Michigan Basketball: 3 thoughts on commitment of PG Dug McDaniel

The announcement came pretty late on Thursday, but it’s good news all the same as Dug McDaniel has committed to Michigan basketball. 

When Dug McDaniel took his official visit to Ann Arbor this week, it felt like there was a chance that we could finally get some clarity on Michigan basketball‘s point guard recruiting in 2022.

And that notion proved to be correct as McDaniel pulled the trigger on his commitment to Michigan basketball according to what he told Tipton Edits last night. It’s now been confirmed by multiple outlets, giving Juwan Howard his first pledge of the 2022 class.

McDaniel is listed at 5-foot-9 according to his 247 sports profile and he’s ranked 83rd in the 247 composite rankings for 2022. But he’s 52nd in 247’s own rankings and 75th according to Rivals.

Out of Fairfax, Virginia, McDaniel has ties to both Hunter Dickinson and Terrance Williams from their time together on Team Takeover. He also plays for an elite high school program and here’s a look at his scouting report from Rivals:

"“McDaniel is, simply put, a winner. He is an excellent passer and a dogged competitor. Always talking and playing with intensity, McDaniel leaves it out on the floor every play. The rising senior is set to take a visit to Michigan for the first week in June, he likens his play style to former Wolverine PG, Mike Smith.”"

Before we take a look at what McDaniel will bring to Michigan basketball, here’s why he chose the Wolverines according to what he told SI.com:

"“Michigan felt like home. You’ve got the two DMV guys on the team, and they’re always giving great advice about the program. The staff was so welcoming, and the bond was natural.”"

McDaniel also talked about Juwan Howard’s reaction to Dug’s commitment (via Sports Illustrated): “He just yelled, ‘Let’s goooo!’ right in the middle of the Crisler Center!”

Let’s get into why Juwan is so excited.

Dug is an ideal fit

McDaniel isn’t the biggest guard in the world and that’s the one thing you worry about. However, he’s lightning-quick and a better scorer than given credit for. During his high school season, he averaged 20 points and 10 assists and has been scoring 19 a game with Team Takeover.

When you watch his highlights, you can see how well he will translate in the ball-screen heavy offense Juwan has run during his first two seasons, and with tons of high-level talent around McDaniel, he should thrive.

While his ability to run the point and create for others is probably going to be his best contribution, he shot 36 percent from 3-point range during his high school season and that’s on six 3-point attempts per game, including a bunch of pull-ups.

So don’t think McDaniel can’t score. The comparison to Mike Smith is natural and makes sense, yet let’s not discount McDaniel, who has played really well against elite competition.

It’s hard not to love the fit and here’s another reason why his commitment is so important.