Michigan started out the year strong at 6-1 but has gone 5-6 since, giving them a record of 11-7. To make matters worse the Wolverines have losses to NJIT and Eastern Michigan this year, not the best thing to have on a resume come March. Their tournament hopes are fading fast and the process sped up this past weekend as their top player, Caris LeVert, hurt his left foot and is now out for the remainder of the season. The Wolverines haven't been able to get back to the level they were at when they lost the National Championship a couple years ago. We've all been waiting for them to be at the top of the Big 10 again but it hasn't happened. Part of the reason may have been due to them not having another player like Trey Burke, however, they have had some very good players, including Caris LeVert. Michigan will not have their top scorer for the remaining of the season after LeVert suffered a left foot injury in Saturday's win over Northwestern. LeVert had surgery on the same foot in May, and is now set to have surgery on it again later this week. This is a huge loss for Michigan as the junior guard has averaged 14.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.7 APG and 1.8 SPG in 35.8 MPG. LeVert has also shot very well from behind the arc, 40.5%, and from the free throw line, 81%, this year. He is an all-around player who plays nearly the entire game for Michigan. Head coach John Beilein released a statement saying, "Caris has been working so hard this season and for this to happen is very unfortunate. If we know anything about Caris, he will do everything it takes to not only get better, but to help his teammates during this time." You can see what Beilein is talking about as LeVert has noticeably improved since his freshman year. LeVert only averaged 10.8 MPG his freshman year but then got over 30 MPG the past two years. While he had a good season last year he has seen almost all his stats get better this year as he is the main focus on offense. Michigan runs their offense through LeVert, since he is so versatile. LeVert talked about his injury saying, "While this is obviously not what I wanted, I know this team will come together and be stronger because of it. Now more than ever, it is important for all of us to support this team." I don't think anyone believes that Michigan will be better after this injury. LeVert was a likely first round draft pick before this injury as he has good size for a shooting guard and can also play the point. While scoring is his strength he's also an above average passer and can rebound the ball well for a guard. I think he is a mid to late first round draft pick, I wouldn't take him in the lottery. I hope this injury doesn't hurt his draft stock, it might however since it's the second surgery on his left foot. LeVert is a very good player and I think he will do well in the NBA. Every NBA team needs someone who can do a little bit of everything, especially someone who has the scoring ability LeVert has. Michigan is trying to make their fifth straight NCAA tournament this year but it doesn't look likely. The Wolverines were ranked at one point this year but terrible losses to small schools shot them off the face of the Earth. Michigan is 4-2 in the Big 10 this year, one game behind Maryland, so they're not too far behind. However, they didn't look good before the LeVert injury and I doubt they will get better after losing their top player. The Big 10 is once again loaded with good teams but Michigan isn't one. LeVert is a very good player with a bright future in the NBA and I hope he can stay healthy for the remainder of his playing career.
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