With Hunter Dickinson back for his junior season, the need for a portal big in 2022-23 becomes much less pressing even with the departure of Moussa Diabate.

Still, it is difficult to imagine a situation where Michigan doesn't add an additional big from the high school ranks for the 2023-24 season, as Dickinson will presumably bolt for the professional path if viable. If that scenario comes to fruition, 2022 signee Tarris Reed would be the only true scholarship center on the roster. Let's take a look at the board heading into the upcoming HS live evaluation periods over the next two weekends.

Papa Kante

Height/Weight: Listed at 6'10 and 225 pounds. Probably closer to a legit 6'8.5 - 6'9 and 215 - 220lbs.

High School/AAU: South Kent School (CT)/Nike EYBL New York Renaissance (NY)

Mainstream Ranking: 4-star/80 - 140 Overall

EM Ranking/Evaluation: Projects to have the impact of a 70 - 100 level prospect based on what I've viewed live so far. Superb defender with good agility and length that is switchable on the perimeter. Should be ready to contribute defensively from the day he steps foot on a college campus based on his defensive instincts in tandem with the size + movement. 

Offense was essentially limited to offensive putbacks and finishing dumpoffs created by guards during my evaluation. Recently showing flashes of perimeter shotmaking from distance in camp settings. Interested to see how he looks with South Kent in a HS setting. 

Recruitment: I feel good about Michigan's standing heading into Papa's official visit to Ann Arbor starting tomorrow. Of all the coaches recruiting him, Kante has the best relationship with Juwan Howard. Maryland is also a player here, as the big man will take an OV to College Park starting June 20th, with plans to see Pitt as well. Visits are a critical part of the recruiting process, but as of now the Wolverines are likely the leader in this recruitment. 

 

Zayden High

Height/Weight: Listed at 6'7-6'9/185-225. He's a legit 6'8-6'9 and 210 pounds at minimum.

High School/AAU: San Antonio Smithson Valley HS (TX)/Nike EYBL JL3 Elite (TX)

Mainstream Ranking: Now a top-50 overall prospect to both ESPN and 247

EM Ranking/Evaluation: Projected impact resembles that of a top-50 prospect. Potent perimeter shotmaker off the catch or the bounce. Good playmaker/secondary shot-creator for a big with good ball-skills. Not a great athlete, so struggles to finish at the rim in traffic based on lack of lift/twitchiness. Does a good job of protecting the rim at this level, but probably more of a secondary rim protector at the college level based on his size/length/athleticism. Projects to be a good, multi-year college player that can play the PF or C spot based on matchup. 

Recruitment: High is on a meteoric rise since calling him my 2022 version of Kyle Filipowski two months ago. A plethora of upper-tier programs in every conference have offered, but the bluebloods have yet to extend a scholarship, though UNC is poking around. I tend to be conservative with my recruiting projections, and High's transfer to Arizona Compass Prep for his senior season decreased my confidence in a marriage between Zayden and the Wolverines. That said, the skilled big says he intends to visit Ann Arbor and Michigan is among the four schools recruiting him the hardest. Although I'm still not overly optimistic just yet, if High makes his way to Ann Arbor then things are getting serious. 

 

[Hit THE JUMP for Xavier Booker + Aaron Bradshaw]

 

Xavier Booker

Height/Weight: Listed at 6'10/205. That appears accurate.

High School/AAU: Indianapolis Cathedral HS (IN)/Independent George Hill All Indy

Mainstream Ranking: Now top-5 overall for 247 and likely headed toward consensus 5-star status

EM Ranking/Evaluation: My previous evaluation was about as thorough as it gets. Long story short, Booker is stretch big with some ball-skills and a ton of upside while having some serious motor/physicality issues. The combination of "may not be ready to play from day 1" and "likely NBA player" seems quite risky in the portal era where players enter free agency on an annual basis. 

Recruitment:  Booker was thought to be a heavy Michigan State lean after a recent OV, but that seems like a lifetime ago with the bluebloods now entering the mix in addition to OTE. Will be on campus at Indiana this week for an unofficial visit. Expressly says Kentucky is the dream school and plans to visit Lexington soon, despite the fact that no offer has been extended. You can see the writing on the wall here, Michigan is on the outside looking in.  

 

Aaron Bradshaw

Height/Weight: Listed at 7' - 7'1/205 - 220. That appears accurate. 

Mainstream Ranking: 5-star/Top-25 overall prospect

EM Ranking/Evaluation: Just had a good look at Bradshaw when he took the court against Xavier Booker at the Southern Jamfest in May (see my film above). Projects to have the impact of a legit 5-star prospect that immediately impacts winning. Will undoubtedly be a one and done. Obvious pro considering NBA size/length/agility and skill. Outstanding shot mechanics for a big. Good face-up game with consistent range from 18-20 feet. Projects to be a solid shooter from distance in time given shot mechanics and already effective midrange game. Good finisher at the basket with nice touch. Absolute game changer defensively in terms of rim protection. Runs the floor like a deer when changing ends. Would absolutely be my first choice of all the prospects mentioned in this piece.  

Recruitment:  Included Michigan in a top-7 last month along with Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Oklahoma State, UCLA and the G-League. Took official visits to Kentucky and Louisville over the weekend. Doesn't seem like a coincidence that those OVs are the schools heavily linked to HS and AAU teammate DJ Wagner. I'd be more than surprised if Michigan was a legit option at this point. Don't get your hopes up here.