Michigan Loses Guard L.J. Cason to Torn ACL, Reshapes Backcourt Before Postseason
Coach Dusty May shifts ball-handling to Elliot Cadeau, Trey McKenney, Nimari Burnett, Roddy Gayle.
Overview
- Cason sustained the knee injury during the title-clinching win at No. 10 Illinois and will undergo season-ending surgery, the program confirmed.
- Cason averaged 8.4 points with efficient shooting from the field and from three, providing key bench offense during a breakout sophomore season.
- May said starting point guard Elliot Cadeau will play more minutes and must be more solid defensively and in decision-making without a true backup.
- Freshman McKenney, sixth-year Burnett and senior Gayle are slated for expanded roles, including added ball-handling when Cadeau sits.
- Analysts called the loss a substantial blow yet manageable, with suggestions such as using Yaxel Lendeborg in a brief point-forward look to steady second units.