Michigan basketball waits for 'good news' from target Moustapha Thiam

Michigan is looking to pair him with a true rim protector, which is why the Wolverines brought in Cincinnati's Moustapha Thiam for a visit earlier this week. By all accounts, Michigan felt good when he left campus.

"Really well," a person with knowledge of the coaching staff’s plans but not authorized to speak said of the visit. "Really good people [around him], great kid, think our goals align. Really pleasant to be around. So I would [say] hopefully, hopefully get some good news in here really shortly.

"Not 100% sure on the timeline, but ... I feel like they're nearing a decision and we have our fingers crossed."

The former All-Big 12 honorable mention has several high-major options. Thiam also visited St. John's, and Arkansas and Kansas are also making a notable push.

The Wolverines have established development bona fides with their centers the past two years under coach Dusty May, with Vladislav Goldin and Mara each showing noticeable improvement. Thiam, who averaged 12.8 points and 7.1 rebounds a night for the Bearcats, would likely also benefit.

Dec 1, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Tarleton State Texans forward Ocypher Owens (24) drives to the basket against Cincinnati Bearcats guard Shon Abaev (10) and center Moustapha Thiam (52) in the second half at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

He blocked 88 shots as a freshman at UCF and 50 at Cincinnati as a sophomore, which is a skill set U-M desires, in addition to having a plethora of front line size that can overwhelm opponents.

"Can't have too many really good big guys," the Free Press learned. "[If] it ends up being Mustafa. He's, he's like a guy where he's a straight five man, J.P is more like Morez where he can play four or five. Certainly think those two could pair really well together."

ON THE CALENDAR: Michigan basketball adds Marquette to 2026-27 schedule

In addition to Mara and Johnson, U-M lost star wing Yaxel Lendeborg, as well as Will Tschetter (eligibility) and Malick Kordel (transfer to Minnesota). If Mara and Johnson do leave, 2026-27 will feature almost a complete overhaul of the frontcourt.

It wouldn't be a surprise if U-M did bring in another big man off the radar to help supplement the depth, but right now, Thiam remains the top target for the Wolverines in the frontcourt as Michigan looks to build a roster that is capable of going back-to-back.

Tony Garcia is the Michigan beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Moustapha Thiam has Michigan basketball 'fingers crossed'