Franz Wagner Commits To The Michigan Wolverines

First-year head coach Juwan Howard got a key and familiar reinforcement for the 2019-20 season with the commitment of Franz Wagner on Saturday.

The 6-foot-7 younger brother of former Michigan star Mo Wagner committed to the Wolverines after playing with the German professional team, Alba Berlin. With Alba Berlin Wagner averaged 5.6 points per game and shot 38.4 percent from three-point range. Take a look at some of Wagner’s highlights from this past season.

Wagner’s recruitment and commitment is a big win for Howard and his Michigan staff. Between a decommitment and a disappointing graduate transfer decision, Michigan needed some momentum on the recruiting trail. This signing is an important indicator that Howard has steadied the boat and is moving forward after the departure of John Beilein.

Wagner, 17, is more NCAA-ready than his older brother. The 5.6 points per game are somewhat misleading. Alba Berlin is one of the best teams in Europe. Former Michigan standout Derrick Walton Jr. is also on the team, and the league’s filled with former and future NBA players. Wagner won the Basketball Bundesliga Best German Young Player Award last season. The award goes to the best player under 22 years old. Many previous award winners, including Dennis Schroeder of the Oklahoma City Thunder, have gone on to play in the NBA. If Wagner was coming out of high school, he would likely be a consensus top-50 player. With Michigan’s wing depth next season up in the air, expect Wagner to get plenty of opportunities to play and even start.

There’s no understating this recruiting victory for Howard and Michigan. This is a needed recruiting win both from an optics and practicality standpoint. Wagner will come in next season and help the Wolverines win more games. It’s nice recruiting momentum as the Wolverines are eyeing their needs and targets for the 2020 class.