Roddy Gayle’s Michigan return sets stage for epic senior season

With the uncertainty of whether transfer Yaxel Lendeborg is staying in Ann Arbor or not, Michigan basketball was ready for some good news. While this isn't the news they were expecting, it is certainly news they will take as Roddy Gayle has announced he is sticking with the Michigan Wolverines for one more season.

Gayle was a great addition to the Wolverines this past season, coming from hated rival Ohio State. Many were surprised by his move to transfer from the Buckeyes, but Gayle certainly saw more success in Ann Arbor than in Columbus.

Gayle will only have one season of eligibility left, so he plans on making the best use of it at Michigan.

Roddy Gayle isn’t done at Michigan and the Big Ten should worry

The Big Ten has been dealing with Gayle for three years now, first at Ohio State and now at Michigan. While Gayle's production took a slight dip this past season, he was still a solid scorer for the Wolverines, averaging 9.8 points per game, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. He shot an impressive 43.% % from the floor, but his three-point shooting lacked for most of the season at 23.2%.

However, in the postseason, Gayle became a force to deal with, especially against Texas A&M in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Gayle finished the game with a season-high 26 points and even went 4-for-6 from deep range with four rebounds and an assist.

Gayle will be a great veteran presence on the court for head coach Dusty May, especially with so many new faces joining Michigan next season from the transfer portal. If Gayle isn't in the starting five, he would most likely be the sixth man for the Wolverines and still get ample playing time.

Gayle's return could also be even bigger if Lendeborg chooses the NBA Draft over the Wolverines, as Gayle will bring a solid shooting ability to the team, and it is almost certain he is working on his three-point shot this offseason.