Michigan lands four-star PF Colin Castleton

Michigan has made another major splash in the 2018 recruiting class as it landed the commitment of Colin Castleton today. A Rivals150 prospect, Castleton brings excellent upside, ball skills and versatility to Michigan’s frontcourt.

The four-star standout impressed during his senior summer with how hard he played and his ability to score from inside and out. He is capable of producing whenever the game speeds up but also within the half-court setting, and should excel within John Beilein’s system.

Castleton spoke on the connection that he felt with the staff in Ann Abor.

“Coach Yak (Luke Yaklich), he has been there with me since Illinois State," he said. "He called me right when he got the job and sad that he had already told coach Beilein about me and that I was the first guy that he wanted to call, which means a lot to me since he believed in me and still remembered me. Once I got to know coach Beilein and he came and talked to me, I just really had a good connection with him.”

Castleton also talked about the type of role that he could play and the idea of replacing a potential pro in their frontcourt.

“Mo Wagner came into college being a 5-4 and they really want to stress to me that, a lot of people think of me as a kid that can shoot but they want to stress that I am a big guy that can shoot,” Castleton said. “I can play the post, as well, and also shoot, just like Mo. He has been through it and if he can get to the NBA after this year, I can maybe follow in his footsteps and be a clone of sorts, since we have the same kind of game.”

Michigan focused on its frontcourt with its 2018 recruiting class as it faced the need to replace outgoing senior forward Duncan Robinson and Wagner, the latter being a solid NBA prospect that could opt for the league a year ahead of time. Castleton has the chance to inherit a handful of the minutes leftover by both Robinson and Wagner next year and be leaned upon for his scoring skills and rebounding abilities.

Castleton is part of a strong Michigan class joining four-star forward Brandon Johns, lead guard David DeJulius and high scoring wing Ignas Brazdeikis.