Wolverine Digest

Michigan Basketball in pursuit of elite 5-star recruit, son of former NBA veteran

Chris Breiler|
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Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines are after one of the top prospects in the 2026 class, having visited five-star forward Tajh Ariza. The 6-8 prospect out of Los Angeles (and son of 18-year NBA veteran Trevor Ariza) is considered the No. 8 player in the nation according to On3, and the Wolverines are among several blue-blood programs in pursuit. Michigan joins Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Oregon, USC, and Washington as the teams that have visited the five-star prospect so far.

Although head coach Dusty May has yet to visit with Ariza, there's no doubt that the Wolverines have the financial ability to compete with any school in the country on the recruiting trail. And while NIL is certainly a big factor in recruiting these days, Ariza says that he's looking for a program that can develop him quickly and help him get to the NBA.

“Really, I’m looking for a welcoming environment," Ariza told On3. "I’m also looking for coaches that are going to hold me accountable and develop me, because I’m not trying to stay in college for more than a year. I’m trying to get in and get out. So I want to play for someone who has the same vision as me. I want to win and I want to develop, so I want to play for a coach that is going to push me. I’m comfortable playing in a pro-style-type offense. I like to space the floor, run some sets, get out and run, and be around people who just know how to play ball.”

Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

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Chris Breiler
CHRIS BREILER

Christopher Breiler launched Winged Helmet Media and began covering the Michigan Football program in an unofficial capacity in 2017. He then joined Wolverine Digest as part of the FanNation network in 2021 as a contributing writer, where he served as both a writer and a photographer on game days. In 2024, he took over as the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI. His love for Michigan Football brought him into the industry, and his passion for being a content creator has led to some amazing experiences along the way.

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