Caleb Williams drawn to Michigan by Juwan Howard, DMV connections

When Juwan Howard first called Caleb Williams to extend a scholarship offer, Williams — a fast-rising class of 2024 prospect — missed the phone call. 

“I was actually getting some shots up,” Williams told UM Hoops with a laugh. “And then I called him back and I was excited to talk to him. I had talked to the assistant coaches a little bit before, and it felt really good for a coach like Juwan Howard — and a player like Juwan Howard — to extend a scholarship.” 

Michigan offered Williams a scholarship on Aug. 2, joining a competitive race for the small forward. Williams ranked 124th in the 2024 class by 247Sports Composite, but his talents are coveted by Maryland, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech, amongst others. 

The Wolverines have managed to make a strong impression. Williams is scheduled to take an official visit to Ann Arbor at the end of October, his trip coinciding with a home football game against Michigan State. It will provide a forum for Williams to strengthen what is an already-burgeoning relationship with Howard, whom Williams says he talks to on a weekly basis, covering subjects far beyond basketball. 

“He’s one of the only head coaches that consistently reaches out to me,” Williams said. “I feel like our relationship is gonna get even stronger.”