Could 2016 PG Justin Turner be closing in on a Michigan offer

DETROIT - With Michigan basketball striking out with most of their top targets at the point guard position in the class of 2016, with the exception of the No.28 ranked player in the nation, Cassius Winston, the Wolverines have turned their eye on another prospect in their own backyard. Michigan has now expressed interest in Detroit Renaissance senior, Justin Turner.

The 6-3 combo guard has seen his recruitment sky rocket over past few weeks, garnering new interest from Dayton, St.Bonaventure, George Mason, Louisiana Tech (offered), and the big one, Michigan. They (Michigan) are looking for a point guard to take in next year's class, and Turner would be s good option.

"Coach Bacari and Coach Beilein have been watching me, and keyed in on me at their elite camp and team camp," Turner said. "I played really well, so they are going to be following me this July period.

"They are just sorting things out, getting my transcripts together, and just seeing how things plays out. They are still recruiting Cassius, and see how things go this July period."

Growing up, Turner was a big fan of Michigan basketball, admiring players like Jalen Rose, and Manny Harris, who both played in the Detroit Public School League as well. It is his dream school, so obviously he would love to have the opportunity to play there close to home.

"Michigan has always been a school I grew up watching," said Turner. "My family has always had the Michigan State/Michigan battle, but something about the Maize and Blue just stuck with me.

"I used to watch Manny (Harris), who was from Detroit and went to Redford. I used to watch the old Jalen Rose clips, and when Trey Burke got there, I used to always watch him."

A Michigan offer would be huge for Turner, as it would be his first high-major offer. Not only would it boost his recruitment, but it would also boost his confidence even more. The past season, and the spring was trying for Turner, but he has persevered through the hard times, and it ready to go after the big fish this summer.

"Knowing everything that I've been through, especially this AAU season, switching teams and coming off the bench, and getting hurt, a Michigan offer would be big," said Turner. "I think I have the ability to land an offer, so we will see how things play out this summer with them.

"I want to finish this AAU July period out doing what I do best, and to showcase my talent. I want to show them that I can run the one,and show that I can score. I going to be playing with Josh Jackson, so I can feed off of him a lot."

Of course, Turner will have to see what Winston does in the recruitment process, before he earns that offer from Michigan possibly. Winston is a top priority for the Wolverines, which Turner acknowledged, and understands. Still that doesn't effect Turner, as he remains optimistic on his possible future as a Wolverine.

"Yes, Cassius is their No.1 priority, but they (Michigan coaches) said they love my game, and how they would love to have a PSL player on their team," Turner said. "I know they are going to see what he does first, but who knows, maybe they can bring in both of us.

"Them recruiting Cassius doesn't really effect my thoughts on Michigan, but I do keep that in mind. But at the same time, with my ability to play a combo guard, it can also be a good thing at the same time."

It remains to be seen if Michigan will pull the trigger on Turner, who isn't making it any easier for them not to, with his play over the summer. Turner has been working on different aspects on his game, and the results are evident. Last season, Turner would lay the ball up on a fast-break, but yesterday at the Derrick Coleman High School Summer League, he threw down a one-handed dunk on a defender, something we hadn't seen from him before. His go-to move is the mid-range pull-up jump-shot, which he also had going at the summer league.

"I've been working on pretty much everything," he said. "I've been hitting the weight-room to work on my body, getting my jump-shot back, getting my shots up, and still working on my ball-handling. So really it's been non-stop work."