Another priority target in 2023 to visit Michigan Basketball

Michigan basketball is still looking for its first commitment in the 2023 recruiting class but top target Marvel Allen is now set for an official visit. 

The Wolverines appear to be the leader for Papa Kante, a fast-rising big man in the 2023 recruiting class, yet there was some positive news in another recruitment on Wednesday.

Michigan basketball needs a rim-protecting big man like Kante in the 2023 class and it also needs a guy who can play the two and Marvel Allen, a 6-foot-4 combo guard formerly committed to LSU certainly fits the bill.

Allen is going to transfer to Montverde Academy for his senior season of high school and that might not be a bad thing for Michigan as both Caleb Houstan and Zeb Jackson played there. It’s also top-notch for developing talent, although the loaded roster makes it hard for guys to get minutes at times.

That shouldn’t be an issue for Allen who is ranked 28th overall in the 2023 class by the 247 sports composite rankings and is the No. 6 combo guard, as well as ranking third in the state of Florida.

A wide-open recruiting battle

Earlier in his recruitment, Allen visited LSU, Georgia, and Georgetown. Obviously, two of those programs had coaching turnover (not Georgetown) and that led to the decommitment.

Michigan basketball jumped into the mix with an offer in late March and now in mid-June, Allen told Jamie Shaw of On3 that he’s going to take an official visit to U-M.

"“I am definitely visiting Michigan/ The vibe of a historic school, the Fab 5. And Juwan (Howard) was a part of that. The tradition is there. He has been in the league; he has that experience. He is a great guy off the court; it is more than basketball. His background knows what it takes to get to the next level.”"

Howard has shown an ability to get players to the NBA draft as Franz Wagner, Isaiah Livers, Caleb Houstan, and Moussa Diabate have all been drafted in the past two drafts.

Allen would also fill a need for the Wolverines in the backcourt. A point guard is always good but with a commitment in 2024 from Christian Anderson (No. 64 overall) and Dug McDaniel, a combo guard who could provide depth for both spots in 2023 would be ideal.

It’s likely Michigan basketball has three scholarships available for the 2023 class, however, it could be more or less as Joey Baker is the only player guaranteed to run out of eligibility.

Regardless of the numbers, Allen would be a take, and with Texas A&M and Florida State also in the mix, as well as Georgetown, this feels like a winnable recruitment.