Much of the talk surrounding the Michigan basketball team’s recruiting efforts has been centered around 2017 prospect Mo Bamba.
While they wait for a decision from Bamba, though, the Wolverines — led by head coach John Beilein — have begun to pick up 2018 recruiting, especially with the end of their season and AAU ball just around the corner.
One of the players that has drawn significant interest from Michigan is Jamal Bieniemy, a 2018 guard prospect from Katy, TX.
Bieniemy, the No. 118 player in the nation according to the 247 Composite Rankings, is currently hearing the most from Creighton, Oklahoma State, Michigan, and more recently, Oklahoma.
The versatile wing guard stands out with his ability to get to the basket and put the ball on the floor. He finishes with an array of different moves at the rim and is also a plus-athlete. He should have no problem picking up additional exposure this summer as he’ll be running with Houston Hoops on the Nike EYBL circuit.
According to him, the Wolverines jumped into his recruitment last summer after Beilein saw him play in late July at the Fab 48 in Las Vegas.
Since then, the two parties have been in frequent contact, and Beilein paid him a visit at Tompkins High School on Tuesday.
Thanks @JohnBeilein for coming by @TompkinsHS today! Great day to be a Falcon and Go Blue! @umichbball @TompkinsHoops pic.twitter.com/fJv06cWmt8
— Mark Grisdale (@MarkJGrisdale) March 28, 2017
“They’ll probably hit me up once a week, see how I’m doing and tell me about the system and how I’d fit in the system,” Bieniemy said.
Bieniemy says Beilein has been pitching him the possibility of playing as a combo two-guard in Michigan’s system, while also comparing him to former standout Caris LeVert.
Though Bieniemy has yet to visit campus or receive an offer, Michigan remains one of his top schools.
“Growing up, I always liked Michigan,” he said. “I don’t know — I live in Texas — but I always had a liking for Michigan. And then for them to recruit me, it’s just been like a dream come true.”
Bieniemy said he and his dad will probably take an official visit to Michigan in the fall. According to him, a decision will most likely come after his slate of officials.
