Michigan basketball won't have Brandon McCoy this season after a knee injury suffered on the Wolverines' trip to Europe, but it could still have Roddy Gayle.
Gayle has been practicing with the team. Michigan basketball head coach Mike Boynton said publicly that the Wolverines wanted Gayle back, even before McCoy was injured.
Recently, Gayle filed a temporary restraining order, allowing him to stay on the team. He didn't sign a professional contract, outside of playing in the summer league.
On Wednesday, that TRO was granted, as the court issued an injunction until a hearing on September 17. That means Gayle can practice and play for Michigan basketball, with the big caveat being that the hearing is before the season, so at least there will be clarity before the season starts.
NEWS: Roddy Gayle Jr. has been GRANTED a TRO, per @samcehrlich
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) September 2, 2026
This allows him to practice and compete ahead of his injunction hearing, scheduled for September 17th 👀 pic.twitter.com/2PKnePh91f
Roddy Gayle would fill a major need if reinstated
The loss of McCoy left a huge hole in Michigan's starting lineup. He was the projected starter at the three, even though it wasn't a perfect fit. It was going to work out because of his elite ability as a defender.
Now, the Wolveines have an even bigger hole at the three spot. Gayle would be a perfect fit for it. He's not ideal. McCoy is a better shooter and probably a better offensive player all around, although Gayle has served as a secondary playmaker before during his career.
Gayle has also been a solid 3-point shooter at times during his career. That's how he got the nickname March Roddy and April Roddy. He will slot right into the starting lineup. At 6-foot-4, he can play guard or on the wing. Last season, he averaged 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds. Gayle shot 46 percent for the season and 31.8 percent from 3-point range in 2025-26.
It does feel like even with Gayle back, the Wolverines might be missing some firepower on offense with McCoy on the sideline. The five-star freshman might not have been a stellar 3-point shooter, but he's explosive at getting to the bucket.
What's scary is what the lineup could look like without Gayle. Ricky Liburd, a redshirt freshman last season, is another candidate to start, especially if Gayle isn't on the roster. Maybe Quinn Costello could step in at the three, but defense could be an issue.
So keep your fingers crossed Michigan basketball fans. Maybe we will get to see March Roddy once again in Ann Arbor.
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