In today’s college basketball landscape-where the transfer portal often overshadows incoming freshmen-Trey McKenney is bucking the trend in a big way. While many Michigan fans weren’t quite sure what to expect from the five-star guard in his debut season, McKenney’s early impact has been undeniable. He’s not just holding his own-he’s thriving.
At 6-foot-4 with a sturdy build and broad shoulders, McKenney doesn’t fit the mold of your typical shooting guard. He’s more of a hybrid-a physical, downhill scorer with the strength to bully his way into the paint and the skill to knock down shots from deep. That versatility has propelled him from a deep bench role into Michigan’s unofficial sixth man, and he’s playing like someone who belongs on the floor when it matters.
Let’s break down what’s making McKenney such a valuable piece for the Wolverines.
Despite coming off the bench, he’s fifth on the team in minutes played-more than Nimari Burnett, Roddy Gayle, and L.J. Cason-and he’s Michigan’s fourth-leading scorer, averaging 10.1 points per game. That’s not just solid production for a freshman; that’s meaningful output on a roster with multiple offensive options.
What really jumps off the page is his efficiency. McKenney is shooting a blistering 65.4% from the field (34-for-52), which puts him 11th in the Big Ten.
And here’s the kicker: most of the players ahead of him in that category are frontcourt players who feast on high-percentage looks around the rim. McKenney’s doing it as a guard, often creating his own shot or finishing through contact in traffic.
Speaking of contact, McKenney’s physicality isn’t just for show-it’s earning him trips to the free throw line. He’s 51-for-57 on the season (89.5%), which ranks third in the Big Ten. That kind of reliability at the stripe is gold, especially in tight games where every point matters.
From beyond the arc, McKenney’s 37.6% clip is respectable, and it gets even better under pressure. In Michigan’s nine toughest matchups so far, he’s shooting 42.2% from three. That’s the kind of clutch shooting that separates good players from great ones.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of McKenney’s game is how seamlessly he fits into the team’s system. He’s not a volume shooter.
He doesn’t need the ball in his hands every possession. Yet when he gets his opportunity, he makes it count.
That kind of efficiency and unselfishness is rare-especially from a freshman.
We saw a perfect snapshot of his value in Michigan’s showdown with then-unbeaten Nebraska two weeks ago. In just 22 minutes, McKenney took only eight shots. But when the moment called for it, he delivered-stepping up with poise and confidence against one of the Big Ten’s top teams.
Head coach Dusty May will no doubt continue to lean on McKenney as the season unfolds. He’s already proven he can handle the moment, and with his blend of strength, skill, and maturity, he’s quickly becoming a foundational piece-not just for this season, but for the program’s future.
Trey McKenney isn’t just living up to the hype-he’s setting the tone for what Michigan basketball could look like in the years to come.