Michigan loses starting guard Tre Donaldson in transfer portal

Michigan men’s basketball will be moving forward without starting guard Tre Donaldson after he reportedly entered the transfer portal Tuesday. The news comes one day after the Wolverines landed former UNC guard Elliot Cadeau in the portal. The number of Michigan players transferring is up to four, and Donaldson is the first starter to leave.

Michigan guard Tre Donaldson enters transfer portal

Donaldson led the Wolverines in minutes per game (31.1) and started every contest this season as the floor general. He averaged 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.0 steals per tilt, shooting 43.3 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from behind the arc. Donaldson topped 20 points twice, with a career-high 21 points in a win over Penn State on Jan. 27.

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Donaldson was arguably the most important player for Michigan in the Big Ten tournament, most notably making a game-winning layup against Maryland to send it to the championship. In the conference tournament he averaged 12.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game to help the Wolverines raise the trophy.

Auburn, Donaldson’s former team, neutralized him in the Sweet 16 to the tune of five points on 2-of-9 shooting and four turnovers. Donaldson spent two seasons with the Tigers before joining Michigan last offseason.

With the arrival of Cadeau and five-star signee Trey McKenney on his way, Donaldson might’ve been concerned about his minutes decreasing, ultimately leading to his exit. After all, Donaldson is heading into his senior season.

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Cadeau can now be expected to take over Donaldson’s role as conductor of the Wolverines’ offense. Michigan has focused on guards since the portal opened up last week, but the big-man situation has yet to be figured out. The spring window is open until April 22.

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