More 'professional' L.J. Cason plans to 'bring it all' on Michigan team that can 'do some big things'

Michigan Wolverines basketball sophomore guard L.J. Cason began the 2024-25 campaign strong, fell out of the rotation and had a late-season resurgence that helped the Maize and Blue have postseason success. Now, Cason is looking to break out in his second season in Ann Arbor, and he’s taking his craft much more seriously.

“I learned that when things aren’t going your way, just go harder,” Cason said of lessons from his freshman season in an appearance on the ‘Defend The Block’ podcast with host Brian Boesch. “I think anybody would get emotional at that point; I think I got a little emotional, and I let that get the best of me. But for the most part I think I clicked back into my habits and just went harder. I think that helped me in the long run, and I beat adversity.”

Cason improved his defense, learned how he could impact games as a playmaker offensively and broke out at the end of Michigan’s season, highlighted by an 8-point performance in the Big Ten Tournament championship game win over Wisconsin and an 11-point, 3-assist effort in a victory over Texas A&M to advance to the Sweet 16.

“Just being a winner, getting outside of yourself,” Cason said of his takeaways from the postseason. “I learned that when the tough games come down the stretch, that you have to win with the team, a team effort.

“It’s not about who takes a shot, who scores it. It’s about all the winning plays, the loose balls, the right play every single possession. I think I really learned that, and I’m gonna take that with me throughout next season.”

Added Cason of his late-season breakout: “Knowing that I worked for it and it didn’t just come definitely made it more special.”

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Lakeland, Fla., native is looking to improve his habits this offseason — on and off the court.

“I think it’s being professional,” the Michigan guard said of his goals. “We talked about this a lot with my peers and my coaches, we talked about me being professional. That’s what it’s gonna be for me to take that next step, which is sleeping enough, eating right, drinking enough water, all the little details outside of just working hard on the basketball court. 

“I think that’s really gonna separate me this year.

“Being more explosive and having more stamina, I think that’s what me and the coaching staff really talked about, me being able to run down the court and not get tired. I’m best when I’m not tired, which is for everyone, but I think if I can expand that in my game I can be way better.”

Cason said he’s noticed improvement in his performance when he places a bigger emphasis on those areas.

“Yeah, it’s definitely a big difference,” he explained. “I think last year I wasn’t mature enough to do those certain things, wasn’t sleeping enough, wasn’t drinking enough water, eating whatever I want. And I’ve been locking in on those details, and I’ve been seeing the difference.”

Michigan brought in junior point guard Elliot Cadeau, a North Carolina transfer, to run the show, but Cason has a chance to play a major role as a combo guard.

“I think I can bring a lot to the table,” he noted. “[I’m] someone that can get inside the paint at will and create for others, whether I need to score the ball or pass it, guard the best player. I think this year I’m ready to bring it all — whatever the team needs from me. It’s the same as last year: Whatever the team needs me to be, I can do it.”

Michigan head coach Dusty May loves bringing in players with positional and defensive versatility — and Cason fits that bill as a combo.

“Depending on the lineup, you can be a different person with different lineups,” Cason said. “Him having this system really helps my game, whether it’s scoring or passing, being the generator or just playing defense.

“I think all of those things in the system can really be helpful. That’s why I committed to him, because I’ve seen that you can be a whole bunch of different players and still be the same player, if you understand what I’m saying.”

Noting that Michigan’s players don’t have their exact roles for next season yet as the team goes through summer workouts and the roster hasn’t been all together yet, Cason said bringing intensity is at the forefront of his mind.

“I think right now just having great energy, playing as hard as I can, making plays for my teammates and just getting outside of myself,” Cason said. “I think that’s always what helps me fall into my role.”

Cason is one of four returning scholarship players and is enjoying welcoming in Michigan’s newcomers, including graduate forward Yaxel Lendeborg, a UAB transfer who forwent the NBA Draft to play in Ann Arbor.

“Yaxel is a big funny guy, just a big kid, man,” Cason said. “They all love to work. They all love to be in the gym. They all love the process of what it takes to win; they don’t just love winning — they love the process.

“I think we have a really good team this year and a chance to do some big things.”