Top Michigan basketball signee Jalen Wilson reopens recruitment due to coaching change

With the departure of head coach John Beilein, there’s a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the program. A reflection of that uncertainty occurred on Thursday afternoon when top 2019 Michigan basketball recruit Jalen Wilson announced he will be reopening his recruitment.

“Due to the sudden head coaching change, I have requested my release from The University of Michigan,” Wilson said.

The 6-8 four-star forward from Texas figured to be an integral part of the future of Michigan basketball, but Wilson and Michigan will both have to regroup and feel one another out again once a new head coach is hired.

Jalen’s mother named him after Fab-Five member Jalen Rose, so there’s a bit of a Michigan connection that could still lead to Wilson wearing maize and blue in college, but now Wilson will garner a lot of interest from top-tier programs. Wilson’s the No. 50 recruit in his class.

Michigan isn’t necessarily out of the running, but they will have to hire a coach that’ll mesh well with Wilson, otherwise he’s gone for good. Just about any time a signee reopens his recruitment due to a coaching change, that player doesn’t end up re-committing to that institution. The program will continue to stay in touch with Wilson and court him, but they’ll also be planning on a 2019 without Wilson on the roster.