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Wolverine Digest

Michigan Basketball Set to Host Elite Five-Star Recruit

Michigan Wolverines men's basketball welcomes five-star center Obinna Ekezie Jr. for an official visit.
Justice Steiner|
Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May cuts down the net after defeating the Connecticut Huskies in the national championship of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May cuts down the net after defeating the Connecticut Huskies in the national championship of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

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Michigan Wolverines

On Tuesday morning (April 21), Joe Tipton of On3 reported that five-star center in the class of 2027, Obinna Ekezie Jr., is going to take an official visit to Ann Arbor this upcoming weekend. Ekezie Jr. is a 7’0” center from Orlando, Fla., who On3 has ranked as the top center in his recruiting class and the second-ranked overall recruit in the country.

The Wolverines officially offered Ekezie Jr. back on Jan 27, 2026. He currently has offers from Kentucky, Kansas, UCLA, Alabama and Arkansas, among others.

On3 currently projects Michigan as the highest chance to land the five-star center at 40%, followed by Arkansas with a 35% chance. 

Michigan celebrates a national championship.
Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May celebrates with his players on stage after defeating the Connecticut Huskies in the national championship of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Michigan and the Frontcourt

The 2025-26 Michigan Wolverines found success with the big lineup, with the three-headed monster in the frontcourt with Morez Johnson Jr., Aday Mara and Yaxel Lendeborg.

UofM is losing Yaxel Lendeborg for certain, as he is out of college eligibility. Mara and Johnson Jr. are projected first-round picks and are likely to leave, but it isn’t official yet.

Yaxel Lendeborg shoots against UConn
Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) shoots against Connecticut Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) in the second half during the national championship of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Dusty May and the Wolverines have already begun to replace the frontcourt production, picking up former Tennessee Volunteer J.P. Estrella in the transfer portal. Estrella spent three seasons with the Volunteers. As a redshirt sophomore in 2025-26, the 6’11” forward averaged 10 points and 5.4 rebounds per contest. He also took 10 three-pointers on the season, knocking down four of those.

With the success May has proven to have with forwards and centers, it should help the recruitment process of players like Ekezie Jr.

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Justice Steiner
JUSTICE STEINER

A Battle Creek, Mich. native, Justice Steiner has been passionately involved in sports, currently as the sports information director at Davenport University, an NCAA Division II program, where he covers 12 sports. He also serves as the creative services director for the men's and women's baseball teams. Prior to DU, Steiner worked as a graduate assistant in the sports information office at the University of Louisville, working closely with the women's soccer, women's basketball, men's tennis and softball programs. While at Grand Valley State University, Steiner began his writing career at the Grand Valley Lanthorn. He graduated from GVSU with a degree in advertising and public relations.

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