Caris LeVert returns to school, making Michigan a Big Ten title threat
As Michigan fans awaited Caris LeVert's decision whether to enter the NBA draft or not, assistant coach Bacari Alexander offered a subtle hint which way the standout guard was leaning.
On Tuesday morning, Alexander tweeted a picture with the Michigan logo and the phrase "THOSE WHO STAY," a reference to the famous Bo Schembechler quote, "Those who stay will be champions."
Hours later, Michigan confirmed Alexander's tweet. The school announced Tuesday that LeVert will return for his senior season, a decision that solidifies the Wolverines as a preseason top 25 team and gives them hope of challenging Maryland, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Indiana for next year's Big Ten title.
All signs had been pointing toward LeVert forgoing his final year of eligibility and entering the draft until the projected mid-to-late first-round pick suffered a January foot injury that cost him the rest of this past season and complicated his decision. Suddenly, it was no longer such a sure thing LeVert would be selected in the first round even though the 6-foot-7 wing had led Michigan in scoring (14.9), rebounding (4.9) assists (3.7) and steals (1.7) prior to the injury
"Coming back allows me to keep working towards my Michigan degree and take the next steps in my development as a player, teammate and a leader of our program," LeVert said in a statement. "Michigan is a very special place and the college experience only comes once. The future is bright and I am blessed to be part of it."
Though Michigan missed the NCAA tournament last season for the first time in five years, the Wolverines appear poised for a bounce-back campaign. They'll be loaded on the perimeter with veterans Spike Albrecht and Derrick Walton Jr. splitting time at point guard and LeVert, Zak Irvin and a rapidly blossoming Aubrey Dawkins sharing minutes at wing.
The frontcourt will be a bigger question, but there’s reason to be optimistic. Forward Kameron Chatman and big men Mark Donnal and Ricky Doyle should all be much further along after a year of growing pains this past season.
The return of LeVert strengthens a Big Ten conference that should be among the nation's best next year.
The addition of elite recruit Diamond Stone and the return of Melo Trimble and Jake Layman gives Maryland legitimate Final Four aspirations even if the Terps don't add a transfer this offseason. Michigan State returns some key pieces from a Final Four team and adds high-scoring West Virginia transfer Eron Harris and an elite freshman class. Indiana will be a contender if Yogi Ferrell and James Blackmon return to school and Wisconsin will probably find a way to finish in the top four because Wisconsin always finds a way to finish in the top four.
Nonetheless, with LeVert headlining the league's deepest perimeter corps, Michigan should be back in the mix after a year's hiatus.
"We love coaching Caris and are excited he has decided to come back for his final season," John Beilein said in a statement. "His injury last season was unfortunate, but he never wavered in his commitment as a leader, a student or with his rehabilitation. Caris is a special person both on and off the court and we are proud of what he has accomplished. The best is yet to come for a young man like Caris LeVert."
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Jeff Eisenberg is the editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at daggerblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
