Mike Boyton did an incredible job retaining the Michigan basketball roster following Dusty May's departure to the Dallas Mavericks.
Boynton couldn't go 14/14, though, as LJ Cason announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on Monday, as reported by multiple outlets.
Cason is expected to miss a big chunk of the 2026-27 season after suffering a season-ending injury against Illinois. He averaged just over eight points and two assists per game, while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range.
His numbers were even better in Big Ten play. His loss is a blow, but Mike Boynton has plenty of options, starting with a pair of freshmen.
Some of Michigan's best options to replace LJ Cason this season
Some have suggested that Brandon McCoy, who is expected to start for Michigan basketball, could play some of those backup point guard minutes. Trey McKenney could handle the ball in a pinch, too, for a few minutes each half, as Yaxel Lendeborg did at times in 2025-26 for Elliot Cadeau.
McCoy could see time at the 1/2/3. However, there is another talented freshman, one who doesn't get talked about as much: Joseph Hartman.
The 6-foot-6 guard is well-suited to play on the wing. He can handle the ball, and shoot. If needed, he could potentially play the one, the two, or probably even the three, although there are some other options on the roster like Quinn Costello and Ricky Liburd.
Cason's playmaking and defense will be hard to replace this season. He was really coming on when he got hurt, but you can't keep everyone. Cason followed Dusty May to Michigan.
There is a question, though, if help could come from one of Mike Martin's players following him from Brown. Since Martin left the Brown job to be Mike Boynton's assistant, his players will have the chance to enter the portal eventually.
There aren't many players on the roster that would be attractive to Michigan. There is one, though, who is interesting at least.
Jeremiah Jenkins is a former three-star recruit (ranked No. 204 in the 2024 class). He started 27 games for Brown last season, leading the Ivy League in assists (5.2 per game) and steals (1.9).
The 6-foot point guard has three years of eligibility remaining. He knocked down 39 3-pointers last season at a 36.4 percent. He also notched 160 assists, 50 steals, and 105 rebounds. Jenkins averaged 2.8 turnovers per game. It would be a big transition, but Martin would know if he's able to make it better than anyone.
Jenkins was offered by Boston College, UMass, and Western Kentucky were among his seven D-1 offers. Michigan basketball has two roster spots available. There aren't many options available, but if Boynton wants to add to the roster, Jenkins might be the best option out there.
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