We're at the time of year where actions carry more weight then words when programs have limited time/resources with multiple events going on simultaneously. Juwan Howard made his first stop of last weekend's live evaluation period in New Jersey to see 5-star Dereck Lively. That said, Dereck Lively is a clear priority at the center position.
Lively dropped his final seven on Friday that consists of Michigan along with Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina, Penn State, USC and Florida State. Lively hasn't been subtle about Kentucky being a coveted offer and furthered that sentiment with these comments yesterday to Zag's Blog:
“It was a great experience to receive that offer. It was good to finally have that offer so I could release my top 7 and cut down my list.”
Per the same article, Dereck is visiting Duke tomorrow and plans to visit Michigan, USC and Florida State in the fall but I don't necessarily buy it. When a prospect is literally waiting on a single offer to release a final seven, that says a lot. Again, actions>words.
Further, I did my own digging this weekend and word has it that Kentucky feels very strong about their standing in the aftermath of Lively's official visit to Lexington. This one is fading fast, and unless Michigan is able to get Dereck on campus so Juwan Howard can work his magic, the Wolverines are on the outside looking in.