2021 Basketball Recruiting Board update: Pursuit continues for elite wing talents

Head coach Juwan Howard and the Michigan Wolverines have been busy recently on the recruiting trail now that the 2020 class is in the rearview mirror. The program has already offered some elite prospects — including several five-stars in the next cycle — and does not appear to be deterred by missing out on the likes of Josh Christopher and Isaiah Todd in 2020.

We have a running offer board here on the site, which can always be accessed and bookmarked here. Let’s update the most recent names to be added to the list.

Five-star small forward Peyton Watson (Long Beach, CA)

No. 18 overall player | No. 7 small forward

247Sports’ Josh Gershon:

Small forward with good size, long arms and plus athleticism. Still very physically immature; plenty of room to gain strength in coming years. Has been on significant upwards trajectory since start of high school career. Extremely versatile defender due to size, length, athleticism, instincts and motor. Nice feel as rebounder and weak side shot blocker. Offense has continuously improved due to progress with ball skills and jumper. Very good vision for position. Easy high major starter who should be a first round pick if he continues to improve at same rate.

Five-star center Efton Reid (Richmond, VA)

No. 21 overall player | No. 2 center

247Sports’ Jerry Meyer:

Has NBA center size. Game is skill based and not athletically based. Has good footwork and touch in post. Can stretch defense to three-point line. Comfortable with the ball as a passer. Has good hands and rebounds his area. Not a big shot blocker. Positional defender inside. Needs to improve quickness to defend on perimeter.

The Michigan Insider recently did an interview with Reid, who says he has built a relationship with assistant Phil Martelli. Given a sneaky-important need in the big man rotation for the 2021-22 season, this might be a name to keep an eye on.

Four-star small forward Quincy Allen (Washington, DC)

No. 46 overall player | No. 9 small forward

247Sports’ Jerry Meyer:

Great length for a scoring wing. A smooth athlete with body control and a finesse game. Not a powerful, explosive athlete. Tremendous shooter, especially off the catch from deep. Can score off dribble in midrange. Adequate handler and does see the court as a passer. Holds his own on the boards. Defense needs improvement.

Four-star small forward Brandon Weston (Chicago, IL)

No. 76 overall player | No. 16 small forward

Weston is another Chicago kid drawing the attention of the Michigan coaching staff. There is not a ton out there on him right now, but figures to be a name in the mix given the wide-ranging search for wings in the next class.

Of note

• Top overall player Jonathan Kuminga released his top five list this week and Michigan was eliminated from consideration, which is not much of a surprise. His finalists are Duke, Texas Tech, Auburn, Kentucky and the NBA G League. Some have speculated that he could still reclassify to the 2020 class.