Frankie Collins explains in blog post why he chose Michigan and who he’s after to join him

The Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball program added another foundational piece to its 2021 class in the form of point guard Frankie Collins on Wednesday night, which is the first pledge at the position of the Juwan Howard era. While the Wolverines were trending in a major way heading into the announcement, Collins admitted that it was not always that way and what it ultimately was that turned the tide in a blog post following his decision.

Here’s a snippet of the blog that Collins wrote for Sports Illustrated explaining why his recruitment went the way that it did:

What’s up world, it’s Frankie Collins and I just committed to Michigan!

I’m really excited to announce this here and I wanted to break down the thought process behind my decision.

I just really felt more of a family atmosphere at Michigan, and I felt like it was the best place for me to grow as a person and as a basketball player.

Because of this pandemic we’re in I wasn’t able to visit Michigan, but I had a few Zoom calls and I definitely felt comfortable with everything I saw.

They’re just really genuine there and they really care about me and helping me succeed.

Also, Coach Juwan (Howard) is really close with my family; he and my uncle have been close for a while. I would always see him around growing up and take pictures with him.

I think the first picture I took with Coach was from third grade them seventh grade and more after that.

I think not being able to make visits forced me to talk to the coaching staff more and that brought us closer together.

To be honest, I was leaning toward Auburn earlier, but I talked it over with my family and took my time and decided Michigan was the best fit for me.

I’m glad I took my time and thought everything out because I know I’m at the right place.

I love their system because they play through their point guard and through a lot of ball screens. In that system it’s easier to create and play off of your instincts.

My dad actually told Coach Juwan that I was coming there first and then I called him and he and the whole staff welcomed me to the family.

It just got me more excited after talking to them!

Collins goes on to say that his focus is now working on bringing in some five-star talent to the class with center Chet Holmgren (No. 2 overall player) and recently-offered combo guard Hunter Sallis (No. 19 overall) named as players he has had contact with.

Collins is the No. 57 overall player in the country and ranks as the No. 8 point guard per the 247Sports Composite Rankings. His pledge gives Michigan its fourth commitment in the 2021 class along with four-stars Kobe Bufkin and Isaiah Barnes and three-star forward Will Tschetter.