Michigan Basketball: Gonzaga is among top threats for Jose Perez

Michigan basketball is one of the teams in the mix for West Virginia transfer Jose Perez but Gonzaga and others are in contact with him too. 

There’s no doubt that the Michigan basketball team could really use a scorer like Jose Perez and when he entered the transfer portal earlier this week, it felt like the perfect timing.

Perez sat out last season but has one year of eligibility left. He was the MAAC Player of the Year in 2021-22 and averaged 18.9 points per game.

The Wolverines need a guard that can be a high-usage scorer and Perez definitely has that ability. He’s also had multiple seasons with more than 100 assists — so he would also satisfy the need for a secondary playmaker.

There’s been a lot of confidence on the Michigan basketball side of things since Perez entered the portal. There haven’t been any crystal ball projections at this point, however, Davis Moseley, formerly of the Michigan Insider, told GBM Wolverine this about where Michigan stands:

“Michigan finds itself in a really nice spot for Jose Perez. They were one of the first teams to contact him when he entered the portal. From everything I’ve heard, I believe it’s safe to assume Michigan is the favorite to land the WVU transfer.”

Trilly Donovan reported that Michigan basketball is among the teams in contact with Perez the most along with Gonzaga, Cal, and Oregon.

Other threats for Jose Perez

The Zags are a team to worry about. Oregon too. However, this seems like a good fit for both sides and if you are Perez, you have to be looking at the professional development of the Wolverines over the past few years.

Kobe Bufkin, Caleb Houstan, Jett Howard, Moussa Diabate, Franz Wagner, and Isaiah Livers have all been drafted under Juwan Howard in the past few seasons. Perez could undoubtedly raise his profile and have the chance to play an important role.

I don’t see him scoring 18 points a game. However, he could be among top Michigan’s shot-takers and would get plenty of scoring opportunities. Moseley indicated some visits could be coming and then a decision and Michigan basketball fans just have to hope it works out.