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Top Michigan hoops target Youssef Khayat seems ready to announce

Chris Balasby: Chris Balas06/23/22Balas_Wolverine
Michigan coach Juwan Howard
Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard on the sidelines during the NCAA Division I Mens Basketball Championship Round 2 game between the Michigan Wolverines and Tennessee Volunteers on March 19, 2022, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Michigan coach Juwan Howard and his staff are still trying to fill out their 2022 roster. A few targets still remain for one available scholarship, and one is ready to make a decision.

Lebanese wing Youssef Khayat, who has played in France, is down to four schools. Michigan, Xavier, Wake Forest, and DePaul are his finalists, but U-M and Xavier are thought to be the main contenders here. He’s expected to make a final decision as early as Sunday.

Khayat (6-8) 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 has pushed, too. 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 … but never count out Xavier coach Sean Miller.

Michigan target Youssef Khayat scouting report

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.”

Watch TheWolverine.com for more on Khayat, Memphis transfer Emoni Bates and more in the days to come …

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