Another transfer on the radar for Michigan Basketball

Michigan basketball is still looking for two additions to round out the 2023-24 roster and Chandler Lawson is a name to keep in mind. 

There is a long way to go in the roster-building process for the Michigan basketball team. The good news is that players keep entering the transfer portal and another one to keep an eye on for the Wolverines is Memphis transfer Chandler Lawson.

Lawson is a graduate transfer so there won’t be any concerns about his being able to get admitted. That won’t be an issue. Lawson who is a former top-100 recruit played for Oregon for two years before spending the past two seasons at Memphis.

The 6-foot-8 forward ranked 94th overall in the 2019 class. Lawson hasn’t had a super productive career but has averaged over 18 minutes a game three times in his career.

While he’s not a huge name and Lawson wouldn’t do anything to help the situation in the backcourt, he would be another solid addition for a few reasons.

For one, Lawson would add some depth to the frontcourt. He could play the four or even the five in a pinch and he’s an efficient scorer down low. Lawson doesn’t take many shots but shot 57 percent from the field on 2-pointers. He also made 7-of-14 triples last season.

The forward has only attempted 28 triples in his career. He’s not a high-usage player but he’s a solid finisher and would work well in the pick-and-roll.

If defenses give him an open look, he can knock it down, plus he’s got a good feel as a cutter and when he catches the ball — he finishes well.

What I like most is Lawson’s defense. It’s clear that Michigan basketball will have to be more defensive-minded in 2023-24, but the Wolverines have the team to do it.

Adding Lawson to the mix would help. He averaged 0.5 blocks per game last season, as well as 0.7 steals. That’s in addition to 4.5 boards in 19 minutes.

For a team that doesn’t have many shot blockers, Lawson would provide more of that. He could play multiple spots and would add another potential finisher inside.

Beyond that, Lawson would only take up a scholarship for a year. He wouldn’t be a long-term option and according to Davis Moseley, Michigan basketball is interested. It also wouldn’t impact Antonio Reeves at all if he enters the portal.

We’ll see if the pursuit goes anywhere. BYU, Arkansas, South Carolina, Cal, and others are also involved for the former top-100 recruit.