Michigan Emerging as Potential Landing Spot For All-Big 12 Center

Wolverines look to add 7'2" Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam to their roster.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:07pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a dominant 7-foot figure in the center, surrounded by fragmented shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette, conceptually representing the addition of Moustapha Thiam to the Michigan basketball team.A cubist interpretation of Michigan's potential new star center Moustapha Thiam, whose imposing presence could anchor the Wolverines' frontcourt next season.Cincinnati Today

According to multiple reports, Michigan is set to host 7'2" Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam on Monday. Thiam was an All-Big 12 center last season, averaging 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. The Wolverines are looking to add Thiam to their roster as they aim to build a formidable frontcourt for next season.

Why it matters

Michigan has already added Tennessee big man J.P. Estrella, and the addition of Thiam could give the Wolverines a dominant trio in the paint alongside Morez Johnson Jr. if he returns. Thiam's defensive presence and ability to stretch the floor would be a valuable asset for Dusty May's squad.

The details

Thiam has been in college for two seasons, finishing his sophomore year with Cincinnati. He was an All-Big 12 center after a standout season, and is now one of the top transfers available. Thiam has a similar skill set to previous Michigan centers Vlad Goldin and Aday Mara, with the ability to protect the rim, rebound, and knock down the occasional three-pointer.

  • Thiam is set to visit Michigan on Monday, April 19, 2026.
  • Thiam played his first season of collegiate basketball at UCF before transferring to Cincinnati.

The players

Moustapha Thiam

A 7'2" center who was an All-Big 12 selection last season at Cincinnati, averaging 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, who has targeted big men with similar skill sets to Thiam in his previous two seasons.

J.P. Estrella

A Tennessee big man who has already committed to join the Michigan roster for the upcoming season.

Morez Johnson Jr.

A Michigan forward who the Wolverines are hoping to retain for next season, potentially forming a formidable frontcourt trio with Thiam and Estrella.

Aday Mara

A 7'3" center who played for Michigan in the past two seasons and is a projected mid-first-round pick in the upcoming NBA draft.

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What’s next

Thiam is set to visit Michigan on Monday, and the Wolverines will look to secure his commitment in the coming days.

The takeaway

The addition of Moustapha Thiam would give Michigan a formidable presence in the paint, complementing their existing frontcourt options and providing the team with a proven shot-blocker and offensive threat. Thiam's potential arrival could be a key piece in the Wolverines' quest to build a championship-caliber roster for the 2026-27 season.