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Michigan basketball: report states NIL played a ‘major role’ in the loss of Hunter Dickinson

According to new reports, Michigan basketball lost Hunter Dickinson to Kasnas in large part due to his NIL money.

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Michigan basketball, Hunter Dickinson, NIL Money
Mar 5, 2023; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan Wolverines center Hunter Dickinson (1) celebrates a made basket in the first half Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Michigan basketball team experienced a significant blow through the transfer portal as former star player Hunter Dickinson opted to join the Kansas Jayhawks. When Dickinson initially entered the portal, it surprised many within the program and across the nation. However, the Wolverines have been active in the portal and seem to have built a strong roster for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Yet, what might be even more concerning than Dickinson’s departure is the reported reason behind it. Recent reports suggest that NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities played a significant role in Dickinson’s choice to leave Ann Arbor.

Michigan basketball: new reports state that NIL money played a major role in the loss of Hunter Dickinson

Hunter Dickinson has been a standout player in Juwan Howard’s Michigan basketball program for the past three years. He played a crucial role in leading the Wolverines to a Big Ten title and two Sweet 16 appearances, consistently showcasing his talent on the court during his time in Ann Arbor. However, he has decided to take his skills to Kansas in pursuit of a national championship, with reports suggesting that NIL opportunities played a significant role in his decision.

According to new reports from On3, Dickinson’s departure was largely influenced by the potential for increased NIL earnings. He mentioned that people criticizing his decision would readily switch jobs for a $10,000 raise. Dickinson highlighted that during his time at the University of Michigan, his NIL deals amounted to less than six figures for the year.

“The people hating on me would leave their job right now for a $10,000 increase. Ten thousand,” Dickinson said about his NIL deals at the Univeristy of Michigan. “I got, at Michigan, less than six figures. I got less than six figures at Michigan for the year.”

Despite choosing to leave the program, Hunter Dickinson still holds a positive view of his experience with the Maize and Blue. He emphasized that his decision was not a reflection of his feelings toward the program. In fact, he expressed his love for Michigan, the school, and the basketball program. Leaving was a difficult choice for him, but he ultimately believed it was the best decision for his future.

“I won’t say anything bad about the basketball program and stuff like that, because I still do love Michigan,” Dickinson said. “I love the school and everything, love the program. That’s why it was so hard to leave. I didn’t want to leave, but I felt like, man, it was the best decision for me.”



Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple PodcastsSpotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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BREAKING: Michigan basketball lands major transfer portal target

JUST IN: Michigan basketball has locked down its top transfer portal target

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Michigan basketball, major transfer portal target
Mar 23, 2023; New York, NY, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Olivier Nkamhoua (13) controls the ball against Florida Atlantic Owls guard Alijah Martin (15) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The recruitment of Olivier Nkamhoua, a highly sought-after four-star prospect, has been a rollercoaster ride for the Wolverines. Initially considered a strong contender for Michigan, Nkamhoua’s interest seemed to shift elsewhere at one point. However, contrary to earlier reports, Michigan basketball has successfully secured the commitment of this major transfer portal target. Nkamhoua, a former standout player for the Tennessee Volunteers in the SEC, will don the Maize and Blue jersey in the upcoming season as a fifth-year senior.

Michigan basketball lands major transfer portal target

Last season, Nkamhoua truly showcased his talent and emerged as a prominent figure in college basketball. His contributions played a crucial role in Tennessee’s journey to the Sweet 16, averaging an impressive 10.8 points per game while boasting a remarkable shooting percentage of nearly 70%.

With his arrival at Michigan, Nkamhoua is poised to take on a more significant role and bring his strong defensive skills to the Wolverines’ lineup. As a four-star transfer portal recruit, he was undoubtedly one of the top priorities on head coach Juwan Howard’s offseason wishlist.

Nkamhoua’s exceptional performance against the Duke Blue Devils in the Round of 32 during the 2023 March Madness tournament further solidified his reputation. In that game, he erupted for 27 points and grabbed five rebounds in just 22 minutes, leading Tennessee to a victory. Such displays of talent have garnered attention and anticipation for his future with Michigan basketball.

While the Michigan basketball team continues to undergo offseason transformations, securing a major transfer portal target like Olivier Nkamhoua marks a significant stride in the right direction for the Maize and Blue. The upcoming 2023-24 season holds great importance, as it may shape the trajectory of Juwan Howard’s tenure as the Wolverines’ head coach.



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Young Michigan basketball star inks major NIL deal

The young Michigan basketball star Tarris Reed just signed a big-time NIL deal!

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young Michigan basketball star, Tarris Reed, NIL, Randy Wise Automotive
Feb 8, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Tarris Reed Jr. (32) grabs the rebound in the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Regarding the University of Michigan and NIL, Michigan football has been king. However, it appears that basketball is now making a push in the industry. Today, young Michigan basketball star center Tarris Reed signed a NIL deal with Randy Wise Automotive.

Young Michigan basketball star Tarris Reed signs noteworthy NIL deal

When it comes to Randy Wise Automotive, they know a thing or two about Michigan athletics. While this is the first NIL deal they’ve signed with a Michigan basketball player, they have plenty of Michigan football players on board.

He joins a list of Michigan athletes, including stars like quarterback JJ McCarthy, linebacker Junior Colson and tight end Colston Loveland.

Historically, the automotive company has used these NIL deals in charitable ways. More specifically, the company, alongside the Michigan football program, has helped with various charities, including the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint and United Way of Genesee County as well as J.J.’s For The Kids Foundation.

Now, with Tarris Reed on board, the company has an even broader reach within the Michigan community. Not only does this expand their brand, but it also expands their options for charity events into the future.

Big things are expected of Reed in 2023

It’s been a less-than-ideal offseason for Michigan basketball so far in 2023. They’ve lost out on several big-time transfer targets, and they also happened to lose several players to the transfer portal and NBA draft.

Still, not all hope is lost, as some young studs are returning to the program. One of which is none other than center Tarris Reed who is likely to start for the Wolverines at center this upcoming season.

The 6-foot-10, 260-pound center had a solid freshman campaign in 2023, especially breaking out toward the end of the season. Recording 3.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game, he was fantastic as a backup to superstar Hunter Dickinson.

With Dickinson heading to Kansas, Tarris Reed will need to step up in a significant way for Michigan basketball. He has the size and skill to be a star in college basketball. All he needs is a chance to prove it, and that opportunity is coming up this season.



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Former Michigan basketball transfer commit chooses final destination

Former Michigan basketball transfer commit Caleb Love has made his decision!

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Michigan basketball transfer commit, Caleb Love, transfer portal, Arizona Wildcats
Dec 21, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Caleb Love (2) drives against Michigan Wolverines forward Terrance Williams II (5) during the first half at the Jumpman Classic at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a whirlwind couple of months for Michigan basketball fans. Even more so, it’s been a whirlwind couple of months for former Michigan basketball transfer commit Caleb Love. In March, he made his decision to enter the transfer portal, leaving North Carolina before committing to play for the Wolverines in April. Then, in a turn of events, he shockingly decommitted from Michigan and has committed to play for the Arizona Wildcats.

Former Michigan basketball transfer commit Caleb Love is an Arizona Wildcat

When shooting guard Caleb Love committed to Michigan basketball, Wolverine fans once again had something to be excited about. Following a disappointing season ending in a trip to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), things needed to change.

Naturally, coach Juwan Howard took to the transfer portal to find a potential new star for the program. It seemed like Caleb Love was going to be that guy before he surprised the world and decommitted. Now, it appears the former five-star commit is headed to Tucson, AZ.

The Arizona Wildcats are getting a good one in Caleb Love. Through three seasons at North Carolina, Love recorded 14.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steal per game. Not to mention, he’s an elite shot creator who is more than capable of making something out of nothing.

With Caleb Love officially headed elsewhere, Michigan basketball still has plenty of questions to attend to. Since the 2022-23 season ended, the Wolverines have lost out on stud players like Jett Howard, Kobe Bufkin, Hunter Dickinson and now Caleb Love. The team still has plenty of talent, but not much of it is proven.

If coach Juwan Howard hopes to pick up any extra pieces before next season, he needs to get on it soon. While the transfer portal is still technically open, many of the top options have already committed elsewhere. The future of Michigan basketball could still be bright, but coach Howard has plenty of work ahead of him.



Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple PodcastsSpotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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