North Carolina transfer Seventh Woods says Juwan Howard reaching out was ‘big’

North Carolina Tarheels guard Seventh Woods is transferring, and he has put Michigan in his top three along with South Carolina and Gonzaga.

The 6-2 guard is on Michigan’s radar and U-M’s chances of landing Woods could be aided in part due to the familiarity between he and new Michigan coach Juwan Howard.

Woods and Howard have known each other for the better part of a decade, with Woods once staying at Howard’s home during a basketball camp.

“Michigan, they just called, when Juwan (Howard) got the coaching (job). And we never built a relationship but it’s a funny story, I believe it was 2011 when I went to the John Lucas camp. My coach at the time, my AAU coach Kevin Gray kind of had a relationship with his nephew at the time and we was able to stay at his house when I went to the camp there so he’s kinda knew about me for a long time and just him reaching out was big for me.”

Once a top-50 recruit, Woods will have one year of eligibility remaining after he sits out the 2019-20 season due to NCAA transfer rules. Woods was a member of UNC’s 2017 national championship team.

While Woods stats may not be eye-popping (averaged 2.5 points and 2.1 assists last season) he believes he’s got a lot to offer the program he plays for next. “Best thing I could bring to the team is my speed,” Woods said. “Being on a national championship team, I know what it takes to win and how to lead younger guys. ... I think I could bring a lot to a program.”

Juwan Howard hasn’t even had his introductory press conference at Michigan, yet his presence is already being felt on the recruiting trail with the likes of Woods saying Howard reaching out was big for him. Expect that type of banter from recruits to become a common occurrence during the Howard era of Michigan hoops.