Michigan Basketball: Beilein could lose three to NBA

Mar 1, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Nik Stauskas (11) shoots the ball over Minnesota Golden Gophers center Elliott Eliason (55) in the first half at Crisler Arena. Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan’s not quite to their level, but Wolverines could be losing two, maybe three players to the annual raid of college rosters this June.

Last year, U-M lost sophomore Trey Burke and junior Tim Hardaway, Jr. to the NBA draft, each before their eligibility ran out.

McGary’s surgery

This fall Beilein lost 6-10, 255 lb. sophomore center Mitch McGary to back surgery after eight games. McGary’s return this season is doubtful since Beilein isn’t in favor of rushing him back.

After Michigan makes its run through the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments, it will then be time to consider the draft.

Almost a lock is the popular two-guard Nik Stauskas, who leads the team in scoring (17.3) and assists (3.47). He’s projected to go midway through the first round where he will get a guaranteed contract. His rookie contract would pay him $1.4 million the first season and $1.5 million the second.

Jan 9, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Glenn Robinson III (1) takes a shot over Nebraska Cornhuskers guard/forward Shavon Shields (31) during their NCAA mens basketball game at the Pinnacle Bank Arena. Credit: Dave Weaver-USA TODAY Sports

Lethal shooter

“Stauskas has proved to be one of the most lethal shooters in college basketball,” ESPN’s Chad Ford writes. “He has a lightning-quick release and has also shown an ability to handle the ball and play point on occasion.” Stauskas has averaged 49 percent from the field, 46 percent from behind the arc and 80% from the free throw line.

Robinson, who has the name but sometimes lack consistency. Lately, he’s been playing much better—driving to the basket, rebounding, and hitting the mid-range jumper. Robinson, who will have plenty of face time in the tournaments to move up on the draft board, hit for double figures in his last five games. Robinson has ranked anywhere from the 12th to the 39th pick.

Of course, Robinson is the son of Glenn Robinson, Sr. who torched the nets for Purdue at 30 points per game as a sophomore before leaving for the Milwaukee Bucks where he scored 21 points a game over eight NBA seasons.

Could have gone very early

McGary is the question mark. Before the season Sports Illustrated had him as the 11th pick in the draft, but that was before the surgery. He could certainly go in the first round, but before an NBA owner will commit nearly $4 million, he’d most likely want to see him playing healthy.

But bigger gambles in sports have been taken before. McGary’s non-stop energy and his ability under the basket could sell plenty of tickets.

His breakout moment came during the NCAA tournament when he averaged 14.3 points and 10.7 rebounds.

Caris LeVert? Another year on campus could net him a hefty contract. ♦

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Joel Greer

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