Michigan Basketball: Evaluating possible transfer Chance Westry for Wolverines

Michigan basketball has been in contact with several players in the transfer portal and Auburn guard Chance Westry in the latest. 

Things are picking up when it comes to the college basketball transfer portal and that’s true of Michigan basketball, which has started to reach out to players in the portal.

Michigan basketball actually held a Zoom call with former Wofford power forward B.J. Mack last week and also performed an in-home visit. There is hope that after the Final Four, Mack will take a visit to Ann Arbor.

The 6-foot-8 power forward would be a great addition to the Wolverines, but they aren’t the only program after him. Michigan is also looking for help in the backcourt. The Wolverines know they need to upgrade their shooting and unfortunately, they may need to replace Kobe Bufkin.

We already know that Jett Howard is going to the NBA draft. I don’t know that he’s hired an agent yet but there’s no question that he’s going to be playing pro ball next season.

Bufkin could be doing the same. He was getting projected as a first-round pick by the end of the season. If Michigan is able to get Bufkin and Hunter Dickinson back, then this team could have a chance to contend in the Big Ten next season.

But if those guys both leave, the Wolverines are going to have some work to do and that’s why it starts now with the transfer portal.

Another name to know for Michigan basketball fans

In terms of guards, another name has popped up for Michigan basketball and that’s former Auburn guard Chance Westry, a member of the 2022 class that got hurt this past season for the Tigers.

What’s interesting is that Bruce Pearl said over the summer, that Westry was one of Auburn’s best guards. He also thinks the future is bright. Here’s what he told 247 sports.

"“Chance is going to be really good,” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl recently said, via Auburn Undercover. “This summer he was one of our best guards, if not even maybe close to being our best guard, and then he got hurt. We tried to get him back from that injury, but he wasn’t the same, and he wasn’t quite ready.”"

Westry is a 6-foot-6 combo guard that was ranked 39th overall in the 247 sports composite rankings. He was actually ranked as the No. 12 small forward.

In terms of position, Westry could probably play the two or the three for Michigan basketball and that’s why I like his potential addition. He’s a guy that could play alongside Bufkin. He would be a nice defensive presence and was a decent 3-point shooter as a recruit.

The freshman only averaged nine minutes a game in 11 outings and his numbers aren’t that different from when Bufkin was a freshman. An injury limited Westry and he was shut down in order to be able to try and apply for a medical redshirt.

However, he’s healthy now and he would be a great addition to the Wolverines. Here’s his scouting report coming out of high school from 247 sports:

"“A long 6-6 for a multi-positional perimeter player. Has a very slender build and needs to add mass and strength. Has wiggle to his game and body control. Has quick feet and is quick off the floor but is not a high riser nor an explosive athlete in traffic. Is currently a mid-30 percent type three-point shooter. Expected to develop as a shooter. Does not shy away from the big shot. Is crafty in the mid-range as a scorer and a passer. Also has potential as a mismatch post-up player. Doesn’t have a tight handle but can attack either direction and is adept at changing pace and direction. Actually is the most effective driving left. Has a feel for creating separation. Has point guard-type vision while attacking. Delivers a timely and accurate pass. Can pursue a rebound but most get stronger to be able to grind out rebounds. Has instincts on defense and is a disruptor. Can guard multiple positions and has quick hands.”"

Westry is obviously going to be raw but the Wolverines need talented players. He’s also a guy who can handle the ball, create shots for others, attack the rim and cause some havoc on defense.

While he only shot 31 percent with Auburn and didn’t connect on any 3-pointers, it’s hard to judge too critically in limited minutes and he definitely showed potential. Michigan was able to unlock Bufkin’s potential last season, I wonder what it could do with Westry?