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Michigan Basketball: Growing optimism about Hunter Dickinson’s return

By Chris Peterson

Mar 19, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines center Hunter Dickinson (1) celebrates defeating the Tennessee Volunteers during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines center Hunter Dickinson (1) celebrates defeating the Tennessee Volunteers during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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There has been a growing buzz that Hunter Dickinson is going to return to Michigan basketball and more insiders are saying it’s likely to happen. 

The biggest question surrounding Michigan basketball this offseason, is what is Hunter Dickinson going to do?

Is the 7-foot-1 center and former 2nd-team All-American going to enter the NBA draft or will he return to Michigan basketball to build on a really impressive sophomore season?

In terms of pro-development, Dickinson took some major steps forward. His post-up game was much more refined and he was able to score using his right hand, as well as his left.

Yet, the biggest development for him was being able to hit perimeter jumpers and while his percentages could improve, he showed that you have to guard him on the outside.

Latest on Hunter Dickinson

Dickinson could refine that shot even more and as we talked about recently if he stayed at Michigan, it’s likely he could make what he’d make in the G-League through NIL money, something that Chris Balas of The Wolverine reported is very possible (subscription required).

That’s a very promising sign and here’s what Tim McCormick told Sam Webb of the Michigan Insider on why he thinks Dickinson will return:

"“I’ve really thought all along that Hunter would return. And that was even after…. before the Air Force football game we talked, and Hunter told me, ‘I’m going to leave… I’m going to the NBA after this year.’ And I thought, ‘cool, that’s great. I’m anxious to see how this plays out.’ But I think that Hunter is really a smart guy. He’s got some money in his pocket through an NIL (deal). I think back to my college experience, and it was a lot of fun. The NBA was thrilling, but there’s no doubt it was a job. It was an entirely different feel. And the performance pressures in the NBA are just incredible. So I think that Hunter knows that long-term this is good for him.”"

This isn’t the first time that people close to the program have predicted that Dickinson would stay based on intel or sources but if he does indeed stay, it will be huge for Michigan basketball.

Next. Michigan basketball's ideal starting lineup. dark

With Dickinson and at least Caleb Houstan or Moussa Diabate back, the Wolverines should be a top-15 team and a Big Ten title contender next season.

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