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!]

Making the Cut

Thank you to all the coaches that have recruited me, but these will be the top ten I’ll be focusing on. Top ‼️ pic.twitter.com/1lCmaaZhWz

— Charles A. Bediako (@CBediako) July 3, 2020

The Wolverines made the initial cut for top 25 big Charles Bediako last week. It appears the plan to remain a 2021 prospect is legit, with news that he’s heading to IMG as a post grad.

Sam Webb interviewed Bediako’s AAU club director, Dwayne Washington, and Michigan appears to be a serious player:

“Michigan has been very, very consistent in utilizing every staff (member),” said Washington. “All three assistant coaches and Coach Howard have had consistent communication. (They’ve given) a breakdown of how he'd be utilized given what skillset is now. If he's fortunate enough to work his way into being a professional player one day, (they’ve gone over) how they will help him with that. But more importantly, (they’ve gone over) what he needs to work on. So, they've been talking about what he does well and what he needs to improve to be who he wants to be.”

“They've been just very consistent with Zoom calls and being able to iron out plans for him.”

The fact that it looks as if we’re legitimately in the mix here bodes well considering that an offer was extended only 2 months ago. Bediako will likely make another cut over the next month or so before signing in November:

“But he'll be signing early period because he's (transferring) down to IMG. They got him down there to work on his game, his strength & conditioning, and to work in a semi-professional environment where he can prepare for the test. Which is his freshman year at the high major level. We're looking to narrow down the schools. We already got 10, a couple weeks (later) cut to five, set up visits, knock out the visits, and in between that have dialogues that clear of any miscommunication. Hit five (visits) at the max, three at the minimum most likely, and then just pick the school. Say, 'hey coach, I'm coming.’”

Another 5-star Target!

Crater HS (OR) 5-star big Nate Bittle reports Michigan as one of the five programs recruiting him the hardest.

In what shouldn’t be a surprise at this point, Phil Martelli is the lead recruiter here and it appears the Wolverines are ramping up the pursuit recently:

“The newer program here in Michigan. They started to show their interest back in March and haven’t really given up since. Phil Martelli is the lead man on this recruitment but Bittle says that he hears from a Michigan staffer almost every morning.”

We also cracked the top 7 for 5-star Chet Holmgren, as Juwan Howard appears to have the perfect approach to bigs this cycle. He locked in Will Tschetter as a kid that will likely be a productive upperclassmen, and yet he’s not going to scare off 5-star types. This ensures Michigan will have a solid rotational big in a few years, while affording him the luxury of shooting for the stars with Bediako, Holmgren, Bittle and Efton Reid. Reid’s mother took to Twitter to confirm he will indeed remain a 2021 prospect as a post-grad at IMG, joining Bediako.

New 2022 Offer

Michigan continues to make Chicago a priority, as Tinley Park (IL) top 40 Forward Andre Casey was offered over the weekend.