Michigan added an experienced hand to its backcourt Tuesday, with Columbia guard Kenny Noland signing after the court ruling that opened the door for the class of 2022 to receive a fifth year of eligibility under the NCAA’s 5-for-5 legislation.
That move gives Michigan another option at a position group that was otherwise heavy on youth. Outside of senior Elliot Cadeau, the projected guard rotation is made up of underclassmen, and Noland arrives with the kind of point guard experience that can steady things right away. Sophomore Trey McKenney had been lined up to take over the offense whenever Cadeau was off the floor, but Noland gives Michigan another veteran presence to lean on if inexperience becomes an issue.
Coach Mike Boynton signaled Tuesday that his program would be aggressive about using the changing NCAA landscape to improve the roster. “We will always look for opportunities to improve where we can from a roster standpoint, whenever that’s an opportunity, if there’s somebody that can add value,” Boynton said Tuesday. “Obviously this is a more unique circumstance than we’ve ever been presented with before because of all the court cases, but there’s no doubt that we’re certainly monitoring all these things, and if there’s an opportunity to add somebody, we certainly will.”
Noland, who was Columbia’s point guard this past season, brings a strong resume from the Ivy League. He averaged 17.1 points while shooting 37.5% from three-point range and handing out nearly four assists per game. He was also a reliable scorer at the line, making 2.5 free throws per game while shooting 92.1% from the stripe.
For Michigan, the appeal is straightforward: a proven guard who can help where the roster needs it most. Noland is expected to be a key contributor through the following season.
In Other News...
Michigan Team Pays Heartbreaking Tribute After Teammates Sudden Death
The Traverse City Central boys soccer team opened its season carrying a grief no scoreboard can measure, honoring junior Wilder Seeburger after his death following a car crash that remains under investigation by the Grand Traverse County Sheriffs Office. Seeburger, 17, was remembered before the match with his jersey hanging from a goal post, a simple but powerful gesture that turned the field into a place of mourning as much as competition.
His No. 33 was also retired as the team marked the start of a season now defined in part by loss. A visitation for Seeburger is scheduled at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, giving family, classmates and teammates another chance to gather around a young life gone too soon and a program still trying to find its footing in the aftermath. [Read more 🡒]
Michigans Offense Still Has One Big Camp Question Behind Bryce Underwood
Bryce Underwoods summer surge has been one of the clearer developments in Michigans fall camp, and offensive coordinator Jason Beck said the freshman has made real strides with his consistency and footwork. Even with that progress, there is still plenty for the staff to sort through around him, from the offensive line to a receiver room that is still taking shape as camp moves along.
Behind Underwood, the quarterback battle is still tight between Tommy Carr and Brady Smigiel, which keeps a little more intrigue in the room than the starter spot alone would suggest. Michigan is also trying to build chemistry across the offense while leaning into its depth at running back and wide receiver, so the next few weeks should go a long way toward showing how much of the unit is ready to settle and how much remains open. [Read more 🡒]
Michigans Backup QB Battle Could Matter More Than Fans Realize
Michigans quarterback depth chart is taking shape behind Bryce Underwood, but the decision on his primary backup could loom larger than it first appears. Colorado State transfer Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi brings college experience and a strong arm, while true freshman Tommy Carr offered a different look in the spring game with his mobility and playmaking ability.
The competition is still ongoing as Michigan moves toward its season opener, and the staffs choice may say plenty about how it wants to protect itself if the unexpected happens. It is a familiar spring-to-fall storyline, but for a team built around a young starter, getting the No. 2 spot right can matter just as much as the headline name at the top. [Read more 🡒]