Wolverine Digest

Michigan basketball chasing elite 5-star prospect: 'We’re continuing to build our relationship'

Dusty May and the Wolverines are closing in on an elite prospect.
Trent Knoop|
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Michigan men's basketball signed five-star guard Trey McKenney in the 2025 recruiting class, and after much success under Dusty May in Year 1, the Wolverines are hoping to capitalize in 2026. Michigan has its sights set on five-star forward Anthony Thompson.

The Wolverines are one of many programs that have seen the Ohio product. Michigan is facing just about every program out there in hopes of landing the coveted recruit. Recently, Thompson announced a top 15 group that included: Auburn, BYU, Georgetown, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State. Purdue, Texas, and Xavier

Thompson, a Lebanon (OH) product, is currently playing his high school ball at Western Reserve Academy. He is considered the 11th-best recruit in the 2026 class and the 3rd-ranked SF in the country.

The elite SF recently spoke to On3 about what he thinks of Michigan:

“They’re doing really well in their first season. Watching them play, they have a lot of moving and cutting, it’s similar to how we play at Western Reserve, so I have some familiarity there. We’re continuing to build our relationship.”

In the same interview, Thompson shared what he is looking for in the college of his choosing.

“I want to play for a person I connect with. A coach on the court, but also off the court. I feel like that is the best way to succeed on the court is to play for someone you really connect with and really get to know them.

“I’m going to look at the play style and their plan for me. I’ve played a small forward role my whole life, so that is what I’m most comfortable with. I think it allows me to best open up my game inside and out. But I can play however the coach wants me, in multiple different styles. So, I’m going to look at the play style and go somewhere I’m comfortable.”

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

More Michigan News:

5-star recruit seemingly drops Michigan football from contention; announces official visits

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Predicting Michigan football offensive depth chart 3.0, Post-Spring Game

For additional coverage of University of Michigan athletics:

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Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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