On Friday afternoon, a major rumor regarding Michigan basketball was confirmed to be true. A three-year veteran Wolverine, who led UM hoops to a Big Ten title (2021), an Elite 8 (2021), and a Sweet 16 (2022) during his time in Ann Arbor, will not be with the Maize and Blue next year. Though it may seem unlikely, could Hunter Dickinson transfer to Maryland basketball next season? Here are some reasons why it does and does not make sense for the former Michigan star big man.
Why it would make sense for Hunter Dickinson to transfer to Maryland basketball
No one saw the Hunter Dickinson transfer coming yesterday — it was one of the most unexpected Michigan basketball moves that fans have seen in quite some time. Now, as we look at landing spots for the former Michigan center, here are a few reasons that it could make sense for him to end up a bit east of Ann Arbor with the Maryland Terrapins.
Staying in the Big Ten could be big for Hunter Dickinson when picking a transfer destination since the conference matches his style of play. He is also familiar with the Big Ten schedule, and is from the area. Speaking of which, heading back home to Maryland (where he played high school ball for DeMantha Catholic) might make sense as well — when looking at Hunter Dickinson transfer destinations, location could be a major influencer.
As a recruit at DeMantha, Dickinson was ranked as the No. 10 center in the nation and No. 2 player in the state of Maryland — he has turned into a bit of a local villain as of late due to his taunting of the Terrapins during his time at UM, though that would likely run its course if he transferred back home.
Additionally, Maryland basketball could make a good Hunter Dickinson transfer destination since he could run the four spot with Julian Reese, and could play with Jahmir Young again. On top of that, former DeMantha coach Mike Jones was just picked up by the Terrapins from Virginia Tech, which could sweeten the deal in MD for Dickinson.
Why it doesn’t make sense for Hunter Dickinson to head to Maryland
The most glaring issue with Hunter Dickinson heading back to Maryland is that, as I said, he has publicly expressed his dislike for the Terrapins’ program. While the program has changed leadership since Dickinson started his career with the Michigan Wolverines, we are not sure that the move has changed his feelings towards Maryland basketball all that much.
Additionally, the Terrapins really are not in a spot to compete for a Final Four while Dickinson is still in college over the next 1-2 seasons, so if he is looking to win a national title, it likely won’t be back in the Big Ten.
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