For the third year in a row, Juwan Howard has signed the Big Ten’s best recruiting class.
The Michigan men’s basketball program announced on Saturday the signing of four prospects in the 2022 class.
While there’s still time for rankings to change, Michigan’s group is currently the best in the Big Ten, per the 247sports composite, and sixth in the country.
Gregg Glenn III, Jett Howard, Dug McDaniel, and Tarris Reed Jr., all of whom are four-star prospects, were Michigan’s signees.
“We have continued to talk about family, character, culture and what it takes to play Michigan basketball,” Howard, who’s entering his third season as Michigan’s head coach, said in a statement. “Today, we feel blessed to bring in four young men who not only buy into what we are doing, but bring a positivity and energy that will no doubt be an influence on and off the court, in the community and especially in the classroom.
“They each have strong work ethics and bring something unique to the table — size, skill, vision, etc. However, it’s their willingness to learn and become great is what will make them great Michigan men.”
Jett Howard is the coach’s youngest son and the highest-ranked member of Michigan’s 2022 class. The 6-foot-7 guard checks in at No. 36 in the 247sports composite rankings. Howard is a senior at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where he was a teammate with Michigan freshman Moussa Diabaté last season.
Howard is an elite shooter with a strong all-around game.
“We have talked already about many special moments (my wife) Jenine and I have had in our lives,” said Howard. “When Jett committed, it was another one of those memorable moments for our family. We really let Jett choose his own path during the entire process. I know we worked our tails off to show him what he could accomplish here in Ann Abor, and in the end, I truly didn’t know what he was going to do until he came and talked to me. I can tell you I am very happy with his choice. So is his mom.
“Jett continues to work hard to improve his overall skill set to become a very diverse all-around player. We are hoping he will come in and be able to make an impact like we know he can.”
The scholarship allotment for the Michigan men’s basketball team for the next four seasons. (Andrew Kahn | MLive.com)
Reed, a 6-foot-9 forward/center, is ranked No. 38. The St. Louis native transferred from Chaminade to Link Academy in Branson, Missouri, for his senior season. Glenn is a 6-foot-7 power forward for Calvary Christian in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He’s ranked No. 103.
“Versatility is something we are always looking for here,” Howard said. “Tarris and Gregg fit that mold. Tarris has a big, strong frame that will make him hard to guard, while Gregg can play inside and out. Both give us the opportunity to allow them to make an impact. Not only are they constantly in the gym working to improve their games, they are also working to get stronger so they can come in and contribute right away. We love that.”
McDaniel is Michigan’s point guard for this class. The first among the group to commit, McDaniel is 5-foot-11 and ranked No. 60. He’s plays for Paul VI in Chantilly, Virginia, which competes in the same conference produced Michigan sophomores Hunter Dickinson and Terrance Williams II.
“No one works harder than Dug,” Howard said. “He has a toughness about him that really makes him a factor. Being grounded as an individual is what we like the most. His demeanor on and off the court just makes everyone around him better.”
Michigan’s six-man freshman class closed the recruiting cycle ranked second in the country. The 2020 class was ranked 14th.
The early signing period for 2022 prospects started on Wednesday (Nov. 10) and lasts for a week. Michigan is not expected to add any more players. The program technically has one more player than it has scholarships for next season, but that doesn’t factor in early departures. Dickinson, for example, is expected to turn pro after the season.
Michigan’s 2021-22 season is underway. The Wolverines, ranked sixth in the preseason AP poll, beat Buffalo in their season opener on Wednesday. They play Prairie View A&M in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night.
