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During Michigan’s NCAA Tournament run to the national title, Trey McKenney made it known he was planning to return for his sophomore season.
Those plans were finalized on Friday, when McKenney shared the news on social media that he has signed a deal with the Wolverines.
“Let’s do it again A2,” McKenney said in a post on X.
McKenney, the lone Michigan native on the Wolverines’ roster this season, played in all 40 games and averaged 9.9 points and 2.8 rebounds in 22.1 minutes. He was one of Michigan’s top long-range threats, shooting 39.1% from deep and making a team-high 68 3-pointers.
The former Orchard Lake St. Mary’s star and McDonald’s All-American was one of the best reserves in the Big Ten and was named to the All-Big Ten freshman team. He was even better during March Madness, when he averaged 12 points in 25.2 minutes and shot 48% from 3-point range.
McKenney delivered during a key sequence late in the national title game against UConn, when he got a defensive stop at the rim on one end and followed that with a dagger 3-pointer, before he sealed the program’s second national title with two clutch free throws in the final seconds.
More: Michigan's own Trey McKenney delivers 'biggest shot of the season' in title win
“It's been impressive of how someone comes in with his accolades and reputation and fits into a group,” coach Dusty May said during the NCAA Tournament. “I don't think there are very many teams in all of college basketball that he wouldn't be starting on. Probably one in the entire country and that's ours right now.”
McKenney took on a different role and a larger opportunity after backup point guard L.J. Cason suffered a torn ACL late in the season. Cason’s absence led to McKenney taking on more ball-handling duties when point guard Elliot Cadeau wasn’t on the floor.
Needless to say, McKenney capitalized on the chance to do more and show more of his game.
“Man, I've been hearing a lot about like a freshman wall that some guys run into. Guys that are pro like Trey McKenny, there's no wall for this guy,” forward Yaxel Lendeborg said during the NCAA Tournament.
“He's developed so much this year. He's always been mature, but the way he can read the game, the game has slowed down for him a lot more. … Since L.J. went down, he took that responsibility to be the second point guard on the team and run the show. He's doing a really good job.”
McKenney figures to play a much more prominent role next season. He’ll form one of the best backcourts in the Big Ten alongside Cadeau, who announced his return for his senior season on Thursday.
May is among the many who have high hopes and even higher expectations for McKenney moving forward.
“We're excited because, first and foremost, of how hard he'll work and how much time he puts into it,” May said. “He's about the film, shooting, weights, taking care of his body. He's a professional with how he works every single day.
“I don't want to put a ceiling on anyone … but I think he's going to be one of the best guards in the Big Ten. If you're one of the best guards in the Big Ten, you're going to be one of the best guards in the country next year.”
[email protected]
@jamesbhawkins
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Trey McKenney makes return to Michigan basketball official
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Those plans were finalized on Friday, when McKenney shared the news on social media that he has signed a deal with the Wolverines.
“Let’s do it again A2,” McKenney said in a post on X.
McKenney, the lone Michigan native on the Wolverines’ roster this season, played in all 40 games and averaged 9.9 points and 2.8 rebounds in 22.1 minutes. He was one of Michigan’s top long-range threats, shooting 39.1% from deep and making a team-high 68 3-pointers.
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The former Orchard Lake St. Mary’s star and McDonald’s All-American was one of the best reserves in the Big Ten and was named to the All-Big Ten freshman team. He was even better during March Madness, when he averaged 12 points in 25.2 minutes and shot 48% from 3-point range.
McKenney delivered during a key sequence late in the national title game against UConn, when he got a defensive stop at the rim on one end and followed that with a dagger 3-pointer, before he sealed the program’s second national title with two clutch free throws in the final seconds.
More: Michigan's own Trey McKenney delivers 'biggest shot of the season' in title win
“It's been impressive of how someone comes in with his accolades and reputation and fits into a group,” coach Dusty May said during the NCAA Tournament. “I don't think there are very many teams in all of college basketball that he wouldn't be starting on. Probably one in the entire country and that's ours right now.”
McKenney took on a different role and a larger opportunity after backup point guard L.J. Cason suffered a torn ACL late in the season. Cason’s absence led to McKenney taking on more ball-handling duties when point guard Elliot Cadeau wasn’t on the floor.
Needless to say, McKenney capitalized on the chance to do more and show more of his game.
“Man, I've been hearing a lot about like a freshman wall that some guys run into. Guys that are pro like Trey McKenny, there's no wall for this guy,” forward Yaxel Lendeborg said during the NCAA Tournament.
“He's developed so much this year. He's always been mature, but the way he can read the game, the game has slowed down for him a lot more. … Since L.J. went down, he took that responsibility to be the second point guard on the team and run the show. He's doing a really good job.”
McKenney figures to play a much more prominent role next season. He’ll form one of the best backcourts in the Big Ten alongside Cadeau, who announced his return for his senior season on Thursday.
May is among the many who have high hopes and even higher expectations for McKenney moving forward.
“We're excited because, first and foremost, of how hard he'll work and how much time he puts into it,” May said. “He's about the film, shooting, weights, taking care of his body. He's a professional with how he works every single day.
“I don't want to put a ceiling on anyone … but I think he's going to be one of the best guards in the Big Ten. If you're one of the best guards in the Big Ten, you're going to be one of the best guards in the country next year.”
[email protected]
@jamesbhawkins
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Want to comment on this story? Become a subscriber today. Click here.This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Trey McKenney makes return to Michigan basketball official
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