Michigan Basketball: Caris Levert Should Return for His Senior Season

Feb 1, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert looks on prior to a the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Going into this past season Caris Levert’s draft stock was at an all time high. He was seen as a potential lottery pick for 2015 and was expected to have a big season for Michigan. Michigan’s season did not go quite as planned and an injury only allowed Levert to appear in 18 of the teams 32 games. For those reasons it would be in Levert’s best interest to return for his senior season.

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Levert is a great NBA prospect and has all the tools to flourish in the NBA regardless of when he leaves. A big season at Michigan, however, can put him back in the lottery conversation which will improve the size of his bank account for the start of his pro career. Levert is a diverse player who can guard three positions on the floor as well as shoot, pass, and handle at a high level. Levert led Michigan in points per game, rebounds per game, and steals per game this past season. He was also second on the team in assists per game and for the second straight year shot over 40% from three point range.

Next season will also be much different for Michigan in terms of their success. Without Levert they should be a tournament team next year, and with Levert they can compete for a Big Ten title. Max Bielfeldt is the only player from this year who will be lost and the rest of the roster should be much improved. Guys like Aubrey Dawkins, Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, Ricky Doyle, and Kameron Chatman should all be better. Dawkins especially has a chance to break out. Their improvement along with the return of juniors Zak Irvin and Derrick Walton makes this team dangerous. Add in Levert and Spike Albrecht and you have a team that can play with anyone. A starting lineup of Walton, Dawkins, Levert, Irvin, and Doyle would be fun to watch.