Cole Bajema will play for Michigan basketball next fall.
Bajema, a 4-star prospect who signed with the Wolverines, reaffirmed his status late Friday night shortly after the conclusion of U-M’s coaching search.
〽️〽️〽️ pic.twitter.com/sAzBj6Jmgh
— Cole Bajema (@colebajema22) May 25, 2019
“The departure of Coach Beilein came as a big surprise,” Bajema tweeted. “Given Coach Beilein recruited me, I am sad to see him go but fully support him in his new venture at the Cavaliers. I cannot thank the entire Michigan basketball staff enough for their support.
“Having patiently waited for Michigan to name its new head coach, I am very excited Juwan Howard is the new head coach. I believe he will uphold the great culture, that is Michigan basketball. I know there’s a lot of speculation out there but I am ALL IN for coach Howard and ready to report in June! Go Blue!”
Bajema originally committed to U-M late last summer, after a big jump in the rankings during the July evaluation period. Bajema, who lived in Michigan from ages 3 to 7, and whose father grew up rooting for the Wolverines, signed with the program in November during the early signing period. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, the Lynden (Wash.) Christian School product is the No. 106 overall recruit in the nation. The 6-foot-7, 175-pound prospect projected as a wing player in Beilein’s system.
Bajema had yet to publicly comment on his status following Beilein’s departure earlier this month. His reaffirmation of his status means that Michigan will sign at least one player in the 2019 class. Former signee Jalen Wilson asked for and received his release following Beilein’s departure and has re-opened his recruitment.
Barring any further attrition, Michigan currently has three open scholarships for the 2019-20 season.
Contact Orion Sang at osang@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @orion_sang. Read more on the Michigan Wolverines and sign up for our Wolverines newsletter.
