Michigan hoops starting to line up 2024 fall visitors

Michigan is still looking for talent to complement guards Christian Anderson and Durral Brooks in the 2024 class, and the coaches have several candidates. Juwan Howard and Co. will bring many in for football weekends, and they’ve already started to line up. Many of them, not surprisingly, are wings.

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One — Khani Rooths — is the No. 22 player in the 2024 On3 150. A 6-8 wing out Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy, Rooths averaged 15.6 points this summer with his New World program on the Adidas 3SSB Circuit. He can guard one through five, is improving his catch-and-shoot jumper, and has continued to move up in the rankings.

Georgia and Mississippi state have already received officials, while Virginia, Georgia Tech, and Michigan are on the books. He’s talking to Maryland and Miami and wants to see Florida State, too. Several others are also involved.

“Michigan just put two wings in the draft with Jett Howard and Kobe Bufkin,” Rooths said. “Coach Juwan has been calling me a lot, and we’ve been talking. They have made it really clear that they want me and that they like me. I just have to figure out what their game is and their system for how they play. Last year, it was a lot of one-on-one play. I want to see what all is going on and their plan for me.”

Rooths said he’s going to “have that feeling” when it comes to decide, going somewhere where he feels “wanted and needed.”
“I’ll want to play in a high-tempo system, one that runs and moves the ball,” he said. “I want to play for a coach who is real gritty on defense and a team that is non-selfish.”
Another IMG Academy wing, Bryson Tucker, is also tentatively planning a Michigan visit. The 6-7 standout doesn’t play AAU ball, but he did average 19.2 points on 64.3 percent shooting. at the NBPA Top 100 Camp.

“I like to play defense; it starts on that end,” Tucker told On3. “But, I can score it; get into the mid-range, knock down jumpers, get to the rim. I’m getting more comfortable with my pace; that’s something I’ve been working hard on.”

He visited Michigan State in June and loved it, calling head coach Tom Izzo “my guy.” He also loves the way MSU uses its guards. As for the rest … “I would say I’m hearing the most from Michigan and Iowa right now,” Tucker said. “My dad talks to a lot of coaches. A lot more have started to get involved now that they know I’m going to stay in high school.

“Michigan has stayed in steady contact, and we are growing our relationship. They know I visited Michigan State, so they are trying to get me up there too. Coach Howard was a pro; he has been there, played there, coached there. He could help teach you what you need to do to be a pro. We have had great conversations, and I just keep learning from him as we keep talking.”

He’s also considering the G-League. 
“I’m going to look into all the options with my family,” Tucker said. “Whether I go pro or go to college, it will come down to the fit and how I feel. I have a lot of great options, so we just got to do our homework and pick the best fit that will help me get to the League. I don’t have a time frame for a commitment yet, but I will probably sign during the later period. 

Finally, wing Darrion Sutton, the No. 99 player nationally in the most recent update, is another wing planning a visit (Oct. 13). The 6-7 forward played at Denver Accelerated Way last year and continues to pick up offers. “I’m a playmaker,” Sutton told On3. “I can score the ball, and I like to make everyone better. I’m getting comfortable with my game. My confidence has really picked up over the last few months. I’m seeing the floor better.”

Creighton is the other school he’s setting up a visit with, but Michigan is off to a good start here. “My relationship is good with Juwan,” he said. “I really like him. He’s a great dude. They really like versatility, guys who can do multiple things on the floor, not just be stuck doing one thing. They tell me that wings like me fit perfectly with how they play.”

Kansas, Texas, Oregon, and Florida State have all been talking to him, while Ohio State, Penn State, and Butler are his most recent offers.
“I don’t really have a time frame right now,” Sutton said. “I’m still trying to figure everything out, to be honest. Right now, I don’t plan on signing early and will probably stretch it out, but again, I’m not sure exactly yet. “

In other news, big man and Michigan target Flory Bidunga committed to Kansas, while Miami 6-6 wing Marcus Allen chose Missouri.