During the last two recruiting cycles, Juwan Howard's affinity for wing type prospects is becoming increasingly clear. He covets a certain type of player that generally goes 6'6+, has plus athleticism and a physically developed frame. That profile has bore out in terms of 2022 offers, with the Wolverines offering six prospects that fit the aforementioned criteria. 

Michigan will take a maximum of two wing/forward types, and the commitment race is starting to heat up with visits being scheduled. Let's take a look at where we stand.

 

The In-State Option

Top-70 forward Ty Rodgers has locked-in an official visit to Ann Arbor next week when he will hit campus on June 1st. Having seen Rodgers frequently over the years, he certainly fits the mold of what Juwan Howard is looking for in terms of playstyle and Ty concurred with that assessment yesterday in this 247 article:

“I feel like what he's doing with the team is amazing. They're not selfish. I feel like that's why they fit my game a lot. They move the ball and they're real aggressive on defense. Where I'm from, that's kind of what we harp on.”

While Michigan is absolutely a serious player here, the Wolverines will have to fend off some competition. Michigan State has family ties with Ty and is increasing their pursuit as of late. Per the same 247 piece, Rodgers will also visit UConn and Purdue in June, with tentative plans to trim his list of suitors toward the end of Summer.

“I don't. I'm going to see how this summer goes. Probably after Peach Jam, around the August area I'll probably come out with a list and start to narrow it down. Really just whatever coaching staff can help me get to the league and stay in the league, to really dominate in the league. That's what it all comes down to, really.”

Rodgers is a high-level defender that projects best as a transition scorer and face-up forward on offense that generates extra possessions on the offensive glass. While he may not be the most skilled wing option, he definitely fits the brand of basketball that Michigan wants to play under Juwan Howard in terms of relentless defense, physicality and superior athleticism. 

Ty waiting until late Summer is good for Michigan. It allows Coach Howard to measure where he stands elsewhere and if one of the more coveted options wants to commit, it will expedite the decision-making process of Rodgers. In any event, this has the feel of a recruitment that may very well end in Michigan's favor if Juwan Howard goes all in. 

[After THE JUMP: The rest of the stable including Walker, Glenn, Casey, Smith and Whitmore]

Twists and Turns

5-star Jarace Walker listed Michigan as one of three programs tentatively scheduled to get a visit in late April. Fast-forward a month and the IMG Academy standout failed to mention the Wolverines as one of the programs recruiting him the hardest. 

I spoke to Jarace in Scranton during early May and Michigan was a school he mentioned as seriously in the mix, but I'd be lying to claim I have a firm grip on his recruitment. To be candid, I don't know that anyone does exclusive of Walker/his family.

Reliable information concerning this recruitment has been nearly impossible to come by and Jarace has played things extremely close to the vest. That said, this has the feel of a prospect that is exploring professional options or reclassification if history recent history is any indication. In any event, this doesn't appear to be one where the coaching staff is banking on Walker ending up in the class, despite him being the best option for the position. 

 

Family Ties

Top-80 wing Gregg Glenn is a close friend of the Howard family and Glenn didn't hide that fact in a piece with Rivals last week. 

“It all started when I first started playing basketball. We’ve been close like family ever since then. He’s just got a great personality, really cares for others. We talk here and here, not just about recruiting but basketball and life.”

Gregg was once thought to be biggest lock in the 2022 class exclusive of good friend Jett Howard, but as time has passed, that sentiment is no longer prevalent. Even with tempered expectations, it should be clear that Michigan is near the top of the list for the Miami-area native. I've heard rumors, distinct from reliable information/sources, that Glenn + Jett are potentially holding a joint announcement concerning their college destination. Using deductive logic, if those rumors are indeed true, it seems the Wolverines may secure Gregg in the coming months. 

 

The Chicago Connection

 

Nothing new on the AJ Casey front. The 5-star wing/forward is intent on taking a visit to Ann Arbor during June, although a date has yet to be confirmed. Casey has given glowing remarks concerning Michigan, and Juwan Howard in particular, so I'm inclined to think an OV will occur at some point soon.

AJ is firmly in the second tier of my wing board. With outstanding athleticism, a burgeoning perimeter stroke and outstanding upside, I'd love to have him part of the class assuming Jarace Walker isn't realistic.

 

Smith Pondering Visit

4-star wing Colin Smith told me in March he wasn't planning on taking an OV to Michigan given that he'd already been on campus for three unofficial visits. He recently informed me that he may very well take an official trip to Ann Arbor along with Vanderbilt, North Carolina, Kansas, Illinois and Arkansas with Oregon recently entering the mix as well.

As a reminder, Smith's sister plays volleyball at Stanford and former HS/AAU teammate Harrison Ingram will be a freshman there next season. The interest here is definitely mutual and legit, but the coaching staff is well aware of the Stanford connections.

 

Plan B

I got another look at Cam Whitmore in Hampton last weekend. While he was in foul trouble both games I took in, he once again impressed me. My last report from early May was really intrigued by his passing/playmaking ability as a secondary creator in both the half-court and transition and my hunch was confirmed.

Whitmore was outstanding collapsing the defense with dribble penetration and hitting teammates with kickouts for assists. The pass at the :18 second mark in the clip above requires some serious spatial awareness, skill, athleticism and touch. He's a 95th+ percentile athlete that is criminally undervalued to the mainstreams that have him hovering around the 100 range. He will be a top-50 type for me at worst. 

Some heavy-hitters are now entering the mix, as Illinois offered this week and Cam tells me North Carolina and Villanova started to show interest over the last two weeks. He has an official visit to Maryland on June 4th as well. Michigan has continued to express interest, but he's firmly a Plan B until an offer is extended. 

Whitmore is absolutely my preferred get at the wing position exclusive of Jarace Walker. He's the best athlete of the non-Walker group (and to be candid, he may be a better athlete than Walker), has a rapidly developing jumpshot and is a good passer/playmaker. That said, it seems like we're holding a spot for Glenn for a few months, so traction here may not come for a bit.