The Michigan Wolverines basketball team went into Friday night's watch party with 4-star guard Devin Cleveland hoping for some positive recruiting momentum after landing Lucai Anderson earlier in the week.
The hope was that Cleveland would potentially pair with Anderson to give the team an instant impact in the backcourt with their talented backcourt potentially depleted by the end of the 2027 season.
Cleveland had narrowed his search down to three schools. Michigan was one of them and they felt like they were in a good spot, but ultimately were spurned when Cleveland announced he was heading to Missouri to continue his basketball career.
Who Is Devin Cleveland?
Cleveland was closely following the Wolverines last season and after winning the national championship, it felt like the Wolverines were in a good spot to land the talented guard.
Turmoil hit the program from there.
Dusty May shocked the basketball world when he left Michigan to go coach the Dallas Mavericks. That means there was uncertainty within the program, and that was not solved when the Wolverines hired Mike Boynton Jr. to replace him. Boynton Jr's contract situation is well documented, and he may be a short term solution to the basketball program.
With that turmoil within the program, Cleveland began looking at other schools. Coming into the night, Michigan led the way for Cleveland's services. According to Rivals' Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Wolverines had a 38 percent chance to land him, with Missouri nipping at their heels in second place. Still, Michigan felt good about their chances due to their background with the player.
"I know there been coaching changes recently but Coach Akeem [Miskdeen] – another Chicago guy who I've been building a connection for the past three years – reached out to reassure me that they are still confident in the coaching staff and the team's ability to compete at the highest level," Cleveland told Rivals prior to his commitment date. "I'm looking forward to building a connection with Coach (Mike) Boynton and seeing how my game can fit into what they're building. I'll be watching his play style throughout the season."
As it turns out, second was the best in this case. Devin Cleveland chose Missouri, leaving the Wolverines without an instant impact player in their backcourt for the 2027 class.
What Does It Mean?
The 2026 season still looks good for Michigan and their backcourt. Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney should lead the way for Michigan's backcourt this season.
Beyond that? There are questions. Cadeau and McKenney both have eligibility beyond this season, but both could be NBA bound with a big season that both are expected to have.
Cleveland could have been someone who stepped into the fold and potentially contributed immediately as a freshman
Instead, the Wolverines are back to the drawing board for their 2027 recruiting class as a big target is headed elsewhere.
Sign up for the Michigan Wolverines on SI newsletter for more free coverage
Today's best reads
- Michigan Basketball a Finalist for 4-Star Guard Devin Cleveland – Sets Commitment Date
- Top-30 Prospect Takes Official Visit to Michigan Basketball Ahead of Final Decision
- Michigan Basketball Lands 4-Star G Lucai Anderson – What it Means for Wolverines
- When Does Devin Cleveland Commit? Time, Stream as Michigan Basketball Waits Decision
- Overrated? Michigan Basketball Has the Talent to Make Another Run in 2026-27
This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/michigan as SPURNED: Michigan Basketball Loses Out on Top Backcourt Recruit.