With only three true guards on the roster heading into the 2022-23 season, the staff will likely look to add an instant impact type from the portal should a scholarship open up due to attrition via early-entry/transfer.

But given Michigan's academic constraints with respect to transfers that have yet to graduate from their prior institution, an incoming transfer would likely be a single season remedy. Accounting for that, traditional HS prospects will be pursued to fill-out the 2023-24 roster. 

Let's take a look at some of the early HS prospects the staff has eyes on heading into the live evaluation period this weekend. 

 

Isaiah Collier (Marietta Wheeler HS/Nike Skill Factory AAU)

Height/Weight: Listed height in the 6'2 - 6'4 range, with listed weight ranging between 170 - 205. Eye test says he's probably a legit 6'2 and 190-195.

Mainstream Ranking: 5-star/top 10-25 prospect overall

EM Ranking/Evaluation: Although I have yet to see Collier live, the poor man's Jrue Holiday similarities immediately pop out. Above average positional size, a chiseled frame, tons of strength and good athleticism. It doesn't stop with the physical comps though, as Isaiah has the look of an elite playmaker for others with outstanding spatial awareness and passing acumen. He consistently manipulates the defense before dropping precision dimes for teammates. He's also an excellent finisher for a guard, which isn't surprising given that his physique + athleticism allows him to absorb contact and maintain balance. As a shooter, he displays flashes of hitting pull-ups from distance, but the mechanics definitely have some unnecessary motion. Without the benefit of seeing him in multiple games, I'd lean toward Collier being an average shooter at this point. In sum, Isaiah has the highest floor of the four prospects. Has the look of a kid that could step in as a freshman and be a rotational player based on his college-ready frame + playmaking + finishing ability. 

Recruitment: Offer reported in early March. Heavy SEC/ACC flavor early on, with offers from Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, UNC, NC State, Florida State, Louisville, Florida among many others. That pictures gives a certain vibe, but he also visited Cincinnati in early February so this recruitment may be viable. Although Michigan didn't make a way-too-early top seven, Collier says he's still been in contact with the staff and continues to be wide-open in his recruitment. 

 

Aden Holloway (La Lumiere HS/Nike Team CP3 AAU)

Height/Weight: Listed at 6' - 6'1 and the 155-170 range. 6'0 and 165 looks about right. 

Mainstream Ranking: 4-star/30-80 overall.

EM Ranking/Evaluation: Projects to have the impact of top 40-60 level prospect. Very good shooter that consistently connects on triples off the catch with NBA range. Also hits threes off movement via screens + relocations while being a pull-up threat from both distance and midrange. Above-average/good ballhandler that can change direction/speed with a live dribble but not the shiftiest prospect you'll find. Good finisher given his limited size/athleticism, as he has good body control in the air and is adept with off-hand layups. But there is some concern as to whether that is translatable. Much more of a scorer than playmaker for others with La Lumiere, but perhaps that is a product of playing with a non-shooter in MSU commit Jeremy Fears? Holloway is an average athlete that is undersized + lacks length if he's a shooting guard. Defensively, he doesn't project to be more than adequate given the lack of agility and sheer size, particularly if he's tasked with checking opposing shooting guards. That is the million dollar question heading into the weekend - is Aden a PG or SG? His value increases if he proves to be a good shot-creator for others. 

Recruitment: Offered last week. Other offers include Arizona State, Creighton, Cincinnati, Auburn, Notre Dame and Syracuse among others. Will likely blow-up if he's a legit playmaker for others on the AAU scene.

[Hit THE JUMP for a few more new names on the board]

 

Marvel Allen (Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian HS/Nike Skill Factory AAU)

Height/Weight: 6'4/195 (listed measurements), most likely a legit 6'2 - 6'3 and 185-190

Mainstream Ranking: top-20 prospect overall to both the 247 + On3 composite rankings. 

EM Ranking/Evaluation: Projected impact more closely resembles that of a 35-70 range prospect. More scorer than shooter that excels as a volume on-ball type that creates his own offense. College ready frame + solid positional size coupled with good athleticism allow him to finish through contact and absorb defenders attempting to bump him off his spots when penetrating to the rim. Above-average jumpshooter capable of hitting pull-ups from midrange, and from distance at times. Doesn't play off-ball much, so hard to measure his effectiveness as a floor-spacing shooter. Not a great playmaker for others at this stage of development. Probably a high-floor player at the college level due to size + frame/scoring ability.

Recruitment: There are some connections here, as Allen attends the same HS as 2022 signee Greg Glenn. On the other hand, Marvel was committed to LSU prior to Will Wade's termination. Those two factors in tandem make this a unique recruitment from a Michigan perspective, although one that is intriguing. There will be no shortage of suitors for Allen throughout the Summer. 

 

R.J. Jones (Dallas John Paul II HS/Nike Drive Nation AAU)

Height/Weight: Listed at 6'2-6'3/175-180 and that sounds right based on my eye test in Dallas a few week back.

Mainstream Ranking: 4-star/40-75 overall

EM Ranking/Evaluation: Agree with the mainstream rankings, but would probably have him a bit higher at 35-60. From the body type to the shotmaking ability + shooting mechanics (genu valgum in the knees), Jones definitely reminded me a bit of former MSU standout Cassius Winston. Jones is an excellent shooter as a traditional floor-spacer and hitting pull-up jumpers off the dribble. While he didn't play on-ball much, I was impressed with RJ as a playmaker for others in his limited stints playing PG for Drive Nation. He definitely has some shiftiness off the bounce and changes directions easily with a live dribble. He's doesn't have a ton of acceleration, but he does have solid verticality in run + jump scenarios. Projects as a good multi-year college player that can excel as an on-ball playmaker or a catch + shoot floor-spacer that is compatible with any lineup combination. 

Recruitment: Resides in Texas, but grew up in Florida until recently and Dad is originally from Benton Harbor. High academic student with 3.5+ GPA. Texas A&M and Cal are the two schools pursuing him the hardest right now. I'd expect a lot of new suitors over the Summer. This one seems to check all the boxes from a Michigan perspective both on the court and culturally. Would like to see this recruitment gets serious if the scholarship situation permits.