Michigan basketball is back in the running for Olivier Nkamhoua ... and then some?
As the college basketball world turns … so Michigan is back in it for Tennessee transfer Olivier Nkamhoua.
RELATED: Michigan portal target Zyon Pullin is off the table
RELATED: Michigan basketball reportedly misses on Olivier Nkamhoua … now what?
The Wolverines were on the outside looking in after a visit weekend in which Nkamhoua tripped to Ann Arbor after seeing both Kansas State and West Virginia, reportedly narrowing his choices to WVU and Baylor. Today, Michigan is back in the mix for the much-needed transfer.
Some insiders are indicating Michigan might now be the choice.
Nkamhoua averaged 10.8 points and 5.0 rebounds in 25.3 minutes per game for the Vols this season, shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from the 3-point line, where he went 18-for-54. His immediate goal, Vols coach Rick Barnes said, was to be a pro.
“He told us that his dad wanted him to put his name in the portal, which is a decision they have to make,” Barnes said. “From day one, our conversation with him has been that his ultimate goal was to try and put himself in a position to be a professional athlete next year.”
Nkamhoua took part in the NBA G League Elite camp in Chicago, measuring in at 6’8 1/4” barefoot with a 7’0 1/4” wingspan and an 8’10 1/2” standing reach per VolQuest.com. His hands were 10 1/2 inches wide and he weighed in at 229 pounds at 5.7 percent body fat.
Nkamhoua scored 12 points on 3-for-6 shooting from the floor in his first scrimmage and 4-for-6 from the free-throw line, adding two rebounds, two assists and a pair of turnovers. He notched five points on 2-for-5 shooting in the second game, including 1-for-2 from the 3-point line. He had two rebounds, two steals, a turnover and three fouls.
Head coach Juwan Howard and his coaches have been working hard to fill the roster, and they’ve gotten pledges from a pair in Seton Hall transfer Tray Jackson and Alabama wing Nimari Burnett. North Carolina’s Caleb Love was a commitment for a while — that one, though, came down to academics, forcing his de-commitment. He ended up at Arizona.
Kentucky’s Antonio Reeves remains one of the big names out there should he not return to the Wildcats. Reeves, though, has yet to announce his plans, and there are others in contention, including Memphis. It would be hard to call Michigan a favorite here if he does decide to transfer.
Nkamhoua, though, is a huge piece of the puzzle, and it looks like Michigan has a chance again.
We’ll continue to monitor these developments …
