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Khani Rooths, Michigan's Highest 2024 Recruit, Decommits After Juwan Howard Firing

Jack MurrayMarch 18, 2024

ANN ARBOR, MI - MARCH 10:  Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard watches the action on the court during the first half of a Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Michigan Wolverines on March 10, 2024 at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Michigan's 2024 men's basketball recruiting class has taken a hit following the firing of head coach Juwan Howard.

Joe Tipton of On3 reported that 2024 Top-30 recruit Khani Rooths officially decommitted from the Wolverines Monday. Additionally, Tipton reported that the Wolverines leading scorer from Dug McDermott had entered the transfer portal.

Joe Tipton @TiptonEdits

BREAKING: 2024 Top-30 recruit Khani Rooths has decommitted from Michigan, he tells <a href="https://twitter.com/On3Recruits?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@On3Recruits</a>. <br><br>The 6-8 small forward says he will continue to consider the Wolverines with his recruitment now back open. <br><br>The school parted ways with Juwan Howard on Friday. <br><br>Story:… <a href="https://t.co/D53SJNm2bA">pic.twitter.com/D53SJNm2bA</a>

Joe Tipton @TiptonEdits

NEWS: Michigan guard Dug McDaniel has entered the transfer portal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/JamieShaw5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JamieShaw5</a>. ⁰⁰The 5-11 sophomore averaged 16.3 PTS &amp; 4.7 AST this season. <a href="https://t.co/rzZr73gGuq">https://t.co/rzZr73gGuq</a> <a href="https://t.co/EizHXMPcCy">pic.twitter.com/EizHXMPcCy</a>

Howard was fired Friday following five seasons as the programs head coach. He compiled an 87-72 overall record with two NCAA Tournament appearances and a trip to the elite eight in 2020-21. An 8-24 2023-24 season, combined with claims that Howard had created a "culture of fear" in the program, ultimately led to his departure.

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The jury is not out on Rooths suiting up for the Wolverines, as Tipton reported that he is still considering the program but is opening up his recruitment.

The 6'8", four-star recruit from IMG Academy was ranked as the sixth-best power forward in the nation and the No. 8 player from Florida, per 247 Sports. He has 12 scholarship offers and made visits to Michigan, Georgia, Florida State, Mississippi State and Virginia Tech.

Following his decommitment, Michigan now has just two players in its 2024 recruiting class, per 247 Sports. They are four-star guard Christian Anderson and three-star guard Durral Brooks. The current class is ranked 56th in the nation, per 247.

McDaniel averaged 16.3 points, 4.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds for the Wolverines in 2023-24. He was a four-star prospect in the Class of 2022. He notably missed time in 2023-24 while being suspended for "academic issues."

Michigan will need to hire Howard's replacement, and the next head coach's first task will likely be building this roster back up.