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Michigan star big man Hunter Dickinson breaks down his upcoming NBA Draft decision

The Wolverines’ top dog has a big decision on his hands.

Published

2 months ago

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Star big man Hunter Dickinson NBA Draft
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

ANN ARBOR, MI — Last week, the 2022-23 Michigan basketball season finally came to an end in a very fitting manner. The Wolverines, whose season was all over the place, fell just short in round two of the NIT against Vanderbilt, blowing a late-game lead and not being able to muster up  game-winning shot. For Michigan basketball, the 18-15 season was tough, yet another crucial blow could be coming as star big man Hunter Dickinson has a decision to make regarding his NBA Draft hopes.

Recently, on his very own podcast (the Roundball Podcast), Dickinson gave fans an inside look at what is running through his mind regarding his basketball future.

Michigan star big man Hunter Dickinson breaks down upcoming NBA Draft decision

Here is that star big man Hunter Dickinson had to say about his NBA Draft decision:

“Everything’s settled in,” Dickinson said on Michigan’s 2022-23 season coming to an end. “It’s great being able to take a couple days, relax. The NCAA season is a grind. Everybody’s so sore by the end of the season. Something’s hurting on your body. Being able to take a couple days and just not do anything and just sleep in until like 1 or 2 p.m. on some days is great. Just trying to enjoy the relaxation as much as I can, because in a little bit you’ve got to put your head back in the dirt and start grinding again.”

Michigan star big man Hunter Dickinson has been the top dog on the Wolverines’ roster for three years in a row now; however, throughout his time in Ann Arbor, the Michigan Wolverines have slowly gotten worse. In year one, Dickinson led Michigan basketball to a Big Ten title-winning regular season and an Elite 8 appearance — since then, Michigan clawed its way to a Sweet 16 last season before falling to NIT status in its most recent campaign.

“It’s obviously a hard decision on whether I want to stay or if I want to go to the professional ranks or something like that,” Dickinson said. “Just trying to talk it over with my family. I don’t have too many people that I go to for advice and stuff like that … It’s kinda hard, because as a basketball player, you have so many people in your ear trying to give you their input on what you should do, and everybody thinks they’ve got the best ideas for you and your career,” the 7-foot-1 center said. “It’s hard. You’re trying to manage all of that.

“Especially during the season, you’re just trying to play basketball, and you’ve got guys saying, ‘Oh, you should do this, you should do this.’ I’m like, ‘Yo, I’ve still got games left in my season.’ It’s kinda hard as a player. A lot of people don’t realize how much outside noise people have to deal with on a daily basis when they’re playing.”

If Dickinson comes back, expect Michigan’s star center to be fueled and ready knowing that next year will likely be his final season in the Maize and Blue.

“It’s kinda hard,” Dickinson said. “It’s definitely harder to watch when you lose in the tournament. When we went to the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games and then we lost, it was hard to watch the games after that. It was hard initially this year just to watch the first round and the second round. It was hard to watch those games, but after that you just got used to the fact that you didn’t make it.”

Hunter Dickinson has until April 24th to make a decision on his future with the program.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, 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 Podcasts, Spotify, and all other steaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest 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

Published

2 days ago

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June 7, 2023

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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.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, 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 Podcasts, Spotify, 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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Young Michigan basketball star inks major NIL deal

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

Published

6 days ago

on

June 3, 2023

By

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.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, 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 Podcasts, Spotify, 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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Former Michigan basketball transfer commit chooses final destination

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

Published

1 week ago

on

May 30, 2023

By

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 Twitter, Facebook, 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 Podcasts, Spotify, 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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