It wouldn't have been surprising at all to see four-star forward Winters Grady make an immediate impact with the Michigan basketball team this season.
The 6-foot-6 wing was widely regarded as one of the best-shooting prospects in the entire 2025 recruiting class. Grady was ranked 95th overall, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings for the 2025 class, but in nine games this season, Grady showed why he was so well thought of.
The freshman attempted 19 3-pointers, making six (31 percent). He averaged 2.9 points per game in those nine contests in 5.6 minutes per game. Grady didn't play more than 10 minutes in any game this season but was 2-for-2 from downtown against Rutgers.
With some key pieces expected to be gone next season for Michigan basketball, Grady, a sharpshooter and a floor spacer, will be in the ideal position to have a rotational role next season.
Winters Grady says he will be back next season for Michigan basketball
Of course, in this transfer portal era, the return of any player isn't guaranteed, whether it's the best player on the roster or someone who didn't play at all. Grady didn't play as much as he could have because of an injury. He's effectively out for the season.
But in a podcast interview with."Go Blue Hoops Podcast," Grady said that he will be back next season, leaving zero doubt about his return for the 2026-27 season.
"Returning next year, I obviously want to be a vocal leader to transfers coming in and promote the culture that we’ve had this year," Grady said to podcast host Tim McCormick.
That's good news for Michigan basketball fans, who could be celebrating a share of the Big Ten title on Tuesday night.