Michigan basketball’s plans on the wing took a major hit Tuesday, when the program announced freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. will miss the entire 2026-27 season with an ACL injury.
McCoy Jr. had flashed like a player ready to carve out an immediate role. He started all three games on Michigan’s foreign tour, and after logging two full games for the Wolverines, the five-star freshman put up 14.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 steals per game. He looked the part, too - explosive, disruptive, and capable of making life difficult for opponents on the defensive end.
The injury happened in the third and final game of the tour, when McCoy Jr. slipped on the court and went down. He was seen grimacing after suffering what appeared to be a lower leg injury, and Michigan’s training staff, along with teammates, had to help him off the floor.
That made Tuesday’s update the worst-case outcome for a player who seemed poised for a major role. Michigan had viewed McCoy Jr. as someone who could either start at the wing or provide a big spark off the bench as the sixth man. Based on the exhibition games, though, he looked well on his way to winning a starting job.
Now the Wolverines have to adjust.
Ricky Liburd had been in the mix with McCoy Jr. for that spot at the '3', though Liburd did not play at all overseas, apparently because of a minor injury. He’s still expected to be a factor this season, and the path to minutes is there.
Michigan also has Roddy Gayle Jr. in the picture. He traveled with the team overseas and has been seen in Ann Arbor with the group.
If he wins his battle against the NCAA, he would project as the starting '3' ahead of Liburd, which would push Liburd into a bench role.
There are still plenty of moving parts, but the most likely outcome now is that either Liburd or Gayle Jr. opens next season in the starting lineup. Michigan said it will provide more updates on McCoy Jr.’s recovery when more information becomes available.
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