Jordan Dumars' Loss Doesn't Weaken the Guard Spot at Michigan
Jordan Dumars had dreams of following his father, Detroit Pistons legend Joe Dumars, into the NBA someday.
Instead, Jordan's basketball days may be over, the victim of bad knees.
It was announced on September 26 that Dumars, who came to the Michigan men's basketball program after transferring from South Florida, had quit the team. “Battling injuries the last two years has been very difficult on me,” Dumars said in a school press release. “I love Michigan, I love the team, and I love basketball, however I had to make this decision to move on.”
It should be noted Dumars never played a game for Michigan. Had he done so, however, the 6-5 sophomore guard could have contributed nicely to an improving offensive attack that has guided the Wolverines higher on the charts as of late.
The loss of Darius Morris to the NBA Draft leaves 6-5 sophomore guard Tim Hardaway Jr. without a fellow playmaker who can create opportunities on the court. Although Zack Novak is listed as a 6-4 guard on most charts, Novak actually led the team in rebounds (5.8), and that suggests his play is more suited for down low than it is at the top of the key or outside the perimeter.
Michigan coach John Beilein seemed to think Morris' exit was coming and Dumars' fate was sealed. In his recruiting trips, Beilein locked up guards Trey Burke (6-1) and Carlton Brundidge (6-2). Burke was Ohio's Mr. Basketball and should fit into the lineup right away if all goes well, while Brundidge is an in-state power from the Southfield area that is well known to Detroit-area basketball fans.
The additions should bolster a Michigan lineup that is projected to break to the top of the Big Ten this year, behind Ohio State and Wisconsin. Beilein notched 21 victories a year ago and almost took out Duke to go to the Sweet 16, so there is no question a lot of people are looking at this program.
In the end, Dumars' loss won't be big or newsworthy. After all, he did leave of his own accord and no chicanery or illegal activities were committed. Sometimes an athlete just loses his or her health and has to deal with it.
It's just too bad to think about what might have been. Maybe someday Joe would have been in the stands watching his son play NBA basketball.
Read the in-depth basketball preview for Michigan
