The Michigan Wolverines received a verbal commitment from Colin Castleton, a 6-foot-11, 220-pound forward at Father Lopez Catholic High School in Daytona Beach, FL. Castleton announced his commitment via Twitter this past Wednesday early in the morning.
Castleton joins four-star prospects Brandon Johns (East Lansing), Ignas Brazdeikis (Canada) and David DeJulius (East English Village) and three-star prospect Adrien Nunez (St. Thomas More) for the class of 2018.
According to The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Castleton averaged 23.3 points, 11 rebounds and 5.4 blocks per game last season.
The 4-Star recruit in the eyes of 24/7 Sports, Scout and Rivals made his decision after naming his final eight in late August, which included Notre Dame, Illinois, Florida, Baylor, Purdue, Florida State and Ohio State.
“I chose Michigan because of the fit,” Castleton told Def Pen, “and just being on campus felt so good and being around the players. They made me feel like I was on the team and I felt apart of the family and culture.”
When it comes to their culture in Ann Arbor, it’s simply winning. They’ve made the NCCA Tournament tournament six of the last eight years, which included three trips to the Sweet Sixteen. Last season the team went 26-12.
Castleton plans on helping the team with his versatility; he possesses a shooting touch and footwork, which he uses to create his shot.
“I’m going to come in and take Moe’s [Moritz Wagner] spot most likely since he’ll be going to the NBA, and being a stretch-five who can do it all but I’m an actual four.”
Wagner entered the 2017 NBA Draft without hiring an agent but decided to withdraw his name and return to Michigan for his junior season. The Germany native started all 38 games for the Wolverines last season in 23.9 minutes of action with averages of 12.9 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if Wagner did declare for the draft and stayed in it the next time around, which Castleton is optimistic will happen after this season. Heading to the NBA is a dream Castleton shares with Wagner.
“I want to go to the NBA and that’s my dream,” said Castleton.
Taking that next step to the professional level can be an arduous one, but the good news is, Colin Castleton will be at Michigan, led by John Beilein. The school has a history of producing a litany of NBA players, and with proper development and receptiveness to coaching, there’s no reason Castleton shouldn’t achieve his goal.
“The coaches are so real with you and they don’t lie about anything,” said Castleton. “They didn’t promise anything and said I have to earn it when I get there.”
With the NBA being a long-term goal, Castleton is staying in the present and focused on finishing his final high school year on good terms.
“I want to be the best person and leader I can be, and have a great year academically for my last year,” said Castleton.
