The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1544920
24 THE WOLVERINE ❱ JUNE/JULY 2026 2026 BASKETBALL RECRUITING ISSUE BY JOHN BORTON B randon "Beezy" McCoy Jr. just made picking a hat off a table to announce a commitment look like a Prius to an Indy car driver. The five-star guard's declara- tion for Michigan proved nothing short of fabulous. On the night head coach Dusty May and the Wolverines locked up a berth in the national championship game, McCoy confirmed he'd look to be in on the next one. He joined the Fab Five on its alter- native broadcast of the NCAA semifinal game to let everyone know he'll be playing in Crisler this winter. McCoy jumping on board just enhanced the celebration for Michigan fans looking on — including the stars from 35 years ago. Jalen Rose himself delivered the intro- duction: "We love the University of Michi- gan and Dusty May, and it's only right that it's our goal to continue to help make the program great. And coming up next is a special player, a special young man, a Mc- Donald's All-American and he's a terrific performer. I think he might have an an- nouncement to make …" The 6-foot-5 guard with the 6-10 wingspan out of Sierra Canyon High in Chatsworth, Calif., took it from there. McCoy began with respect for the el- ders, saying: "First of all, I want to thank you guys for having me. You guys left a legendary legacy at Michigan — I'm defi- nitely aware of that." Then he got down to it. "I'm blessed and grateful to announce I'll be attending the University of Michi- gan," he declared, unzipping an unmarked hoodie to reveal a shirt with the block M emblazoned on the chest. That brought a rousing response by Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, Ray Jackson and Rose, punctuated by Rose's own extended "Let's goooooooooo!" Asked about the why later by ESPN, McCoy noted he found himself buying what May sold throughout the coach's two success-laden seasons at Michigan. "Coach May's vision lined up with my vision and dreams, which is to become a pro and stay in the league long term," McCoy said. "He said I could fill up a stat sheet, play winning basketball, be an elite defender and play multiple positions." "Brandon is a special talent who has the ability to impact the game in so many FIVE-STAR REAL MCCOY Incoming Wing Brandon McCoy Jr.'s Arrival Got Fab Treatment As a senior at Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon High, McCoy averaged 19.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.2 steals per game, shooting an attention-grabbing 61.8 percent from the field. PHOTO COURTESY SLAM HS HOOPS