It’s a new era at the University of Michigan, and the Wolverines are eyeing their biggest transfer addition yet.
The transformation began with the Wolverines replacing Juwan Howard with FAU’s Dusty May. May has had a busy offseason since arriving in Ann Arbor, overhauling the roster after losing all key contributors from the 2023-24 team except Nimari Burnett. May has quickly added significant players via the transfer portal and incoming freshmen.
The roster has significantly improved from last season’s outlook, when the Wolverines recorded an 8-24 season—the worst in the program’s history.
With one scholarship spot remaining, it seems Coach May is targeting another impactful player.
Top Transfer’s Potential Move to Michigan
Jamir Watkins, one of the top remaining players in the transfer portal, is considering where to play next. Watkins was a key player for Florida State last season, averaging 15.6 points, six rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He has withdrawn from the NBA Draft and is seeking a new team.
According to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Watkins has narrowed his choices to five schools: Cincinnati, Kansas State, Oregon, St. John’s, and Michigan.
Michigan’s High-Level Target
Head coach Dusty May has hinted that the Wolverines are serious contenders for Watkins. In a discussion with Brian Boesch on the Defend the Block Podcast, May suggested they were looking for a player of Watkins’ caliber.
“We are working with a sense of urgency, but we don’t feel like there’s any panic to add someone just to be adding,” May said. “Sometimes you wait, and a potential big-time player might fall to you because of the situation.”
Watkins has announced he will be taking an official visit to Michigan this weekend.
Watkins as the Final Piece for 2024-25 Contention
Coach May has quickly revitalized the Wolverines with key additions such as Vlad Goldin, Roddy Gayle Jr, Rubin Jones, Tre Donaldson, Danny Wolf, and Sam Walters.
Adding Watkins and his scoring prowess could make Michigan a contender in the Big Ten this fall, a remarkable turnaround from their eight-win season last year.
