BOOM! After visiting Ann Arbor back in February, 7-foot 2025 German big man Malick Kordel has committed to Dusty May and the Michigan basketball program:
Malick Kordel, a 7-foot big man from Germany, has committed to Dusty May and the Michigan Wolverines ’ 2025 class. His name is now in the university’s student database.
Kordel visited Ann Arbor back in late February, being seen courtside ahead of the game against Michigan State. He also took official visits to Iowa and Xavier — two programs who had coaching changes this offseason — before ultimately deciding on Michigan.
Malick Kordel, a 2025 seven-footer from Germany, is here for MSU-UM pic.twitter.com/NievLklRtu
— Kellen Voss (@Kellen__Voss) February 22, 2025
Unlike Americans who have played hundreds of AAU games, Kordel took a non-traditional path to the hardwood. He didn’t start playing competitive basketball until 2021 and actually grew up playing handball.
“Everybody said, ‘Start playing basketball. You’re huge. You have the perfect tools,’” Kordel said on a podcast last year. “You look like a basketball player. Just try it. But for me, I didn’t want to let my friends down, let’s say. I built up a big circle of friends.”
When the pandemic closed the gyms that Kordel was playing handball in, he started playing basketball outdoors and ultimately started practicing for the U19 NBBL team in Germany.
As I wrote this winter , Kordel can finish consistently in the pick-and-roll and does a great job keeping the ball high around the rim. He also possesses a good feel for when to roll and when to seal his man, and he possesses excellent footwork. He can pass out of the short roll and find cutters, too, which is a good sign for his playmaking upside long-term. Finally, Kordel is also a good offensive rebounder who can knock down a 15-footer and protect the rim on the other end of the floor.
He’s a raw prospect, which is totally normal for young 7-footers getting used to their newfound height. It’s even more understandable considering he’s only played organized basketball for four years. But Kordel has the tools to eventually develop into a key player.
Kordel joins five-star Trey McKenney , four-star Winters Grady , four-star Oscar Goodman and three-star Ricky Liburd in Michigan’s 2025 class.
Kordel’s commitment is great long-term news for the Wolverines. I don’t expect him to contribute much, if at all, as a freshman, but he’s a developmental big that can make an impact at some point in his college career. With the transfer portal closed and limited options remaining for available scholarships, it’s smart for the program to take a swing on an international prospect with high upside.