2021 five-star C Charles Bediako includes U-M in top five list

One of the most heralded center prospects in the 2021 class — five-star Charles Bediako — put Michigan, Ohio State, Duke, Alabama and Texas on his top five list on Saturday.

The 6-foot-11, 215-pounder is originally from Canada, but now plays high school ball at IMG Academy. He is one of the most dominate centers in this class thanks to his athleticism and mobility. He is the type of modern-day center who could be utilized in many ways no matter what school he ends up attending.

Juwan Howard and the Wolverines extended an offer to Bediako on April 30 and have been recruiting him as hard as any center in the country, like five-stars Chet Holmgren and Efton Reid.

Bediako has been a quiet kid, so it’s hard to get a read on where Michigan stands with him. So 247Sports’ Eric Bossi (FREE) caught up with Dwayne Washington, the CEO and founder of the Canadian grassroots program Bediako played for called UPlay Canada, and he hit on what Bediako is looking for in his future school.

“What’s going to be most important to him is his ability to develop as a forward, a big forward that can run the floor,” Washington said. “The style of play, the opportunity to play early and also the coaching staff and how they work with him will be important.”

Bossi also described why Bediako is still considering Michigan, saying, “They play up-tempo and have a big man coach who has played the position. (Juwan Howard) coached with the Miami Heat on the staff there and knows what it takes to be a professional. They have a need for Charles and they have room for him to be a fit for them right away and compliment they players they have and vice versa.”

Bediako is the No. 5 ranked center and No. 23 overall player on 247Sports’ composite. All four predictions are in for Alabama, and all four have come in the last week.