Michigan Basketball could be making another huge addition for 2022-23

One day after adding Duke transfer Joey Baker, Michigan basketball is reportedly in the mix for another addition to the 2022-23 roster. 

Just when it seemed like Michigan basketball might have finalized its roster for the 2022-23 season, reports emerge that Juwan Howard has another possible addition up his sleeve.

UMHoops reported on Saturday that Michigan basketball is in serious pursuit of international combo forward Youssef Khayat. He’s reported to be in the 6-foot-9 range.

He’s from Lebanon but could potentially play the three or four for the Wolverines and he would be able to play next season. Here’s what Dylan Burkhardt of UMHoops wrote:

"“Michigan is fully entrenched in the recruitment of 6-foot-9 Youssef Khayat. Khayat is a Lebanese forward who plays for Limoges CSP’s U21 program, in one of the better youth leagues in Europe. He’s excelled with his club’s youth team – 17.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game — and has also played a featured role with Lebanon’s national team at the senior level. Khayat’s plan is to attend college in the United States and he’s expected to announce a top four list shortly. Expect Michigan, Xavier, DePaul, and Wake Forest to make the cut with a decision coming sooner than later.”"

Michigan should have a good shot

The international path is one that Michigan has used before, even under Juwan Howard with Franz Wagner being the most recent example. The Wolverines needed more talent on that roster (after Jordan Poole and Iggy went to the NBA) and U-M was able to add Franz late to the process and is now trying to do the same with Khayat, who also has NBA upside and could compete for a starting job right away.

It doesn’t sound like Khayat will get to make a visit to any school before he makes a decision, so it seems like Michigan’s success both on the court and in terms of sending prospects (like the Wagners) to the NBA as first-round picks would be in its favor.

If Khayat wants to play for a major program with a chance to win, as well as one that can help him get to the NBA, then Michigan basketball will be the easy choice.

And if Juwan can pull this off, it would be a major coup for the Wolverines who are desperately in need of a talented combo forward who has the potential to start in place of Moussa Diabate.