Michigan basketball freshmen are already forming a strong bond
The Michigan basketball 2022 recruiting class isn’t as highly touted as, say, the Fab Five, but there are outstanding players and pieces. The four prospects — point guard Dug McDaniel, forward Gregg Glenn, forward Tarris Reed, and wing Jett Howard — are jelling and ready to prove themselves this year.
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It’s felt and looked natural since they arrived on campus. The four, along with Lebanese wing Youssef Khayat, will give the team a new look this season, but there’s already chemistry developing.
Jett Howard is already feeling it, he told Michigan play-by-play man Brian Boesch on the Defend the Block podcast.
“First off, I’ve known Gregg Glenn Jr. since fourth grade. I’ve known this man since forever,” he said. “He’s spent Christmases at our house. It was a no brainer he was going to come here, because there was no chance we can’t meet up again in college. We’ve been trying to play high school ball together since forever. Now, we’re finally together. Gregg is like one of my best friends.
“Dug McDaniel, I’ve played basketball with him since fourth grade, also. We’ve just kept in touch — our families kept in touch. My mom and his mom are very close. I feel like it’s a family.”
They took part in Zoom conversations with Khayat during his recruitment, and he also felt like one of the guys. He’s expected to join the team on its European trip to France and Greece in a few weeks.
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And then there’s Reed. He might be the gem of the Michigan 2022 class when it’s all said and done. While he’s not one to talk much to the media, he’s a great teammate and continues to improve.
“I played Mokan [AAU] my 17 year. Ever since then I said, ‘man, we’ve got to have that guy.’ He’s just a beast … like a little Shaq [Shaquill O’Neal],” Howard said. “That’s what we call him. Then to get his personality as a guy. He’s really cool, laid back. If you’ve got a problem with Tarris, then you’ve got a problem with yourself, because Tarris is just that type of human.
“But we’re all close. Everybody is close in the locker room. If there’s a problem, someone will say it. But I think everybody is just really cool with each other and open to criticism. That’s the main thing. If we critique each other, we’re not going to have an attitude or take it the wrong way. That’s why I feel like we’re going to be really good this year.”
Time will tell, but it seems the chemistry that’s been a Michigan program staple over the last several years remains intact.
