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Scout Report
You clock a 6-10 power forward, still in high school, from a reputable program like The Newman School, and your attention is naturally drawn. But when that player is ranked top 50 nationally in his class and already committed to a Big Ten power like Michigan, you know you’re looking at something special. Quinn Costello isn't just a big body; he's got the tools that project well beyond his prep career.
Background
Quinn grew up in Boston, a hoops hotbed that consistently produces tough, skilled players, though true bigs like him are rarer. His time at The Newman School has given him a strong academic and athletic foundation, playing against top-tier competition day in and day out. This isn't a kid who's been coddled; he's earned his stripes in a highly competitive environment. His AAU circuit play, often alongside other high-major recruits like Lucas Morillo and Louis O'Keefe, has exposed him to diverse defensive schemes and allowed him to develop within a talented ensemble, rather than being the singular focus every possession.
Playing Style
Costello is a modern power forward, equipped with the size to impact the paint but also the developing skills to stretch defenses. On offense, he operates effectively in the mid-post, showcasing good touch on short jumpers and a reliable drop-step move. He’s not a back-to-the-basket bruiser every possession, preferring to face up or work in the pick-and-roll as the screener, where his rolls to the rim are strong and purposeful. His decision-making with the ball in his hands is generally sound, rarely forcing action and showing flashes of finding cutters from the high post. Defensively, he’s a legitimate rim protector, altering shots and blocking attempts with his length and good timing. He runs the floor well in transition for a player his size, often beating opposing bigs downcourt for easy scores or to set up offensive sets early. His motor is consistent; he's not one to take plays off, impacting the game even when the ball isn't in his hands.
Strengths
His length and reach are immediate assets, translating into significant defensive impact around the rim. Costello has excellent shot-blocking instincts, using his wingspan to deter drives and clean up messes in the paint. He’s a natural rebounder, crashing the boards aggressively on both ends, often securing extra possessions with offensive put-backs. Offensively, his touch around the basket is soft, and he finishes well through contact. He understands spacing and knows how to position himself for easy scores.
Areas to Watch
For Quinn to truly unlock his full potential, he needs to continue refining his perimeter shooting. While he shows flashes, adding a more consistent three-point shot will make him a much harder cover and open up the floor significantly. Developing a tighter handle for face-up drives from the perimeter would also add another dimension to his offensive game. He could also improve his lateral quickness to better defend smaller, quicker forwards on switches, an increasingly important skill in today's game.
Player Comparison
Quinn Costello reminds me of a younger, slightly more agile Al Horford during his college years at Florida. Both possess a high basketball IQ, a versatile offensive game that includes strong interior play and a developing perimeter shot, and a defensive presence that anchors their team's interior. Neither relies on brute athleticism but instead on smart positioning, timing, and fundamental skills. Horford eventually developed a reliable three-point shot, and Costello has similar traits to suggest he could follow that trajectory.
Recruitment
Quinn's commitment to Michigan is a significant win for the Wolverines, securing a top-50 national talent well in advance of his signing period. He had a plethora of other high-major offers, including Purdue, Minnesota, Michigan State, Boston College, Florida State, Illinois, and Iowa, among 20 others, indicating widespread interest from programs across the country. Michigan identified him early and clearly made him a priority, which speaks volumes about their belief in his long-term prospects. His decision to commit so early suggests he found the right fit both athletically and academically, and it allows him to focus on his development without the pressure of constant recruiting. He's solid with the Wolverines.
Projection
Costello projects as a multi-year starter for Michigan, likely anchoring their frontcourt for three or four seasons. He's got the foundation to be a highly productive collegiate big, contributing with rebounding, defense, and efficient scoring. His long-term professional trajectory depends heavily on the development of his perimeter game and overall offensive consistency. He has the frame and defensive instincts to carve out a role as a rotational player in the NBA, particularly if he becomes a reliable stretch-four who can also protect the rim.
Updated May 28, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Michigan
COLLEGE
The Newman School
PREP SCHOOL
Expressions Elite
AAU
Career Highlights
Quinn Costello named McDonald's All-American
Offers
28
Michigan
Committed
Chose Michigan over 27 other offers
Purdue
Minnesota
Michigan State
Boston College
Florida StateOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Social Activity
In a New York vs Boston preseason matchup, we saw LuHi narrowly take down The Newman School which was a hotly contested at The Preview 🫣 The game featured Michigan commit Quinn Costello and top-ranked PG Jamaal McKnight 🌟 @Eleve11Hoops @quinncostello3 @jamaalmcknight3 https://t.co/4EHHwPNrOd
4⭐️ Michigan commit Quinn Costello is one of the fastest rising recruits in the country 👀 @quinncostello3 https://t.co/1IBoiXklGh
Magic 17u UAA finish ranked #14 in the 🇺🇸! A 28-6 record (16-4 UAA) led to a top 25 ranking from THE CIRCUIT for the 5th straight year! In 4 years the Magic are 62-15 17u UAA play! Excited for another BIG year in 2026! #MagicFamily #MagicDNA #UAA #TheCircuit #UnderArmour https://t.co/BLc0BWMk2v
Signed. Sealed. Built for the Maize & Blue Quinn Costello. Joseph Hartman. Marcus Moller. Malachi Brown. The next generation is here. #GoBlue | https://t.co/ZFzW97bBNu https://t.co/cKGbgWhpyI