Michigan basketball was already going to have to replace several starting spots in the lineup next season.
It looks like the Wolverines will have to fill another, as junior point guard Tre Donaldson entered the transfer portal, a source familiar with the situation confirmed to The Detroit News on Tuesday.
Donaldson posted an image of a broken heart on an Instagram story shortly after the news broke on social media. His decision comes a day after Michigan received a commitment from North Carolina transfer Elliot Cadeau, the Tar Heels’ starting point guard the past two seasons.
Donaldson transferred to Michigan last offseason for the opportunity to play a larger role. Under first-year coach Dusty May, Donaldson started all 37 games and averaged 11.3 points, 4.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 31.1 minutes, all career-high marks.
Donaldson played his first two seasons at Auburn, where he shared point guard responsibilities and averaged 4.7 points and 2.3 assists in 67 games.
“I feel like it’s something I’ve earned. I’ve proven myself,” Donaldson said of his role with Michigan in December. “I’m just doing everything I can with the opportunity I’m given. Last year, I wasn’t worried about how many minutes I was playing; I just had to worry about what I could do with my minutes. I feel like that’s what I continue to do here, whether it be a lot of minutes or a little bit of minutes.”
Donaldson played a huge part in Michigan’s run to the Big Ten tournament title and Sweet 16. He made several clutch shots in crunch time, most notably his coast-to-coast, last-second layup against Maryland in the conference tournament semifinals and his go-ahead 3-pointer in the closing minutes against UC San Diego in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Even though Donaldson showed an ability to play on and off ball throughout the season, Michigan’s guard room is crowded. Several guards on this year’s team are set to return, like Roddy Gayle Jr. and L.J. Cason, and others are coming in, like Cadeau and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s star Trey McKenney, who’s a McDonald’s All-American.
Donaldson’s decision means the Wolverines will have at least three vacant spots in the starting lineup. Center Vlad Goldin and guard Rubin Jones have both exhausted their eligibility. Big man Danny Wolf could create another opening if he decides to enter the NBA Draft.
Donaldson is the third Wolverine to enter the transfer portal this week, along with reserves Jace Howard and Sam Walters. Freshman guard Justin Pippen also entered his name into the portal last week.
jhawkins@detriotnews.com
@jamesbhawkins
