dailyloe.com – Michigan basketball is waiting for a decision from transfer target Moustapha Thiam. The Wolverines hosted the Cincinnati big man for a visit earlier this week. By all accounts, the coaching staff felt good when he left campus. The team needs a true center for its 2026-27 roster.
A person with knowledge of the coaching staff’s plans said the visit went “really well.” The source, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said goals from both sides aligned. The timeline for a decision is not 100% certain. The belief is Thiam’s camp is close to making a choice.
Those around Michigan have their “fingers crossed” for good news soon. The Wolverines are operating under the premise they will have to replace Aday Mara. Mara told the Free Press earlier this month he would opt for the draft if he was a top-20 pick. The team also believes there is a “75%” chance Morez Johnson Jr. goes to the NBA.
Of the two, Johnson is the more likely returning option. Michigan is keeping a spot open but is not overly confident about a return. Incoming transfer J.P. Estrella is a notable addition. He is seen more as a four or a five in a small lineup.
Michigan wants to pair Estrella with a true rim protector. Thiam averaged 12.8 points and 7.1 rebounds a night for the Bearcats. He blocked 88 shots as a freshman at UCF and 50 at Cincinnati as a sophomore. That shot-blocking skill set is something U-M desires.
Thiam has several high-major options besides Michigan. He also visited St. John’s. Arkansas and Kansas are making a notable push for him. He was an All-Big 12 honorable mention.
The Wolverines have established development bona fides with their centers under coach Dusty May. Vladislav Goldin and Mara each showed noticeable improvement over the past two years. Thiam would likely also benefit from that system. Michigan has operated under the premise of more bigs, more problems for opponents.
