smaller school and he made a big impact. Also talking with the whole coaching staff having a great conversation. They showed me how I can help and how I can contribute right away.”"

The fact that Jones reached out to Smith is a real positive in my book. Jones is coming from Coastal Carolina and the Sun Belt. He was the Player of the Year in that league but it’s still different going to a league like the Big Ten.

But Jones also talked about the role he could play for Juwan and the Wolverines. While some have speculated what Jones’ role could be, it sounds like Howard told him he would be the point guard. Here’s more from his interview with 247:

"“It’s unbelievable at times thinking about how Juwan Howard wants me to be a part of his team.  I never thought a guy like Juwan Howard would want me at his school running his team. He told me he wants me to come in and run his team.”"

If those quotes aren’t even to convince you that Michigan is the favorite to land Jones, maybe the fact that he spends much less time talking about the other programs will.

Chris Balas of The Wolverine.com, said earlier this week that Jones was likely headed to Houston. However, that was before he met with Michigan and now, he reports (subscription required) there is a reason to “really like” Michigan’s chances.

And if you are reading all the tea leaves, it would be a surprise if Jones didn’t come to Michigan at this point.