Trey McKenney's Pivotal College Decision: A Transformative Moment for Michigan Basketball

Oct 15, 2024 at 5:08 PM

Trey McKenney's Highly Anticipated College Decision: A Game-Changing Moment for Michigan Basketball

The Dusty May era of Michigan basketball is set to begin in under a week, but the Wolverines' new head coach and his staff may be on the verge of landing a massive win on the recruiting trail in the weeks ahead as well. Five-star Flint (Mich.) St. Mary's combo guard Trey McKenney recently trimmed his list of prospective schools down to a 'Top 3' of Michigan, Georgetown, and USC, and he is set to announce his commitment on Saturday, November 9th.

A Coveted Recruit with Immense Potential

A Versatile and Powerful Backcourt Presence

Trey McKenney is a highly sought-after prospect in the 2025 class, ranked as the No. 20 overall player, the No. 3 combo guard, and the No. 1 player from the state of Michigan according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. The Flint native has garnered 35 Division I scholarship offers, including one from in-state rival Michigan State. McKenney is a unique backcourt match-up due to his broad frame and massive 6-foot-9 wingspan, which allows him to play a physical, aggressive style of basketball.McKenney's game is centered around his scoring mentality and ability to leverage his body type within his attack. He is a powerful, crafty player with an advanced understanding of how to use his size and strength to his advantage. McKenney's left-hand is a valuable asset, and he has shown the ability to score over the top of defenders in the mid-range area.

Potential as a Playmaker and Defender

While McKenney can sometimes settle for tough, mid-range shots, he has also demonstrated the potential to be an effective initiator when given the opportunity to play with the ball in his hands. His instinctive feel for the game and ability to operate out of ball-screens suggest he could develop into a well-rounded playmaker at the collegiate level.Defensively, McKenney's willingness to compete is often limited by a lack of lateral quickness, which is an area he will need to address through continued conditioning and development. However, his excellent rebounding ability as a guard and 92% free-throw shooting percentage indicate he has the potential to be an impactful two-way player.

A Pivotal Recruitment for Michigan Basketball

Michigan enters the 2024-25 season with an almost entirely new roster, as Dusty May has brought in several transfers and high school prospects to begin his rebuild in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines are still seeking their first recruiting win in the 2025 class, and landing McKenney would be a significant coup for May's first-year coaching staff.Prior to May's arrival, the Wolverines were a distant afterthought in McKenney's recruitment, but the new head coach has made the five-star guard a priority since taking over the program. With McKenney set to announce his decision on November 9th, Michigan is poised to potentially land a program-changing talent that could help kickstart the Dusty May era in Ann Arbor.