Michigan basketball head coach Dusty May has an eye for talent.
That was clear when he decided to bring LJ Cason to Ann Arbor, even though Cason wasn't a big-time recruit. He was going to play for May at FAU.
Yet, despite his low ranking, May trusted his scout, and Cason became arguably the best backup point guard in college basketball last season, before his injury. There's a good chance that once the 2027-28 season rolls around, when he's 100 percent, that he'll be Michigan's starting point guard.
Michigan basketball fans would also do well to remember that Cason made an immediate impact in Ann Arbor, despite a lower recruiting ranking. Cason had an 86 rating from 247 Sports (3-star) and wasn't even ranked in the 247 Sports composite rankings.
Cason still averaged 11.8 minutes per game as a freshman. The development was clear after one season at Michigan, and fans have to hope that 2026 signee Ricky Liburd is taking a similar path to playing time.
The former three-star recruit was ranked No. 328 overall coming out of high school. He was actually rated as an 87, higher than Cason. The 6-foot-4 small forward, shot 49 percent from 3-point range as a high school senior, and according to the Michigan basketball staff, he could be in line for a role next season.
Michigan basketball coaches are "excited" about Ricky Liburd
"His ability to shoot the ball, his athleticism. And then defensively, he's going to be a really, really, really good defender for us, being able to defend multiple positions because of his size, his athleticism, and his quickness. We're excited about Ricky for sure," Drew Williamson, Michigan's director of player personnel, said on the Defend The Block Podcast.
The Michigan basketball staff on what to expect from Ricky Liburd next season:
— Alejandro Zúñiga (@ByAZuniga) May 4, 2026
"His ability to shoot the ball, his athleticism. And then defensively, he's going to be a really, really, really good defender for us, being able to defend multiple positions because of his size, his… pic.twitter.com/wigDYGGQQK
The Wolverines have a clear opening at the three. Juke Harris was one option, but he committed to Tennessee. Five-star freshman Brandon McCoy is the projected starter for now, but Liburd is someone to have on the radar, even if he's not starting.
A three-and-(defense) wing is exactly what Michigan needs next season. Liburd could be that. He's athletic, has had a year of seasoning, and should be ready to contribute off the bench.
The Wolverines will need another floor spacer, and with Liburd's size and the need on the wing, it's easy to see him getting some minutes, especially the way the roster is currently constructed.
It's easy to overlook Liburd based on his high school ranking. But May sees things other coaches don't, and Michigan fans have to hope he's worked his magic once again.
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