For the third straight season, Juwan Howard has brought in a point guard through the transfer portal to lead the Wolverines.
Two years ago Mike Smith led the charge, last season DeVante Jones was at the helm, and this season it was supposed to be Princeton transfer, Jaelin Llewellyn.
But after eight games wearing the maize and blue, his 2022-23 season has ended. The former Princeton guard went down on Sunday against Kentucky and wasn’t able to re-enter the game. The worst possible outcome happened for Michigan: Llewellyn suffered an ACL injury to his left knee.
Juwan Howard issued a statement on Wednesday declaring Llewellyn out for the year.
“We are devastated for Jaelin,” said Howard. “He worked so hard after joining us this summer and was making that next step in leading this team. His maturity and work ethic has already made a mark on our program and culture. Knowing him, this setback will only serve as an opportunity to grow as a person and player, but more importantly, offer himself a chance to help this program in any way he can. I admire that.”
In eight games of play this season, he was averaging seven points. 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
Llewellyn issued a statement as well.
“Although this is not how I imagined my season here at Michigan would end, the support and love from everyone in the program will help me get through the rehab process,” said Llewellyn. “I’m looking forward to being my teammates’ biggest supporter for the rest of the season. Go Blue!”
Llewellyn will begin rehabilitation and prep immediately before his expected surgery sometime in early January.
After losing Franke Collins to Arizona State this past offseason, Michigan is very thin at point guard. Freshman Dug McDaniel is expected to take over as the starting point guard.
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