Tray Jackson will be a pivotal piece for Michigan basketball

After another transfer portal miss for Michigan basketball, it’s becoming clear that players on the current roster will need to step up such as Tray Jackson. 

Michigan basketball fans had hope that the Wolverines were going to be able to add a talented wing from the transfer portal, even after the departure of Caleb Love.

However, those hopes are dwindling. Jose Perez, a guard that entered the transfer portal from West Virginia, announced on Friday that he’s heading back to West Virginia, which makes me think there was some sort of NIL deal involved.

The Wolverines were supposed to host him for an official visit prior to him pulling out of the portal. Marcus Adams, a 2023 wing that just got released from a letter of intent with Kansas, is also off the market to Gonzaga.

That leaves the pickings pretty slim for Michigan basketball, which is still two scholarships short of the 13-man limit. I’m starting to think the Wolverines won’t fill those spots.

I talked about the role that Nimari Burnett could have earlier this week and if Michigan basketball doesn’t add more guards, he’ll have to play a lot of minutes and be effective.

The same can be said for Tray Jackson, the 6-foot-9 wing/foward from Seton Hall. Jackson started 12 games in two seasons for the Pirates. He also shot 38 percent from 3-point range and averaged 15.9 minutes per game.

Jackson is from the state of Michigan and while he’s not talked about a ton, he could have a key role to play for the Wolverines this season. I don’t think it’s that far-fetched to think he might start.

Tray Jackson is a key piece for Michigan basketball

Jackson is long and athletic. He can also defend. His defensive numbers in terms of points per possession allowed are solid at 99.4 which means teams average less than a point per possession (per 40 minutes) when he’s on the floor. He’s 6-foot-9 but has guarded centers and can switch ball screens.

It sounds like Howard has recruited Jackson to play on the wing according to a recent interview with WTKA (via On3.com). He would be a bigger wing but if he can defend and make 3-pointers, that will be a valuable addition.

Youssef Khayat and Jackson might battle it out for the starting job at the three along with Terrence Williams. However, the Wolverines could use a solid 20-25 minutes per night from Jackson.

Jackson made 1.1 3-pointers per game during the 2021-22 season and that’s what the Wolverines need from him. They also need help on the wing, especially with the defense he can provide.

Asking Jackson to play over 30 minutes a night feels like too much. But a solid 20-25 as a starter or early player off the bench seems reasonable and if Jackson can achieve that, his addition will be one of the best moves of the offseason for Juwan Howard.