Flint Native Trey McKenney Commits to Michigan Basketball, Solidifying Wolverines' Recruiting Dominance

Nov 9, 2024 at 8:37 PM
Trey McKenney, the top high school player in the state of Michigan, has officially committed to the University of Michigan basketball program. The Flint native, who plays for Orchard Lake St. Mary's, made the announcement during a 247Sports livestream on Saturday, donning a maize Michigan jersey and hat to showcase his decision.

Wolverines Secure Prized In-State Recruit, Bolstering Roster for the Future

Trusting the Coaches and the Program

McKenney, a highly sought-after five-star guard, cited his trust in the Michigan coaching staff and the program's overall appeal as the driving factors behind his decision. "Definitely just my trust in them," McKenney said when asked what pushed Michigan over the edge. "Trust in the coaches, my family being very faith-oriented, just being able to feel it, and feel the relationship with them, and also, Michigan just being my dream school growing up, growing up watching them with my dad."

A Significant Recruiting Victory for Coach Dusty May

The commitment of McKenney represents a significant recruiting win for first-year Michigan head coach Dusty May. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound guard is the No. 1 player in Michigan according to the 247Sports composite rankings, the No. 3 combo guard in the country, and the No. 19 overall player in the 2025 class. May made a special appearance on the livestream to express his excitement, stating, "Trey, it is a great day to be a Michigan Wolverine. We can't wait to coach you man, we're excited. We appreciate you and your family, and your circle. You guys are the best."

Overcoming In-State Rivals for a Hometown Talent

McKenney's decision to commit to Michigan is particularly noteworthy given the program's long-standing rivalry with Michigan State, a school that was once considered a significant hurdle for the Wolverines in recruiting in-state talent, especially those with Flint ties. However, the Wolverines have managed to secure the commitment of this prized recruit, further solidifying their position as a premier destination for top-tier basketball talent in the state.

Joining a Promising 2025 Recruiting Class

McKenney's commitment adds star power to Michigan's 2025 recruiting class, which already includes Winters Grady, a four-star forward from Napa, California, and Oscar Goodman, a small forward from the NBA's Global Academy in Australia. The Wolverines' coaching staff has worked tirelessly to assemble a talented group of players who will contribute to the program's future success.

Scouting Report: A Powerful, Physical, and Versatile Guard

According to Adam Finkelstein, the 247Sports director of scouting, McKenney is a "big-bodied scoring guard and unique backcourt match-up because of his very broad frame and massive 6-foot-9 wingspan." Finkelstein further describes McKenney as "powerful, physical, crafty, [with] a great left-hand, and is also very adept at scoring over top of contesting defenders in the mid-range area." These attributes make McKenney a formidable addition to the Wolverines' roster, as he brings a unique skill set and physical presence to the backcourt.

Michigan's Promising Start to the Season

The commitment of McKenney comes at a time when the Michigan basketball program is off to a solid start this season. The Wolverines recently defeated Cleveland State 101-53 in their season-opening win and are now preparing to face Wake Forest on Sunday. This early success, coupled with the addition of a top-tier recruit like McKenney, suggests that the Wolverines are poised for a promising campaign and a bright future.