In October 2024, Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball secured a significant commitment from four-star small forward Winters Grady, a 6-foot-5, 185-pound prospect from Prolific Prep in Napa, California. Grady, ranked No. 83 nationally and No. 19 among small forwards in the 2025 class by 247Sports, chose Michigan over offers from Oregon, Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico.
At Prolific Prep, Grady has been instrumental in the team’s success, contributing to a 24-5 record, including notable victories over Utah Prep. He is known for his strong transition play, deep three-point shooting, and ability to create shots off the dribble. His court vision allows him to facilitate scoring opportunities for teammates, while his scoring prowess makes him a dual threat on the court.
Grady’s playing style is characterized by his ability to push the ball in transition and knock down deep threes within the flow of the half-court offense. He excels as a ball-handler, effectively finding teammates while also creating his own scoring opportunities. His consistent form and follow-through on his jump shot are commendable, though developing a higher release point could make his jumper more challenging to contest. His exceptional court vision enables him to deliver accurate passes, setting up teammates for easy buckets.
Defensively, Grady’s immediate playing time at Michigan will depend on his ability to defend quicker Big Ten guards. If he can adapt to the defensive demands of the conference, he could see significant minutes, potentially in a role similar to that of Sam Walters, contributing 5-10 minutes per game. Offensively, his skills in transition and three-point shooting off the dribble align well with Michigan’s ball-screen heavy offense, suggesting he could make an immediate impact.
Beyond his freshman season, Grady has the potential to develop into a lead guard, forming a formidable backcourt alongside fellow recruit Trey McKenney. Their combined shooting prowess could make Michigan’s backcourt one of the most feared in the 2026-27 season.
Grady’s commitment adds to a strong 2025 recruiting class for Michigan, which also includes five-star guard Trey McKenney and four-star forward Oscar Goodman. This trio is expected to significantly bolster Michigan’s roster in the coming seasons, enhancing the team’s competitiveness in the Big Ten and nationally.
For a visual overview of Grady’s commitment and its implications for Michigan basketball, you can watch the
