Identifying Michigan basketball’s next targets after Isaiah Todd’s commitment

It is no secret Juwan Howard is hot on the recruiting trail. Howard and his staff have spent the majority of the offseason trying to build a solid base in their first year together. A coach with no prior college coaching experience, many wondered how Howard would approach recruiting when the opportunity arose.

He created the opportunity.

Howard wasted no time filling the proverbial cupboard with offers to five-star recruits such as Isaiah Todd, who committed to Michigan Thursday. There are plenty of other talented players out there who have been extended an opportunity to extend their basketball careers in the Maize and Blue.

Howard’s approach is especially newsworthy because it was so uncharacteristic in the previous regime. Former coach John Beilein would spend his time focused on practice early in the season, while Howard remains on the recruiting trail.

Now that Todd has committed, Howard and company can shift their focus to rounding out what could be an extremely talented 2020 recruiting class. With Todd secured to go along with four-star point guard Zeb Jackson, here are a few more names that could round out Howard’s first official recruiting class:

Jaden Springer - SG

Another talented athlete to come out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, Springer is a 6-foot-5 shooting guard who can both score and create for others. He weighs in at 195, so he is a lanky 6-foot-5, but that does not deny his talent.

Springer recently named his top three, placing the Wolverines alongside Tennessee and Memphis. He is rated as a five-star player with a .9946 rating given by 247Sports’ composite ratings system. Although Springer would be a huge get for the Wolverines, the crystal ball is in favor of the Volunteers.

Springer has not yet announced a decision date.

Mark Williams - C

Springer’s teammate at IMG, Williams is a 7-footer who can both finish and defend. Williams has narrowed his top three down to Duke, Michigan and Stanford. Once again, no experts at 247 have Michigan landing his commitment, however Howard made the trip to watch Williams play with IMG on Wednesday.

He is considered a four star prospect by both outlets, 247’s composite rating ranks 29th in the country. Williams is expected to announce a decision on Nov. 1.

Hunter Dickinson - C

This 7-foot-2 beast hails from DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Maryland. At 255 pounds, Dickinson has developed size to go along with his tall frame. 247Sports has Dickinson ranked 34th in the country, five spots behind Williams.

Dickinson has announced a top four, placing the Wolverines in contention for his services along with Duke, Florida State and Notre Dame. The crystal ball has the Wolverines in the lead to land his commitment.

Moses Moody - SG

Completing the trifecta of IMG products is this shooting guard who relocated to Bradenton from Little Rock, Arkansas. Moody comes in at 6-foot-5, 180 lbs., and currently holds 24 offers.

He has not narrowed his interests down yet, however there is a dark horse candidate to his services. 247 has Moody as a four-star prospect in the top 50 of the country.

Nimari Burnett - CG

A combo guard from Chicago, Illinois, Burnett is a five-star from Prolific Prep. Howard and his staff were in to watch him as recently as Wednesday, indicating that he is a name they would like to pencil in next season.

Burnett is 6-foot-3 and versatile enough to play both on and off the ball. 247 gives him a composite score of .9918, and has him ranked as the 22nd best prospect in the country. Should Burnett commit, he could be an interesting piece next to Jackson in the backcourt.

Jace Howard - SF

The son of the head coach will likely wear the Maize and Blue next season. Howard is a talented shooter who will likely develop under his father’s tutelage. He’s 6-foot-7, so the size will be beneficial for the Wolverines.

Howard, a three-star, is currently playing for University School in Hollywood, Florida, and has already taken an official visit to Michigan.

Conclusion

To think Howard will be able to reel all of these guys in is a bit unfathomable. In today’s age, blue blood programs such as Kentucky, Duke and North Carolina dominate the recruiting market. It may take a year or two for Howard to get his foot in the door when it comes to recruiting at that level.

However, Todd’s commitment is a huge first step. Howard was able to secure a five-star early in his tenure, and his aggressiveness shows he’s out for more. The mission Howard and his coaches have appears evident — they’re going after the very best.

Michigan’s recruiting class, with Jackson and Todd on board, is currently ranked 16th according to 247. If Michigan lands at least one more of the names listed here, expect the team to catapult into the top 10.

MORE ISAIAH TODD GOODNESS:

2020 five-star PF Isaiah Todd commits to Michigan

Quick analysis: What Isaiah Todd brings to Michigan Basketball

Podcast: Reacting to Isaiah Todd’s decision to commit to Michigan and what he brings

Identifying Michigan basketball’s next targets after Isaiah Todd’s commitment