Michigan Wolverines Gear Up for NCAA Tournament Opener Against Howard Bison
The Michigan men's basketball team is set to tip off their NCAA Tournament journey against the 16th-seeded Howard Bison. As the Wolverines prepare for this crucial Round of 64 matchup, they've released their injury report, which outlines key player absences.
Freshman Winters Grady is officially OUT due to a lingering lower-leg injury. Grady, a 6-foot-6 wing, has contributed 2.9 points and 1.1 rebounds in an average of 5.6 minutes per game over nine appearances. His last game action was on January 2 against USC, and there's talk of him seeking a medical redshirt for the 2025-26 season.
Another significant absence is backup guard L.J. Cason, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season following an ACL tear.
Cason, who may also redshirt in 2026-27, has been a vital part of the team, averaging 8.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 steals in 18.6 minutes per game. Since Cason's departure from the lineup on March 5, Michigan's adjusted offensive efficiency has slipped to 46th nationally, a noticeable drop from their earlier standing at 6th.
Coach May spoke about Cason's impact on the Field of 68 podcast, highlighting his unique skill set and ability to seamlessly integrate into the lineup. "L.J. was crucial for us," May noted.
"His versatility on both ends of the court allowed us to maintain our rhythm. Now, it's up to the rest of the squad to step up and fill that void."
On a brighter note, Yaxel Lendeborg, the Big Ten Player of the Year and All-American, is expected to play despite a recent low-ankle sprain. Lendeborg expressed confidence about his readiness, saying, "I feel okay. I'll be wearing high tops just in case, but once the adrenaline kicks in, I should be good to go."
Here’s the full availability report for both teams:
Michigan Wolverines:
- OUT: Winters Grady (injury), L.J. Cason (injury), Charlie May (injury), Ricky Liburd (redshirting), Harrison Hochberg (redshirting)
All other players are presumed available.
Howard Bison:
- All players are presumed available with no injuries reported.
NCAA Tournament Availability Report Process:
Teams are required to submit initial reports to the NCAA by 9 p.m. the night before competition. Updates must be provided two hours before tip-off to ensure accuracy. Players are categorized as available, questionable, or out, based on their likelihood to play.
As Michigan enters the tournament, they'll be looking to overcome these challenges and make a strong statement in their opening game. With Lendeborg leading the charge, the Wolverines aim to showcase their resilience and depth against the Howard Bison.