Michigan guard Roddy Gayle Jr. will return for senior season

Michigan men’s basketball continues to rise, as guard Roddy Gayle Jr. is set to return for his senior season. He joins fellow guard Nimari Burnett as key players staying in Ann Arbor for another year. Gayle Jr. played in 36 games and made 25 starts last season.

Guard Roddy Gayle Jr. is running it back with Michigan

The 6-foot-5, 205-pounder played his first two seasons at Ohio State before making the switch to the Wolverines in 2024. In his first season at Michigan, Gayle Jr. averaged 9.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

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With 29 steals, Gayle Jr. finished second on the team behind only Tre Donaldson (37). His career-high 26 points (21 in the second half) against Texas A&M propelled Michigan to the Sweet 16.

At 79.2 percent from the free throw line, Gayle Jr. led all Wolverines with at least 50 attempts. Aside from Gayle Jr. and Burnett, Michigan’s guards will be almost completely different next season.

Donaldson transferred to Miami, Justin Pippen transferred to Cal, and local five-star Trey McKenney will be challenging for minutes as a freshman. The Wolverines also brought in North Carolina guard Elliot Cadeau from the transfer portal.

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With Gayle Jr. and Burnett set to return, along with the top portal class in the country, Michigan is ready for another deep run in the postseason.

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