​Interim Michigan men’s basketball head coach Mike Boynton is giving everything he has to keep the core intact while also proving he’s the right long-term leader for the program. He’s already secured the return of Trey McKenney, Elliott Cadeau, Moustapha Thiam, and J.P. Estrella, forming a core sturdy enough to keep the Wolverines competitive in the Big Ten. Now his focus must shift to holding onto a few more key pieces if Michigan hopes to chase one of the sport’s most unlikely championship repeats. Here’s how Boynton should prioritize his retention efforts with the current Wolverines.
1. SG Brandon McCoy
Perhaps a touch controversial, but here’s the reasoning: Brandon McCoy is the second-ranked shooting guard and No. 10 overall in the 2026 class. Standing 6-foot-5, he brings college-ready size, physicality, and a competitive edge that should quickly translate into a two-way impact. His off-the-ball ability could enable a dynamic three-guard lineup alongside Thiam and Estrella, helping to space the floor while they dominate the paint. McCoy’s talent has scouts projecting him as the top Wolverine in the 2027 NBA Draft, and importantly, he isn’t coming off a knee injury.
2. PG L.J. Cason
L.J. Cason was the nation’s best backup point guard last season before a February knee injury against Illinois. Off the bench, he averaged 8.4 points, 2.4 assists, and 1.9 rebounds, while shooting 50.3 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from three. His career trajectory is even more impressive than the numbers suggest. Originally expected to redshirt next year, he is now anticipated to return late under the 5-in-5 NCAA eligibility rule. Cason could come back in February for the heart of a tough conference schedule and be fully ready for the postseason, providing leadership and stability to ease the load on McCoy’s freshman shoulders.
3. PF Jalen Reed
The 6-foot-10 LSU transfer adds valuable experience and depth to Michigan’s frontcourt. A four-year player, Reed has appeared in only 14 games over the past two seasons and is returning from consecutive season-ending injuries. Yet in those limited appearances, he averaged 10.3 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 46.5 percent from three. With the ability to rebound and space the floor, Reed is a strong complement to a dominant center. If he can channel the durability shown by Nimari Burnett, who battled injuries early but contributed significantly later, Reed could become a pivotal swing player for the team.
4. PF Quinn Costello
Quinn Costello exemplifies the “stretch four” paradigm, offering a floor-spacing presence at the forward position. His shooting ability could stretch defenses and create more driving lanes for teammates, making him an important piece of the frontcourt rotation.