Michigan Basketball: 3 thoughts on commitment of Jett Howard

The perfect marriage of need, fit, and talent

Juwan Howard picked up college basketball recruiting very quickly. Probably because he was an elite prospect during his time as a player and he also has a very good staff of assistants.

But really Michigan basketball went into class needing a player at nearly every position and the Wolverines filled their needs without sacrificing talent.

Dug McDaniel has his detractors, but Juwan has known him for a long time and Dug is going to be a great fit. The same can be said about Gregg Glenn. His game isn’t perfect but you can’t recruit a team of one-and-done prospects.

Juwan is familiar with these guys and counting on himself to get the most out of them. But, they aren’t the focal points of the class. Jett Howard and Reed are. Those are the two most likely to be playing in the NBA and will help fill the biggest holes on the roster when the 2022-23 season rolls around.

Caleb Houstan is likely to be in the NBA by then, which will leave a gaping hole at the three, which Jett will be able to fill, just as Houstan is taking Wagner’s old spot.

Reed will be stepping and vying for Dickinson’s old center spot unless the 7-footer decides to return to Michigan for another season. So U-M filled its two biggest needs with its two most talented recruits.

Dug will be next in line at point guard after Frankie Collins and Glenn is someone who can find minutes at the three and the four and if his perimeter shot gets more consistent, he could be a steal, meaning this is just an all-around solid class — one that could get better.

With that in mind, here’s a look at next year’s projected roster, as well as what’s left for the 2022 class.