As the AAU season heats up, Michigan basketball under Coach Dusty May is making significant strides in securing top talent for the 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes. One standout prospect is TJ Crumble, a 6-foot-7 forward from Richmond Heights in Cleveland, Ohio. Recently, Crumble’s offer from Michigan was re-affirmed by Coach May, signaling the Wolverines’ continued interest in this versatile and dynamic player.
TJ Crumble is not your typical 6’7″ player. He brings a unique blend of skills that make him a standout player. His comfort with handling the ball and making plays off the dribble sets him apart from traditional forwards. Crumble’s vision on the court is exceptional, allowing him to execute precise passes both in transition and in the half-court setting. This ability to facilitate play and create opportunities for his teammates makes him a highly sought-after high school recruit.
Crumble’s shooting ability is another key component of his game. He boasts a smooth outside jump shot, adding a significant threat from beyond the arc. His shooting ability complements his versatile offensive game, making him a difficult matchup for defenders. Furthermore, Crumble exhibits maturity and stability on the court, traits that are often rare in young players. His composed demeanor and intelligent play contribute to his effectiveness and reliability in high-pressure situations.
Off the court, TJ Crumble exemplifies the ideal student-athlete. Maintaining a 4.4 GPA, Crumble takes great pride in his academic achievements. He understands the importance of balancing athletics with academics, a philosophy instilled in him by his parents from a young age. “In order to be a complete athlete, you also have to have the grades,” Crumble said. “You always have to think long term… what’s your plan after that? So that’s what makes me continue to strive in the classroom as well as on the court.”
Crumble’s recruitment is a collective effort, with significant input from Michigan’s coaching staff, including May, Kyle Church, and Akeem Miskdeen. “I’ve had most of my conversations with the staff with Coach Church and Coach (Akeem),” Crumble shared. “Coach Keem was at a lot of my games last weekend in Indiana for Session 3 of EYBL.” This level of engagement from the coaching staff underscores Michigan’s strong interest in securing Crumble’s commitment.
Michigan is not alone in pursuing Crumble, who holds over 15 offers from top programs, including Ohio State, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin. Despite the competition, Crumble has expressed a strong interest in Michigan and plans to visit Ann Arbor soon. “I’ll definitely be visiting Michigan in the near future,” he said. “Most likely after the college dead period I’ll be coming up.”
Crumble’s style of play aligns well with Coach May’s system at Michigan. His ability to play as a wing/forward, combined with his shooting, passing, and ball-handling skills, make him a perfect fit for a modern, versatile offensive scheme. Crumble himself acknowledges this alignment, noting that the Michigan staff sees him fitting the mold of a new generation NBA player, drawing comparisons to former UM player Isaiah Livers.
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