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Michigan basketball: U-M after Lebanese forward Youssef Khayat

Chris Balasby: Chris Balas06/18/22Balas_Wolverine
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Michigan coach Juwan Howard, Phil Martelli and staff have work to do with this Michigan team. Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

As first reported earlier today, Michigan coach Juwan Howard and his staff are still looking at other prospects to round out the 2022 roster … and not just in the United States. Though they’ve been quiet in their pursuit, the cat is now out of the bag.

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Lebanese forward Youssef Khayat (6-9) of the European Limoges CSP program averaged 17.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and nearly two assists per game in one of Europe’s top youth leagues. He also played with the Lebanon national team and moved to France, where Michigan has been watching him.

A wing/power forward, Khayat recently picked up his game and added to his scoring. Michigan head coach Juwan Howard has been all over it, while Xavier, Wake forest and others are also after the 19-year-old. He hasn’t been able to visit and will likely pick a school sight unseen.

The Michigan reputation helps in that respect, as does Howard’s recruitment of the talented wing. We like the Wolverines’ chances for a prospect thought to be a first-year starter and NBA prospect. From Eurohoops.net:

“Khayat is a 6’8 forward with a +2 wingspan. He possesses good fluidity and coordination which allow him to move well around the court and get to his spots. He’s not extremely vertical but he’s quick and explosive to get up. As a matter of fact, it’s not rare to see him dunk with authority when finishing.

“Offensively, Youssef can’t be considered a shot creator at this point. Instead, he scores the majority of his points by running hard in the open court and cutting with great intensity and timing. He displays constant motion off the ball and good reads when taking advantage of defensive mistakes. He also showcased an improved and refined finishing package in the paint, flashing a promising floater.

“Moreover, Khayat has tremendous defensive upside thanks to his motor, willingness to sit in a stance, lateral movements and instincts. He projects as someone who could potentially guard both forwards positions at the high major D-1 level and switch onto guards out on the perimeter. He’s not afraid of diving for loose balls and regularly makes winning plays.”

Howard and other Michigan coaches follow him on instagram.

Watch for more on Michigan and Khayat in the days and weeks to come.

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