When it comes to March Madness, Michigan basketball has a secret weapon that isn't being talked about, at least not talked about enough.
That weapon is Trey McKenney.
McKenney, a five-star guard from the 2025 class, has exceeded expectations this season, even coming off the bench.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound guard has played in all 29 games this season for the Wolverines, averaging 9.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. More importantly, McKenney is shooting 38 percent from 3-point range. He even scored the game-winning bucket in a top-five showdown with Nebraska.
If Trey doesn't make that play, Michigan would have a one-game lead in the Big Ten race right now.
Trey McKenney is Michigan basketball's X-Factor
Even though he doesn't start, he's fifth on the Michigan basketball team in minutes during Big Ten games, and with the season-ending injury suffered by LJ Cason, McKenney's minutes are going to see an uptick.
While Cason being out is a big blow, the idea of McKenney playing more minutes should excite Michigan basketball fans. He's mostly acted as a floor spacer and been a solid on-ball defender, but he's much more than that.
There's a world where McKenney is the best player on Michigan's team next season. There is also a world where he looks like a first-round pick for the next month and doesn't come back.
Think about how the light clicked for Mitch McGary during his freshman season. He took his game to another level in the tournament, playing a lot more, and McKenney could, too.
McKenney has 19 games in which he has reached double figures in scoring, while not playing more than 28 minutes all season. The freshman has played over 25 minutes four times.
That's going to change. He will play as the backup point guard now, in addition to being an off-guard. There is some concern is a freshman handling the ball, but McKenney isn't an ordinary freshman.
He has shown that all season, and now, in a slightly bigger role, his March breakout could be even bigger, and if Michigan basketball is going to reach that final Monday night and win, it's going to need to be.