Michigan Basketball: Another Jett Howard crystal ball prediction

Michigan basketball got another crystal ball prediction for Jett Howard on Sunday and it’s a big one from Sam Webb of the Michigan Insider.

As far as Michigan basketball‘s recruiting efforts in the class of 2022, things really start with four-star forward Jett Howard, who just happens to be the son of head coach Juwan Howard.

Jett is 6-foot-6, 180 pounds, and is currently listed as the No. 46 overall player in the 2022 class according to the 247 sports composite rankings.

But recently, Howard has shown more and more improvement, especially with his jump shot and ability to create for others, so much so that he was named Most Impressive on day one at the Circuit League. Here’s a breakdown from Brandon Jenkins of 247 sports:

"“Jett Howard had the most impressive player I seen on Friday. A supreme shooter with a strong frame and high motor, Howard separated himself with his intensity and efficiency on the floor. Expect his advances to continue to come his way as his combination of size, effort, and perimeter shooting was on full display.”"

Howard broke down his recruitment with Jenkins and in addition to Michigan basketball, the one program he mentioned was recruiting him the hardest was Tennessee according to 247 sports (subscription required).

Obviously, due to his father, Jett has long been considered a lock to attend Michigan, and Sam Webb, a top recruiting expert for The Michigan Insider, put in another crystal ball pick for Howard on Sunday with a confidence level of seven.

All of the crystal ball predictions and there are seven of them from 247 sports, are at a confidence level of six or higher.

It makes sense and it would be an absolute stunner if Howard didn’t end up in Ann Arbor. He’s an elite shooter and some even think he could become a five-star recruit in short order.

Another 5-star recruit talks Michigan basketball

While there is certainly going to be a spot for Howard if/when he decides to commit to the Wolverines, what about the other spots?

Depending on if guys like Caleb Houstan and Hunter Dickinson leave after next season, Michigan could have between three and five scholarships available.

Michigan is going to want at least one point guard and one big guy. That leaves at least one spot for another forward/wing/guard to go along with Howard and one candidate is five-star power forward AJ Casey.

Casey is 6-foot-8 and ranked as the No. 21 overall prospect in the 2022 class. He’s a skilled player out of Chicago, which gives him at least one connection to Howard, who has impressed Casey with his recruiting style. Here’s what he told 247 sports:

"“Coach Howard played in the NBA and he’s from Chicago. He knows what it takes to get there and it’s awesome to see someone who he did it from where I’m from, too.”"

Casey also plans to get out to Michigan for a visit, which should give the Wolverines a shot against teams like Ohio State, Gonzaga, and Kansas who are among the other favorites.

Things should start to take shape more once official visits open up and it will be interesting to see who Michigan prioritizes because it’s in it with a lot of recruits in 2022 right now.