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Anytime a team puts up an impressive season, there are almost always going to be some major NBA implications. And the same can be said for the Michigan Wolverines. After making the Sweet 16 and posting a 31-win season, Michigan fans received news on Tuesday that three of the team’s starters would be declaring for the 2019 NBA Draft.
While Ignas Brazdeikis, Charles Matthews, and Jordan Poole still have an opportunity to return to Ann Arbor for another season, all three announced they would be taking a shot at the NBA this offseason. Brazdeikis would be foregoing three seasons of eligibility, Poole would be foregoing two, and Matthews would be skipping a fifth year.
Head coach John Beilein had some comments on the three in a program release.
“Charles, Jordan and Iggy have all decided to take the next steps in pursuing their dreams of playing in the NBA,” said Beilein. “The new process is a unique experience and one that my staff and I will assist in every way we can. We want each of them to utilize this opportunity to get more feedback so they can make the best decision possible for themselves and their families. All three are remarkable young men with amazing futures in front on them.”
Undoubtedly, losing these three players would be pretty significant for Michigan. Iggy earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors last season and Matthews posted impressive numbers in helping to lead the Wolverines to two Sweet 16 appearances. Additionally, Poole averaged 12.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game during last season for the Wolverines.
Many experts projected the Wolverines as a preseason top five in some of the “way too early” rankings releases. But with this news, that will be in limbo. We will have to wait and see what happens with these three.
The good news is that with players like Isaiah Livers, Zavier Simpson, and Jon Teske set to return, Michigan should still have plenty to work with heading into next season, regardless of what happens with these three.