Five-Star Forward JJ Tay Shocks the Nation: Decommits from Team and Commits to Michigan Wolverines, Turning Down Oklahoma Sooners, Louisville, and Wisconsin
In an unexpected twist that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, five-star forward JJ Tay has made a decision that few saw coming. After months of speculation and interest from top-tier programs, Tay, a standout player in the 2025 recruiting class, has decommitted from his previous school and committed to the Michigan Wolverines. The highly touted forward, who had previously been linked to several powerhouse programs, including the Oklahoma Sooners, Louisville Cardinals, and Wisconsin Badgers, has stunned many by choosing Michigan as his next destination.
The decision marks a significant turn in what had already been a rollercoaster recruitment process for Tay. His commitment to Michigan is a major win for head coach Juwan Howard and the Wolverines, adding one of the most coveted players in the country to their roster. Tay’s skill set, work ethic, and potential have made him a coveted recruit for nearly every major program, but Michigan’s ability to land him represents a turning point in the Wolverines’ recruiting efforts.
The Journey to This Moment
JJ Tay’s rise to prominence in high school basketball has been nothing short of meteoric. Standing at 6’8″ and possessing a rare combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ, Tay has impressed scouts across the country with his versatility. Whether it’s scoring at will, playing lockdown defense, or grabbing rebounds, he has proven himself to be an all-around player who can make an immediate impact on the court. His ability to stretch the floor and shoot from the perimeter, combined with his explosive leaping ability, has drawn comparisons to some of the top forwards in the NBA, making him a sought-after recruit.
Initially, Tay committed to a different school, which sent a ripple through the recruiting world. However, as is often the case in the unpredictable world of college basketball recruiting, things began to change. Rumors about his wavering commitment started circulating, and soon enough, Tay made the bold decision to decommit from his original choice. This move shocked many, as it was expected that Tay would stick with his original commitment. Instead, he threw open the doors to his recruitment once again, much to the delight of other top programs.
The Schools That Were in the Running
As soon as it became clear that JJ Tay was back on the market, several major programs immediately began to make their moves. The Oklahoma Sooners, Louisville Cardinals, and Wisconsin Badgers were among the schools that had already shown interest in the five-star forward, and they wasted no time in making their pitches. All three programs are known for their basketball traditions, and each had a unique appeal to a player of Tay’s caliber.
Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma, under the leadership of head coach Porter Moser, has been steadily building a competitive program. The Sooners have a strong basketball tradition and have produced several NBA-caliber players over the years. They are known for their up-tempo style of play and have a reputation for developing players into high-level prospects. Tay was reportedly impressed by the Sooners’ recruiting pitch, which centered around developing his skills and preparing him for the next level. However, despite the allure of playing in the Big 12 and the opportunity to make an immediate impact, Tay ultimately chose to go in a different direction.
Louisville Cardinals
The Louisville Cardinals, led by head coach Kenny Payne, are another powerhouse program that had their sights set on Tay. Louisville has consistently been one of the top programs in the ACC and has a storied history of success, including national championships and producing NBA talent. The program’s pitch focused on the chance for Tay to contribute to a program in transition and to help restore Louisville to its former glory. Although the Cardinals are an attractive option for many recruits, Tay’s decision to look elsewhere left fans in Louisville disappointed.
Wisconsin Badgers
Finally, the Wisconsin Badgers, under the guidance of head coach Greg Gard, made a strong push for Tay as well. Known for their disciplined, team-first approach and their emphasis on defensive prowess, the Badgers offered Tay the opportunity to develop into a complete player. Wisconsin’s well-established reputation for player development and its success in the Big Ten were big selling points in their recruitment pitch. While the Badgers were certainly a competitive option, Tay’s choice to commit to Michigan left Wisconsin’s fanbase reeling, as they hoped to add another five-star talent to their already successful program.
Michigan’s Winning Pitch
While all three of these programs made compelling arguments for why Tay should join their respective teams, it was Michigan that ultimately won out. The Wolverines, led by head coach Juwan Howard, have become a powerhouse in recent years and have built a reputation as one of the most exciting and successful teams in college basketball. Michigan’s blend of a winning culture, elite coaching, and a tradition of developing NBA-caliber players made it the ideal destination for Tay’s talents.
What set Michigan apart from the other programs was the vision Howard laid out for Tay’s future with the team. The Wolverines have a long history of producing first-round NBA draft picks, and Howard’s NBA experience is a major draw for recruits looking to make the jump to the next level. Howard’s reputation as a player development guru and his ability to coach versatile players like Tay made Michigan an attractive destination for the five-star forward. Furthermore, Michigan’s emphasis on a fast-paced offense and its use of versatile players in various roles seemed to align perfectly with Tay’s strengths.
What This Means for Michigan and the Recruiting Landscape
Tay’s commitment to Michigan is not only a huge victory for the Wolverines but also a statement to the rest of the college basketball world. The Wolverines have been building momentum in recruiting under Juwan Howard, and landing a player of Tay’s caliber only further solidifies their status as a national title contender in the coming years. With Tay joining a talented roster, Michigan is positioned to make a serious push for a national championship, and the recruiting success could continue to attract more top-tier talent to Ann Arbor.
For the other schools involved—Oklahoma, Louisville, and Wisconsin—the decision is a disappointment, but they are all likely to regroup and continue pursuing top-tier talent in the 2025 class. The landscape of college basketball recruiting is constantly shifting, and a single commitment can have a lasting ripple effect, influencing future recruiting decisions for years to come.
As for JJ Tay, his future at Michigan looks incredibly bright. With his blend of talent, potential, and work ethic, he is poised to become one of the biggest stars in college basketball and may one day be playing in the NBA. His commitment to the Wolverines has already made a significant impact on the program, and it is sure
to be a defining moment in his career.