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Michigan targeting $1.8M transfer portal centerpiece as title defense begins
TL;DR
Michigan Wolverines are targeting Moustapha Thiam, a top transfer portal player, as they prepare to defend their national championship. Thiam averaged 12.8 points and 7.1 rebounds last season, making him a key addition for the team's roster.
Key points
- Michigan Wolverines targeting Moustapha Thiam from transfer portal
- Thiam averaged 12.8 points and 7.1 rebounds last season
- Thiam is seen as a key addition for Michigan's title defense
- Michigan seeks continuity in winning basketball
- Head coach Dusty May is focused on roster construction
Michigan WolverinesMoustapha ThiamCincinnati Bearcats
Michigan targeting $1.8M transfer portal centerpiece as title defense begins originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Fresh off a national championship, the Michigan Wolverines are already operating like a program that expects to stay on top. That’s the reality of modern college basketball. Winning a title no longer buys time. It raises expectations and accelerates roster turnover. For Michigan and head coach Dusty May, the transition from celebration to roster construction has been immediate. And now, the Wolverines may be closing in on a move that could define whether this championship run turns into something bigger. According to projections from On3, Michigan is trending toward landing one of the most valuable players in the transfer portal, a decision that could reshape its frontcourt and reinforce its identity heading into a title defense.
Why Moustapha Thiam fits what Michigan needs right now
The name to watch is Moustapha Thiam, the former Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball center who has quickly become one of the most sought-after players in the portal. Thiam’s sophomore season production tells part of the story. He averaged 12.8 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting over 52 percent from the field, numbers that point to efficiency and interior control. But the bigger appeal is how his game translates to winning basketball. He plays within structure, finishes at a high rate, and provides a physical presence that holds up in postseason environments.
Michigan isn’t just looking for talent. It’s looking for continuity in how it wins. Thiam fits that profile.
The NIL factor is impossible to ignore
Thiam’s reported $1.8 million NIL valuation underscores how high the stakes are in this recruitment. In today’s portal economy, elite big men come with both on-court value and financial implications. Michigan’s ability to position itself for a player in that range speaks to the program’s current momentum and infrastructure. Programs that win championships tend to become more attractive. The Wolverines are now operating from that position of strength.
Q&A
Who is Moustapha Thiam and why is he important for Michigan?
Moustapha Thiam is a former Cincinnati Bearcats center who averaged 12.8 points and 7.1 rebounds last season, making him a valuable target for Michigan's roster as they aim to defend their championship.
What are Moustapha Thiam's statistics from his sophomore season?
In his sophomore season, Moustapha Thiam averaged 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and shot over 52 percent from the field.
How does Michigan plan to use Moustapha Thiam if they acquire him?
If acquired, Moustapha Thiam is expected to enhance Michigan's frontcourt and provide a physical presence that aligns with their winning strategy.
What impact could Moustapha Thiam have on Michigan's title defense?
Moustapha Thiam's addition could reshape Michigan's roster and reinforce their identity as they aim to build on their recent national championship success.
