Michigan has a bevy of wing-forwards in the stable, but recruiting never ceases in the portal era where programs have to functionally re-recruit their own players and deal with the possibility of mass attrition.

With that in mind, let's take a look at the pecking order of wings in the class of 2023, along with detailed evaluations + film for each. 

 

Matas Buzelis

Height/Weight: Measured at 6'10 in shoes + 183 pounds with 6'10 Wingspan at 2022 Nike Hoop Summit.

High School/AAU: Brewster Academy (NH)/Nike EYBL Expressions Elite (MA)

Weekend Performance: Put on usual display of ball-skills + shotmaking in 6'10 frame at the Gym Rat Classic in Albany, NY.

Mainstream Ranking: 5-star/Top 25 Overall

EM Ranking/Evaluation: Projected impact aligns with that of a 5-star prospect. Gifted offensive player that can score + make plays for others at 6'10, while being a potent shooter that can also serve as a floor-spacing wing or pick + pop big. Elite offensive skill coupled with NBA size generally translates to great on-court impact when projecting. His profile took a bit of a hit after a relatively underwhelming junior season at Brewster, where concerns about motor + athleticism manifested. Still, its hard not to see shades of Gordon Hayward when watching Matas despite potential issues in terms of defense and/or motor. 

Recruitment: I'm told this recruitment is more viable for Michigan than accepted wisdom will have you believe. The staff recently conducted a home visit + Zoom call with Buzelis and that carries some weight when resources are limited. Juwan Howard was front row for Matas twice during EYBL Session II. This is a big-boy recruitment with Kentucky heavily involved and Florida State once thought to be the leader. Arizona is emerging as a legit threat recently. Reading the tea leaves, it doesn't seem that much of anyone has solid intel here. But Michigan has a bit more traction here than people realize and the staff is putting forth a strong effort to land Matas.

 

Gavin Griffiths

Height/Weight: Listed at 6'6 - 6'7 and 180 - 185. That looks about right.

High School/AAU: Kingswood-Oxford School (CT)/Nike EYBL Expressions Elite (MA)

Weekend Performance: Returned to action over the weekend after sitting out April due to injury.

Mainstream Ranking: 4-Star/Top 15-65 Overall

EM Ranking/Evaluation: I have yet to see Griffiths play live (injured this Spring), but the film displays an outstanding shooter that connects on triples with pull-ups and movement via screens + hand-offs + relocations. Solid handle, but probably not a primary shot-creator. Decent athlete, but lacks twitchiness. Has the look of a floor-spacing wing that can serve as a secondary playmaker.

Recruitment: Will be in Ann Arbor for official visit on 6/14. Flat out confirmed Michigan is at the top of the list during an interview with Rivals a few weeks back. Will take OV to Virginia Tech in early June before making his way to Ann Arbor. Close friends with Papa Kante, who will also be on campus 6/14. Package deals rarely work out in hoops, but both prospects have Michigan as either the outright leader or among a top 2-3. Things are definitely serious with both.

 

[After THE JUMP: The Ascension of Mayar Wol]

 

Mayar Wol

Height/Weight: Listed at 6'8 and 190 pounds and that looks accurate

High School/AAU: Moravian Prep (NC)/Adidas 3SSB Team Loaded North Carolina

Weekend Performance: Absolutely dominant at the Southern Jam Fest during the 2 games I witnessed live as you can see in my film above. Played PG as 4-star teammate Freddie Dilione sat out the weekend and flourished. Offensive package at that size is off the charts. 

Mainstream Ranking: Unranked

EM Ranking/Evaluation: Projected impact of a top-50 prospect, and that may be conservative. Has tremendous perimeter shotmaking ability off the bounce, NBA range and nearly flawless mechanics. The ability to hit pull-ups from both distance and midrange is extremely intriguing in tandem with his size. Wol handles the ball fairly well and is a good run + jump athlete. Now displaying flashes of playmaking for others in ballscreen action. Defensively he definitely makes an impact at the point of attack and altering shots with his length. Have yet to see Gavin Griffiths live, but based on film I'm inclined to think Wol has a significantly higher ceiling. 

Recruitment: Starting to blow-up in month after my initial report. Over that time period offers have come in from Georgia, Rutgers, Ole Miss, Georgia Tech and VCU. Would expect more in the coming months. Michigan is just now making preliminary contact, so the relationship is in the infancy stages and so is his overall recruitment.