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This recruiting update serves as a mere appetizer to Brian's forthcoming column of Michigan's drubbing of Wisconsin last night, where the Wolverines held a forty(!) point lead midway through the second half. But what an appetizer it is, with Frankie Collins making a statement on the big stage, Caleb Houstan looking college-ready(!!) and the number one recruiting class in America moving up(!!!) the rankings.

Collins Takes on Bates

All eyes were on Frankie Collins as his Air Nado squad took on #1 overall prospect Emoni Bates and Ypsi Prep on Sunday night in Dallas. With '21 offer Jaden Hardy opting out of the season, this was an opportunity to see what Collins looked like as the undisputed number one option on the team, and he did not disappoint.

Frankie carved up the Ypsi Prep defense early in the first quarter, forcing several fouls and compelling YP to opt for a zone defense to preclude Collins' dribble penetration. The future Michigan PG was relatively quiet for the remainder of the first half before going bonkers in the second stanza, finishing with a game-high 28 points while dishing out 6 assists and nearly leading Air Nado to a come-from-behind victory.

In a game featuring the aforementioned Bates and no less than six more high-major prospects on the court at all times, Collins was the best player on the court by a fairly wide margin. He was electric in the open court, converting at the rim with explosion and sudden euro-steps, but his shot creating ability in half-court settings is what popped out from an evaluation perspective. Frankie was superb at navigating through traffic, collapsing the YP defense and finding teammates on dumpoffs and kickouts. His six assists don't do his playmaking justice. 

Collins is going to be physically ready to compete for playing time the day he sets foot on campus in Ann Arbor. His athleticism and playmaking ability for others means that he may crack the rotation early on, and depending on the status of Smith or potential transfers, may even find himself as a guy that plays more than 10 minutes a game as a freshman. While his jumper remains an area for improvement, you simply don't find may players with Frankie's level of spatial awareness and passing. 

[Hit THE JUMP for new film on Caleb Houstan, updated rankings and 2021 tidbits]

I made the trip to Phoenix over the weekend with 4-star commit Frankie Collins and the majority of Michigan targets participating in the inaugural Border League. This event brought together several powerhouse teams from the West Coast, along with IMG Academy (FL), which features 2022 Jett Howard and several offered prospects.  

The first in a three-part series divvied up by position group, today’s piece will examine the bigs with new film, evaluation and the latest on Michigan’s involvement. Tuesday we touched on Frankie Collins and the guards here, while yesterday focused on Jett Howard and the wings. 

Moussa Diabate Makes A Statement

Competition Level: 2021 Pepperdine commit Carson Basham (Sunnyslope HS) and 2021 Providence commit Legend Geeter (Coronado HS) 

Stock Status: Up

Evaluation: When I last viewed 2021 Moussa Diabate at the DC Hoopfest in December 2019, he was essentially a 5-star athlete with a good motor. Fast forward nearly a year and he’s made significant strides with his skillset that make him one of the very best prospects in America.  

Diabate was the best big at the event, which included #1 overall Chet Holmgren (more below) and 5star Oregon commit Nate Bittle. As I mentioned above, he displayed outstanding athleticism with a great physical profile. He measured in at 6.8’5 with a 7’1 wingspan…as a freshman at the 2018 Nike Elite 100. He’s likely in the 6’10 range now and around 200 pounds. Moussa moves extremely well laterally, and was comfortable switching on the perimeter to defend guards for a few dribbles. His size, length and athleticism all stood out as he high-pointed rebounds in traffic. Diabate blocked shots as a helpside rim protector and closing out on shooters as well.

While his natural physical gifts are unquestionably great, the improved perimeter skill from Moussa had everyone buzzing. Diabate looked really good shooting the ball from the perimeter, knocking down multiple triples with good elevation and nice form. The biggest development was undoubtedly his ability to create shots off the bounce from the wing. The play starting at roughly the :12 second mark is absolutely insane for a 6’10 HS prospect. Moussa blows-by 2022 AJ Storr (Offers from Virginia Tech, Ole Miss and a multiple mid-majors), attacks the paint and delivers a precision shovel pass to a teammate in a tight window while being surrounded by 4 defenders. His passing/playmaking was approaching guard level off the bounce and in stationary positions all weekend long. 

Diabate still put his superior athleticism to good use. On the first possession in the clip above, he absolutely blew by a defender from the wing before hammering down an impressive dunk. He also caught lobs and finished in traffic on dumpoffs and rebounds. His hands are great as well, as he caught everything tossed his way in traffic or not. A play that really stood out to me that may not necessarily mean anything to the casual eye commenced at the :48 second mark. 2022 Jaden Bradley delivers the ball to a sprinting Moussa, who catches the ball just inside the free throw line with a defender waiting to take a charge. He changes direction on the drop of a dime, avoids the offensive foul and lays the ball in with soft touch. That level of body control and quick twitch ability in tight spaces is what makes him a special prospect because it cannot be taught. 

There is no question in my mind that Diabate is very undervalued by the mainstreams at #20 by 247 and #29 by Rivals. He’s a no-brainer 5-star that should be a top 10ish prospect. Moussa is my number one choice for a big in 2021, over Holmgren, Reid and Bediako. He’s the prototype big in modern basketball that can play either the PF or C position and is compatible with any lineup combination. He’s going to be an instant impact player at the collegiate level and will likely be in the NBA sooner rather than later. 

Recruitment: one of the quietest recruitments you’ll ever see from a prospect of this caliber. Diabate doesn’t talk at all, and Eric Bossi of 247 essentially admitted yesterday that nobody knows anything here. Jett Howard is obviously his HS teammate and I suspect Michigan will hang around until the end here. Although I have no inside information, my gut tells me the G League will pursue Moussa. 

[After THE JUMP: Chet Holmgren, the latest on Efton Reid/Charles Bediako and a 2022 big to pursue]

Michigan secured a second 2021 pledge on Monday when 3star big Will Tschetter announced a commitment. Full analysis, film and projection in the Hello Post. In addition to adding Tschetter, the Wolverines made the first cut for another 5star and may very well end up with a third commitment in as many weeks.

Kobe Bufkin Set to Announce Friday

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— Kobe Bufkin (@kb33zy_04) July 7, 2020

4star wing Kobe Bufkin announced a final 5 yesterday of Michigan, DePaul, LSU, Ohio State and Michigan State.

I’ve been ahead of the curve on this recruitment since the beginning and Michigan is in strong position here. Despite inclusion within the aforementioned final 5, Michigan State is not a factor here and hasn’t been. Ohio State came in late and wasn’t able to make up enough ground. DePaul and LSU are the other serious options, with DePaul having the longest relationship and LSU making a strong push recently.

I’m not into guarantees and gut feelings (see one Josh Christopher), but barring a last-minute change of heart, I fully expect Kobe Bufkin to announce for Michigan on Friday. I’ve confirmed with multiple sources that are very close to the situation.

[After THE JUMP: This week’s edition of we want 5-stars!]