The NCAA adopted the 5-for-5 eligibility rule on Tuesday, which means that moving forward, student-athletes will have five years to play five seasons, starting from when they enroll in school or turn 19.
For Michigan basketball, it's actually really good news, for one player in particular, L.J. Cason.
The Michigan point guard, who served as Elliot Cadeau's backup last season, had a stellar stretch during Big Ten play, but suffered a season-ending injury against Illinois.
Cason was expected to miss the entire season under the old rules. Dusty May said recently that if the 5-for-5 went into effect, Cason would play next season. If not, he would be redshirted.
Now that the rule is going to be official, expect to see Cason in a Michigan basketball uniform next season, assuming he remains on the roster. Players have the ability to transfer 31 days after Mike Boynton was hired as the interim coach, so next month.
Cason, being less than 100 percent now, probably isn't a strong candidate to transfer, especially when he will play meaningful minutes next season. The plan could be different with Boynton as the head coach, but it's common sense.
How the 5-for-5 rule benefits L.J. Cason, Michigan
Cason will waste an entire year if he sits out. He should sit out if he's not 100 percent, just to be clear, but if he gets medical clearance in December or January, it won't make sense to keep him off the floor.
Cason averaged just 11.8 minutes per game last season for the Wolverines but scored 8.4 points, dished out 2.4 assists, and averaged 1.9 rebounds. He was incredibly productive in his role and was viewed as the best backup point guard in college basketball.
If Michigan can bring him back next season, it would provide Boynton with a valuable roster piece. The 6-foot-2 guard is a ball-handler, playmaker, shooter, and a solid defender. He will probably be a two-year starter if he decides to finish his career in Ann Arbor.
That might be more up in the air now that May is gone. It's hard to predict who will be on the Michigan roster next season and who won't. But the 5-for-5 rule at least provides more clarity for Cason, who can petition to use the new rules, because they would benefit him the most.
It's at least another piece of good news one day after May's shocking exit.
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