The Michigan Wolverines are getting ready for a crucial offseason, with head coach Dusty May facing a significant challenge in reshaping his roster. With key players departing and the transfer portal now open, Michigan basketball is looking to rebuild ahead of the 2025 season.
While there is currently little movement in terms of incoming players, the departure of freshman guard Justin Pippen marks the first domino to fall for the Wolverines. Here’s a full breakdown of Michigan basketball’s transfer portal activity.
Players Transferring Out
Justin Pippen (G)
Michigan fans got their first bit of transfer portal news when freshman guard Justin Pippen entered his name into the database immediately after the window opened.
The son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen, Justin played a limited role in his first season with the Wolverines and did not travel with the team to Denver for the NCAA tournament’s opening rounds.
His decision to transfer signals his intent to find a program where he can secure more playing time and further develop his game.
Pippen’s departure leaves Michigan searching for depth at the guard position, particularly with the impending exits of Nimari Burnett and Rubin Jones. With their backcourt undergoing a shakeup, May must prioritize experience and versatility when targeting replacements.
Players Transferring In
As of now, Michigan has not officially landed any incoming transfers. However, the Wolverines have been linked to multiple potential additions in the portal.
Lathan Sommerville (C) – Rutgers (Contact Made)
One of the most intriguing names Michigan has reached out to is Rutgers center Lathan Sommerville. A 6-foot-10 freshman, Sommerville started 15 of the Scarlet Knights’ 32 games this past season, averaging 8.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.
While several schools, including Ohio State, Tennessee, USC, and Texas A&M, have expressed interest, Sommerville entered the portal with a “do not contact” tag, typically signaling that he already has a preferred destination.
Whether Michigan remains in the mix for his services is uncertain, but adding a player of his caliber would help address their frontcourt concerns.
Bubu Benjamin (G) – Tarleton State (Contact Made)
Michigan has also made contact with Tarleton State’s Bubu Benjamin to replenish its guard depth. A skilled ball-handler and proven scorer in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), Benjamin could immediately impact the Wolverines’ rotation. However, no official visits or commitments have been reported yet.
What’s Next for Michigan?
Michigan’s most significant question is how to replace its dominant 7-footers, Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf. Goldin is out of eligibility, and Wolf is expected to test at the NBA level. With two key interior players potentially gone, May and his staff must be aggressive in the portal.
KEEP READING: Justin Pippen Transfer Portal: Top 5 Landing Spots for Michigan’s Guard
Additionally, backcourt reinforcements are a priority, with Burnett and Jones moving on. Expect Michigan to pursue experienced guards who can immediately contribute and help stabilize the lineup.
While it’s still early in the transfer portal cycle, Wolverine fans should watch incoming updates. As Michigan navigates the offseason, new names will undoubtedly emerge as potential additions to the roster.
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