Players who could still return to Michigan basketball in 2024-25
The Michigan Wolverines are in the middle of a coaching change from Juwan Howard to whatever comes next. With that comes players making decisions on their future during the transition taking place.
So far, Michigan has lost guard Dug McDaniel, center Tarris Reed, forward Youssef Khayat and guard George Washington III to the transfer portal. That makes two starters and a few young players that some had hoped would be building blocks.
This will be a complete and total roster rebuild for whoever takes the job, but there is a chance that a bit of continuity remains in Ann Arbor. Here are the four players that could return to Michigan, in addition to the recruits still signed to come play at Crisler Center.
Forward Terrance Williams II (1 season of eligibility)
Terrance Williams II was among the four players honored at Senior Day, but does have an additional year of eligibility due to the COVID year, and has left the door open for a return.
A once-polarizing player, Williams was a steady presence for Michigan during its 8-24 campaign. He started and played in 31 games, averaging 12.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest while shooting 43.3% from the floor (39.7% from three). One would think if he chooses to return, there would be a spot for him in the starting lineup.
Guard Nimari Burnett (1)
Like Williams, Nimari Burnett has another season he can use due to the COVID campaign. He averaged 9.6 points per game, starting all 32 contests for the Wolverines. He was also honored during Senior Day events, but could also opt in for a return depending on what happens next.
Guard/forward Jace Howard (1)
Jace Howard, Juwan’s son, was limited to 10 games this year while dealing with a knee injury. It was also a frustrating campaign that included the on-court struggles, a confrontation between his father and former strength and conditioning coach Jon Sanderson and the coaching change that took place after the season.
He has an additional year of eligibility, but we will see if he elects to use it, whether at Michigan or elsewhere.
Forward Will Tschetter (2)
Will Tschetter took steps forward this year to the point of where you look down at his totals and wonder why he did not play more. Tschetter suited up in 31 contests with six starts, averaging 6.8 points per game, shooting 58.2% from the floor and 51.9% from three on decent volume (28-for-54). Should he run it back, he figures to be one of the foundational pieces and it would not be stunning to see him as a team captain.
Michigan signees still in the mix
Top-30 wing Khani Rooths never signed, but decommitted from Michigan earlier this week, saying he would continue to consider them. The Wolverines have a pair of signees remaining in four-star guard Christian Anderson (No. 108 overall) and three-star guard Durral Brooks, who won Mr. Basketball in the state of Michigan this year.
Brooks is on the record saying he will wait out the coaching search to see what happens, while Anderson’s status is to be determined.
