Michigan basketball portal update: Potential transfer on campus
Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard and his staff have options in the transfer portal, and they’re looking hard now that Moussa Diabate and Caleb Houstan have decided to remain in the NBA Draft. Illinois transfer Jacob Grandison is high on the wish list, and Memphis transfer Emoni Bates still appears to be an option.
RELATED: Inside the Fort, Part II: Michigan hoops recruiting, Emoni Bates, etc.
But Duke shooting guard Joey Baker is the one currently visiting, according to sources both on the east coast and at Michigan.
Baker played in 88 games with four starts in four seasons at Duke, averaging 4.1 points on .394 shooting from the field and .379 from three-point range. He was a co-captain during the 2021-22 campaign, shooting 30-of-74 (.405) behind the arc, and he scored in double figures six times while helping the Blue Devils reach the Final Four.
The sniper had 11 career games with 3-plus three-point field goals, the most recent a 4-of-5 shooting performance from long range against Florida State on Feb. 19. Michigan could use that type of shooting.
“My four years at Duke have meant the world to me,” Baker said upon announcing his departure. “I have grown immensely as a player, teammate, and most importantly as a person. The experiences I have been a part of will be memories that I carry with me for the rest of my life. The relationships I have built here are more meaningful than I could ever express, and the lessons have made me a better man.
“I want to thank every person within the program, but specifically Coach K and our coaching staff, for helping to make these past four years the best possible experience. You all have influenced me in ways few could understand. It’ll be an honor to receive my degree from Duke this summer and I look forward to the next stage of my career.”
That could be at Michigan. The Wolverines need shooters, and the 6-6, 206-pounder is that. Though he only averaged 4.5 points per game last year, he’s a good “culture guy” who could be more in the right situation.
Michigan coaches will likely host more transfers this month, as well, in addition to recruits. Four-star Papa Kante out of Connecticut will be on campus June 14, and there’s strong mutual interest.
Watch for more on this development in the hours and days to come …
