Michigan Basketball: U-M In On Charles Matthews, Wilkes Sets Visit
Michigan is one of at least two programs in on Kentucky transfer Charles Matthews (6-6) of Chicago St. Rita, per reports. Plus, five-star Kris Wilkes has set his official visit for June 12.
First, on Matthews …
Rivals.com’s former No. 48 prospect nationally in the 2015 class saw action in all 36 games for the Wildcats last year and made three starts, including the season opener. He averaged 1.7 points and 1.6 rebounds per game while shooting 44.2 percent from the floor.
ESPN.com’s Jeff Goodman reported that Michigan and Xavier are two schools on his list.
“Matthews is recovering from a recent medical procedure for a hip issue, but [Kentucky head coach John] Calipari said last week that he expected him to be fine and looked forward to him contributing more next season,” the Chicago Tribune reported. “He says in a release Wednesday that he was saddened to see him leave but supports his decision.
Matthews says he gained great experience at Kentucky and thanked Calipari and teammates but added, “I felt like it was in my best interest to explore other options.”
“The hardest thing as a coach is to lose a player that you really want to coach,” Calipari said in a statement. “In Charles’ case, I believe he is going to be a productive college player who has the ability to play at the next level. I know Charles’ best basketball is ahead of him, and while I’m a saddened to see him go, I support his decision and will help in any way I can.”
Wilkes told TheWolverine.com last week he’d be visiting this week, but we’ve confirmed it will take place Sunday the 12th. He hopes to trim his list to 10 schools by the end of the summer and take his recruitment through his senior season.
He also hopes to visit UCLA soon.
Wilkes (6-7) was one of Rivals.com’s top 12 at the recent Under Armour session III in Garden Grove, Cali. He holds offers from Indiana, Maryland, UCLA, Michigan State, Xavier, Purdue, Notre Dame, Illinois and others.
“I still feel like Wilkes is a bit under-appreciated. He is tough, a very good scorer from 17 feet and in and he’s a versatile athlete that always produces,” Rivals.com’s Eric Bossi noted. “Improvement on his jumper could make him a truly elite prospect.”