Highly-rated recruit Brandon McCoy has a hard time making up his mind and deciding whether he is going to play college basketball for the Alabama Crimson Tide or the Michigan Wolverines.

The 6’4″ combo guard hailing from St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California, is also the No. 3 prospect according to 247Sports in the United States in the 2026 recruiting class.

Players from both colleges are significantly involved in McCoy’s decision, as he has received personal endorsements from the teams’ coaches.

How Are Alabama and Michigan Players Influencing Brandon McCoy’s Choice?

McCoy has worked out with star players from Alabama and Michigan, and their opinion might impact his choice. McCoy has been wowed by the words coming from Alabama guard Labaron Philon and Michigan forward Danny Wolf.

“I like their play style,” McCoy said when talking about the Crimson Tide’s system. “They play fast, shoot threes, get to the basket. I’ve worked out with Labaron (Philon) and he told me great things about (Alabama) coach (Nate) Oats. I actually met coach at USA and he was a cool guy, so I’m going to keep talking to them as well.”

Alabama’s fast-paced style of play under Oats is an ideal match for McCoy’s unique skill set. Philon, a SEC All-Freshman who averaged 10.6 points and 3.8 assists last season, is also a strong recruiter for the program.

He was able to find success in Oats’ system alongside other guards. This provides an idea around how McCoy can find a way to flourish in a similar style of play.

Michigan has also made a strong impression through Wolf’s advocacy. “I’ve heard great things about (Michigan head coach) Dusty May,” McCoy explained. “I’ve also worked out with Danny Wolf, and he preached to me the whole summer about how good Dusty May is. So I’m definitely looking at that school, too.”

Wolf is a 7-foot forward who helped guide Michigan to the Sweet 16 last season and talked about how ingrained May is with their program. His endorsement throughout the summer speaks to the trust his peers have in May based on his coaching style. It appears to have made an impression on McCoy.

What Do These Two Programs Offer McCoy?

Both schools have pros and cons that fit with McCoy’s development trajectory. Alabama has the fastest offense with limited structure, focusing on shots beyond the arc. They tend to provide guards with immediate impact through the 3-point shot.

In comparison, Michigan relies on a stronger offensive structure that has proven successful in tournament settings while developing players along the way.

The personal connections McCoy has built with both Philon and Wolf give him an insider’s perspective on daily life in each program. These relationships often prove more valuable than official visits or coaching presentations.

As he continues to evaluate and assess his decisions, the endorsements from Philon and Wolf will continue to hold weight. Ultimately, Philon and Wolf are the gatekeepers regarding who they want to help maintain success in their own college basketball programs.