Michigan Basketball: The aftermath of Nojel Eastern not coming to U-M

Michigan basketball had hopes for former Purdue guard to transfer and play for the team, but he wasn’t accepted to the school and will go elsewhere.

About a month ago, Michigan basketball landed a surprise addition in the transfer portal from Big Ten rival Purdue and that was former Boilermakers starter Nojel Eastern.

Eastern, who is a former starter and All-Big Ten defender, surprised many when he announced his transfer to the Wolverines. But after that, there has been plenty of silence, that is, until Wednesday, when Eastern announced on Twitter he wouldn’t be play for Michigan basketball.

While it doesn’t necessarily come as a huge shock that Eastern didn’t wind up as part of the program, it doesn’t sound like he had any control over it. And while his addition was welcomed, it was unlikely that he was going to get a waiver to be eligible next season anyway.

What it does mean right away for Michigan basketball is that the Wolverines now have another scholarship available. With Chaundee Brown, Eastern and another spot saved for Isaiah Livers, if he returns from the NBA draft, U-M was at the scholarship limit.

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Now, that’s no longer the case. It could open some doors for Michigan to pursue some others in the transfer market. There’s been a few recent additions so it might be worth taking a look at player who had to sit a year, to be able to play multiple years.

Having an experienced guard waiting in the wings for next year could be really valuable, especially since Brown, if he is eligible right away, Livers, if he returns, Mike Smith and Eli Brooks would all be gone, along with Franz Wagner who could leave for the NBA draft.

As far as next season, it means that Michigan really needs Brown to be able to play right away. The Wolverines also need Livers to return. Otherwise, there will be a lack of shooting along with a lack of playmaking, something Eastern may have been able to address as a point guard.

Without Brown, Michigan wouldn’t have a natural starter at two guard, which would mean Brooks starting there with Smith or freshman Zeb Jackson starting at point guard.

At the same time, Brown hasn’t been announced officially either, although there always seemed to be much more optimism surrounding his transfer and ability to play right away.

Next. Top 10 Michigan point guards of all time. dark

When the Eastern move was first announced, some said he’d never play for Michigan basketball and a month later, they ended up being right.

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