Juwan Howard and Michigan are putting together a loaded recruiting class in 2021.
The latest addition is five-star forward Caleb Houstan, who committed to the Wolverines Friday.
"I was down to four great schools but one definitely stood out to me the most -- I decided to commit to Coach Juwan Howard and the University of Michigan," Houstan told ESPN.
The 6'8 Houstan is the top-ranked recruit in Michigan history, according to 247 Sports -- narrowly edging out Glenn Robinson in 2012. He checks in at No. 8 in his class and No. 2 at his position.
Originally slated to graduate in 2022, Houstan reclassified over the summer in order to be eligible for the 2022 NBA Draft. He said Howard's NBA background played a big role in his commitment.
Houstan also had offers from the likes of Duke, Virginia and Michigan State.
"Coach Howard was a big part of my decision -- his background and our relationship. He played in the NBA for 19 years and knows what it takes to get there and stay there," Houstan said. "I think he can help me -- both on and off the court and in preparing to get to the next level."
With the addition of Houstan, Michigan's 2021 recruiting class ranks No. 1 in the country, according to 247 Sports. He joins a group that features four-star guards Frankie Collins and Kobe Bufkin, four-star forward Isaiah Barnes and three-star forward Will Tschetter.
When he arrives, Houstan expects to make an immediate impact.
"I expect to be a key part of their offense," he said. "They need me to step in right away and be a big contributor and I want to do that. I want to be able show who I am as a player and have impact right away."
