Michigan Basketball's offseason moves through the transfer portal have been the talk of the town, especially with the impressive additions of Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr, Elliot Cadeau, and Aday Mara. This talented group propelled the Wolverines to a Big Ten regular-season championship. But as the regular season wraps up, let's dive into how Michigan's outgoing transfers have fared on the college hoops scene.
Tre Donaldson, Miami
Tre Donaldson has truly found his stride with the Hurricanes. The former Michigan point guard delivered an outstanding senior season, playing over 85% of Miami’s minutes and notching a career-high 16.8 points per game.
His playmaking also saw a significant boost, with assists jumping from 4.1 to 5.9 per game. As a leader on a tournament-bound Miami team, Donaldson is making waves.
Justin Pippen, Cal
Seeking more playing time, Justin Pippen made the move to Cal, and it’s safe to say the gamble paid off. Starting all 29 games, he averaged over 31 minutes per outing.
Pippen shot 36% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc, contributing 14.2 points per game while leading Cal in assists and steals. Although Cal won’t be dancing in the NCAA Tournament, Pippen's impact was undeniable.
Sam Walters, SMU
Sam Walters also sought more minutes but faced a tougher road at SMU. Limited to nine minutes per game, Walters struggled to find his footing, averaging just 2.5 points. An undisclosed injury kept him out of the season's final stretch, impacting his playing time.
Phat Phat Brooks, Central Michigan
Staying in-state, Phat Phat Brooks became a key scorer for Central Michigan. Averaging 11 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game, Brooks relished his 28 minutes per game-a significant increase from his Michigan days.
Jace Howard, Fordham
Jace Howard’s journey took an unfortunate turn at Fordham. After only two games, he was forced to retire due to multiple concussions, ending his college basketball career prematurely.
Terrance Williams III, USC
Terrance Williams III moved to USC after four years at Michigan. Despite staying healthy this season, he couldn’t replicate his past success, averaging 2.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game, a noticeable dip from his Michigan stats.
Tarris Reed Jr., UConn
Tarris Reed Jr. emerged as a standout at UConn, becoming a pivotal player on a team eyeing a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. Starting 26 games, Reed averaged 13.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, establishing himself as a formidable presence, though his free throw struggles persist.
Dug McDaniel, Kansas State to Memphis
Dug McDaniel’s move to Memphis saw him rise as the Tigers’ top performer. Leading the team in scoring (14.0 points), assists (4.7), and steals (2.0), he played more minutes than anyone else. Unfortunately, Memphis fell short of the NCAA Tournament bubble.
George Washington III, Richmond to Florida Gulf Coast
George Washington III’s career has yet to ignite. After transferring from Michigan to Richmond and then to Florida Gulf Coast, he remained mostly on the bench, logging 8.9 minutes and 3.1 points per game over 14 appearances.
Isaiah Barnes, Tulsa to Valpo
Isaiah Barnes transitioned from Tulsa to Valpo for his graduate year. While primarily a bench player, he contributed in 29 games, averaging 3.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists.
Frankie Collins, Arizona State to TCU to Vanderbilt
Frankie Collins continued his college basketball journey at Vanderbilt, where he showed promise off the bench. In nine games, he averaged 7.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists before a meniscus tear ended his season. Recently, Vanderbilt announced his departure from the program.
Each of these players has navigated unique paths, showcasing the diverse outcomes of Michigan's transfer class. As they continue their journeys, their stories remain a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball.