How Michigan basketball plans to deploy new center Moustapha Thiam

Yahoo Sports3h ago47 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

Michigan basketball has signed 7-foot-2 center Moustapha Thiam, a top transfer from Cincinnati. His addition is significant as the team anticipates the departure of Aday Mara to the NBA draft.

Key points

Michigan basketball signed Moustapha Thiam from Cincinnati
Thiam is a 7-foot-2 center and a top transfer
He was the No. 13 player in the transfer portal
Aday Mara is expected to leave for the NBA draft
Thiam's addition is significant for the 2026-27 season

Moustapha ThiamMichigan WolverinesCincinnati Bearcats

How Michigan basketball plans to deploy new center Moustapha Thiam

Michigan basketball, at least thus far, has signed three transfers from other schools, but one stands above them all -- figuratively and literally.

The Wolverines managed to secure former Cincinnati big man, Moustapha Thiam, the 7-foot-2 center who was the No. 13 player in the transfer portal, and the third-best center. Given the expectation that incumbent center Aday Mara, who declared for the NBA draft, will depart the program, to get a player like Thiam is big for the Wolverines' prospects in 2026-27.

A bit more filled out than Mara, does that make Thiam more closely resemble Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf than his immediate predecessor? Dusty May isn't too sure about that.

"Yeah, he's a lot different," May said. "Obviously, he's a center, and he's big, and he's talented, and he's skilled, but his game isn't like theirs. And so it's exciting to have another player with the talent he has that we can tweak our system to and play through a little bit. But he's got a lot of weapons and a lot of tools in his toolbox. He's gonna be fun to coach.

"But yeah, we're excited for him. But obviously, the rim protection and things like that, if you're gonna have the type of defense we have this year, you need to be able to clean some stuff up at the rim. And we think he's able to do that on the defensive end. He runs, he makes 3s. I mean, as you saw here in the exhibition game, we had no answer. And that was before Rez and Aday, but we had no answers for him down low.

"So he's a guy that we think that he will be able to identify some matchup advantages for us and tackle on the perimeter and the low post and transition, whatever the case. But yeah, he's another one that we're incredibly excited to coach because he's proved that he can do it at a high level in the Big 12."

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 06: Aday Mara #15 of the Michigan Wolverines works against Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies during the first half of a game in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Q&A

Who is Moustapha Thiam and why is he important for Michigan basketball?

Moustapha Thiam is a 7-foot-2 center who transferred from Cincinnati and is considered a key addition for Michigan basketball, especially with the expected departure of Aday Mara to the NBA draft.

What position does Moustapha Thiam play for Michigan basketball?

Moustapha Thiam plays as a center for Michigan basketball, filling a crucial role in the team's lineup.

How does Moustapha Thiam compare to Aday Mara?

Thiam is more filled out than Aday Mara, which may influence his playing style and role on the team.

What impact will Moustapha Thiam have on Michigan's prospects for the 2026-27 season?

Thiam's addition is expected to enhance Michigan's prospects for the 2026-27 season, especially in light of potential roster changes.