Michigan Lands Versatile Wing Joseph Hartman in 2026 Recruiting Class
Michigan’s 2026 recruiting class added a key piece in October with the commitment of Joseph Hartman, a skilled guard/wing out of The Rock School in Florida. Head coach Dusty May dipped back into familiar territory-his Florida roots-to land a player whose game blends perimeter shotmaking with physicality, and who brings a college-ready frame to Ann Arbor.
What Michigan Is Getting in Hartman
Hartman is widely regarded as a four-star prospect, with national rankings placing him somewhere between 65 and 95 overall. At 6-foot-5 (some list him at 6-foot-6) and around 190 pounds, he’s built like a strong-bodied wing but brings a skill set that hints at some big guard versatility.
The most translatable part of his game? The jumper.
Hartman is a true perimeter threat with clean mechanics, solid balance, and deep range. He’s especially effective in catch-and-shoot situations, making him an ideal floor spacer at the next level.
But he’s not just a stationary shooter-he’s shown flashes of creating his own shot off the bounce, both from midrange and beyond the arc. On the Adidas 3SSB circuit with Austin Rivers Elite, he hit 44% of his threes on over four attempts per game-a number that jumps off the page in today’s spacing-driven game.
While he doesn’t possess elite quickness or twitchy athleticism, Hartman finds other ways to be effective off the dribble. He uses his strength and contact balance to carve out space, especially when attacking closeouts or working out of the mid-post.
He’s not a high-volume isolation or pick-and-roll initiator, but he’s smart about when and how to attack. His ability to embrace contact and finish through it makes him a tough cover, particularly against smaller defenders.
A Physical Guard with a Post Game
One of the more unique aspects of Hartman’s game is his comfort scoring with his back to the basket. That’s not something you see often from guards at this stage, but Hartman has a knack for converting dribble-drives into post-ups and punishing mismatches.
He’s shown touch on fadeaways from 8 to 15 feet and has the strength to get to his spots. While Dusty May’s system isn’t known for emphasizing the midrange, this is an area of Hartman’s game that could be explored situationally.
He’s not a primary playmaker, but Hartman is a capable passer who can make skip passes and read defenses in ball-screen action. His passing won’t bend defenses, but it’s good enough to capitalize on the attention he draws as a shooter. Think of him more as a secondary connector than a lead guard.
Defensive Outlook: Switchable, Not Slippery
Defensively, Hartman’s lack of lateral agility limits his ability to stay in front of quicker guards. That said, his strength and frame give him a chance to guard up the lineup-think small forwards and even some stretch fours.
He’s physical, has a good feel for positioning, and rebounds well for his position. He likely projects as a reliable team defender who can switch onto bigger wings, rather than someone who chases guards around screens.
Recruitment Recap
Hartman’s recruitment came down to a Big Ten battle. He took official visits to Iowa, Minnesota, and Michigan in September before committing to the Wolverines on October 1. While his offer list was longer, it was clear the Midwest trio were the most serious contenders.
High School Background
Hartman plays for The Rock School in Florida, a respected program in the SIAA-an independent league that consistently produces Division I talent. The Rock isn’t quite on the level of national powerhouses like Montverde or IMG, but it’s no stranger to success, with multiple league championships in the past decade. Notably, NBA MVP Joel Embiid is among the school’s alumni.
Stat Snapshot
On the 2025 Adidas Circuit, Hartman averaged 13.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 44% from deep. Those numbers, paired with his physical profile and shooting versatility, make him one of the more intriguing wings in the class.
Projecting the Fit at Michigan
When Hartman arrives in Ann Arbor, the wing rotation will be crowded. Players like Durral McKenney, Christian Grady, and Jahari Liburd are expected to be in their second seasons, and the transfer portal could bring even more competition. That likely means a limited role for Hartman as a freshman-spot minutes on the wing, perhaps, but more likely a developmental year.
That year will be key for him to improve his agility and overall athleticism while learning the ins and outs of May’s system. By year two, he could carve out a rotational role off the bench, especially if the roster sees turnover-something that’s become the norm in the portal era.
The more realistic breakout comes in year three. By then, Hartman should be physically mature, comfortable in the system, and ready to contribute as a double-digit scorer.
He projects as a valuable floor spacer who can attack mismatches, finish through contact, and provide some post scoring against smaller defenders. Defensively, he should be able to switch onto bigger wings and hold his own on the glass.
What’s the Ceiling?
Hartman may not have the highest ceiling in the class, but his floor is solid thanks to his shooting, strength, and feel for the game. If he becomes a reliable defender and continues to develop as a secondary creator, he could absolutely be an all-conference level player by the time he’s an upperclassman.
In a Dusty May system that values spacing, ball movement, and smart decision-making, Hartman fits the mold. He’s not likely to be a one-and-done or a portal flight risk-he’s coming in with eyes wide open to the depth chart and seems poised to develop over time.
Joseph Hartman may not make waves as a freshman, but by the time he’s an upperclassman, Michigan fans could be looking at a versatile, tough-nosed wing who brings scoring punch and positional flexibility. The kind of player every winning program needs.