It's been a crazy offseason for Michigan basketball. The Wovlerines lost their national-championship-winning head coach to the NBA, along with the three best players from last season's team.
New head coach Mike Boynton did a stellar job keeping the roster together. The Wolverines retained 13 of the 14 players left on the roster when May left.
Things were looking really good, especially with the promising development of five-star freshman Brandon McCoy, but McCoy, who was expected to start and be an elite defender, was ruled out for the 2026-27 season due to an injury.
Michigan basketball needs Roddy Gayle now more than ever
It's a huge blow for the Wolverines on multiple levels. McCoy was going to have a big role to play. He's more than just an elite defender, too. The 6-foot-5 guard is a three-level scorer who could have played 1-3 for Michigan basketball next season.
Now, there is a huge hole in the starting lineup. Earlier this week, Roddy Gayle filed a lawsuit in an attempt to get another season with the Wolverines, who can do nothing but hope it's granted.
Gayle, a 6-foot-4 guard who can also play on the wing, was incredibly valuable during Michigan's championship run last season. When LJ Cason went down with an injury, he stepped up.
During the last 11 games, Gayle was averaging 7.7 points per game. In the NCAA Tournament, on top of playing exceptional defense and doing all the little things needed to win, like against UConn, Gayle scored nine points per game and shot 54 percent from 3-point range.
Gayle wouldn't be as good as having Gayle and McCoy, but he's the only option available. Gayle has filed an injunction to return for a fifth season. He played in the Summer League, but hasn't played in an NBA game. He also didn't sign a contract.
Who knows what will happen. Gayle has been practicing with the Michigan basketball team and has made the overseas trip with them. He's part of the team for now. If he doesn't return, then the Wolverines will have a huge hole to fill in their starting lineup.
There are certainly some in-house options. Quinn Costello, another freshman, who is a lights-out shooter, could be an option, although that could be a tough fit defensively. Ricky Liburd is another realistic option, along with Oscar Goodman.
Gayle is the best option, even if his status is up in the air.
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