The Doug Lange Network 

May 25, 2019 

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Lynden Christian basketball star Cole Bajema is "ALL IN" with the University of Michigan. The senior turned to social media to end speculation that a recent coaching change for the Wolverines might lead him to be consider going elsewhere. 

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On Friday night Bajema announced on Twitter that he was excited about new head coach Juwan Howard and was committed to staying with Michigan:

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"The departure of coach Beilein came as big surprise. Given coach Beilein recruited me, I am sad to see him go but fully support him in his new venture at the Cavaliers. I cannot thank the entire Michigan basketball staff enough for their support. Having patiently waited for Michigan to name it's new head coach, I am very excited Juwan Howard is the new head coach. i believe he will uphold the great culture, that is Michigan basketball. I know there has been a lot of speculation out there but I am ALL IN for coach Howard and ready to report in June! Go Blue! "

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Michigan hired 46-year-old Howard on Tuesday.  The former Fab Five star at Michigan and long time NBA standout agreed to a five-year deal to replace John Beilein who jumped to the NBA after 12 seasons leading the Wolverines. 

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Bajema, the two-time All Northwest Conference MVP and state player of the year in the 1A classification, is reaffirming his commitment to Michigan just as the university tries to re-recruit former signee Jalen Wilson. On May 16th Wilson announced via social media that he had requested his release from Michigan, and was re-opening his recruitment. 

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Michigan will be happy to retain Bajema, who averaged 23 points per game during his senior season in leading the Lyncs to a 4th place finish at 1A state. The Wolverines can use the offensive punch after stars Ignas Brazdeikis, Jordan Poole and Charles Matthews all announced they are going pro.

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Beilein leaves Michigan after compiling a 278-150 win-loss record with 9 trips to the NCAA tournament. The highlight of his tenure was a national runner-up finish in 2017-18 when the Wolverines lost to Villanova in the championship game. 

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Howard starred for Michigan from 1991-to-1994, going to 2 national championship games along with freshmen Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Ray Jackson and Jimmy King. the former 1st round pick played for 8 NBA squads between 1994-and-2013. He was an assistant coach with the Miami Heat from 2013-2019. 

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- Doug Lange