Ignoring the callings from any other program, former Cincinnati Bearcats center Moustapha Thiam just committed to none other than the defending National Champions, the Michigan Wolverines.
Thiam, a 7-foot-2 and 250-pound big man from Senegal, just wrapped up his sophomore season for the Bearcats and flew back into the transfer portal after averaging 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 0.5 assists per game.
Now, answering the call from the Wolverines and head coach Dusty May, Thiam is headed to Ann Arbor, choosing Michigan over a slew of other powerhouse programs pursuing his commitment.
Moustapha Thiam's commitment fulfills Michigan's big-man need
The Wolverines were on the hunt for a big man to replace the likes of Aday Mara and Yaxel Lendeborg, both of whom are headed to the 2026 NBA Draft after their National Championship run with Michigan. Thiam perfectly fits the bill and is a near carbon copy of Mara's build.
Thiam wasn't the only big man that May had his eyes on; he was also targeting former Arizona State center Massamba Diop from the portal.
However, with an additional year of experience, an extra inch, and a handful of pounds to his name, Thiam is the ideal fit for the Wolverines' frontcourt.
Cincinnati's 7-foot-2 center Moustapha Thiam has committed to play for the reigning NCAA champion Michigan Wolverines, he tells ESPN. Thiam averaged 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks last season and serves as a major transfer portal pickup for coach Dusty May.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 24, 2026
May isn't necessarily done with his recruiting efforts from the portal; however, also heavily pursuing former Wake Forest wing Juke Harris, as well as being fresh off a commitment from former LSU guard Jalen Reed.
While May is as busy as possible on the recruiting trail, there was one last piece he is working on from his current team: Morez Johnson Jr., who declared for the 2026 NBA Draft just moments before Michigan received the commitment from Thiam.
No matter what, the addition of Thiam to Michigan's roster is a massive (literally) step in the right direction for the Wolverines' journey to back-to-back National Championships.
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