Tag: Olivier Nkamhoua

Michigan basketball loses key player for season

This one hurts. #GoBlue

Michigan basketball has been bad this year and things just got a lot worse.

The Wolverines have struggled on the court and have missed point guard Dug McDaniel for road games as he’s suspended away from Crisler Center due to academic issues. But one player has at least helped make things entertaining.

A transfer from Tennessee, Olivier Nkamhoua certainly has been among the bright spots on a game-by-game basis, but he’ll now miss the remainder of the season as he’ll be having wrist surgery — which will have a recovery time of three-to-four months.

“Decisions like this are never easy,” said Nkamhoua via a statement. “Playing with this injury became taxing and we knew something had to be done. I feel like I wasn’t able to finish what I came here to do; however, the support and love from the coaches, my teammates and everyone involved with this program has been so amazing.

“Coming to Ann Arbor and having the opportunity to play for a coach like Coach Howard has been something I will cherish. I cannot thank Chris (Williams) and his training staff enough for all they have done for me throughout this season and going forward in my recovery. I am proud to be able to say I was part of this great university. I am proud to be a Michigan Wolverine.”

“This is not how things were meant to be for Olivier,” said Howard. “From the moment he stepped on campus, he brought maturity, class, insight and leadership. I truly feel blessed that I was able to learn a tremendous amount from him both on and off the court. He was a true warrior playing with this injury; however, it was just time to do something. We know this will pass and he will return to have a successful playing career. We are so grateful to have been a small part of his journey.”

Without Nkamhoua, the Wolverines will need to find another scoring option. The forward was second in points per game behind McDaniel and Michigan will likely turn either to Will Tschetter or Tray Jackson to replace his production on the court.

 

Ranking the Top-10 Big Ten players heading into the basketball season

Ranking the top 10 players in the Big Ten entering the college basketball season.

The long-awaited 2023-24 college basketball season begins today, and the Big Ten’s slate of games features 10 of the conference’s teams in action. Iowa, Indiana, Maryland and Michigan will have to wait one more day.

The Big Ten does not lack star power as the conference boasts the reigning national player of the year in Purdue’s Zach Edey as well as a bunch of premier guards. As we all know, guard play dominates college basketball, especially in March.

Before the games tip off this evening, we take a look at the top 10 Big Ten players. Are any freshmen ranked? Does any supplant Edey as number one?

Honorable mentions (in no particular order): Bruce Thorton (Ohio State), Keisei Tominaga (Nebraska), Mackenzie Mgbako (Indiana), Jamison Battle (Ohio State), Tyler Wahl (Wisconsin), Coleman Hawkins (Illinois), Chucky Hepburn (Wisconsin).

Michigan basketball officially introduces its biggest transfer get and former Tennessee Volunteer

What a fantastic get for the Wolverines!

It was a magical rollercoaster of a ride for Michigan to land the Tennessee transfer, Olivier Nkamhoua. When the Finland native entered the portal, he was originally thought to be a Michigan lean, but Nkamhoua wanted to test the professional route.

Once he didn’t receive an NBA Combine invite, he wanted to visit different colleges. Nkahmoua took visits to Michigan, Kansas State, Baylor, and West Virginia. Following a visit to Michigan, reports came out stating he eliminated the Wolverines from contention — big blow.

But something incredible happened and Nkamhoua ultimately committed and signed with the Wolverines as a graduate transfer for the 2023-2024 season. The 6-foot-9 forward was a big part of the Tennessee rotation last season. He averaged 10.8 points and five rebounds last season while starting every game.

You can read the entire press release below via MGoBlue:

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — David and Meredith Kaplan U-M Basketball Head Coach Juwan Howard announced Thursday (June 7) the addition of Finland native and 6-9 forward Olivier Nkamhoua (Tennessee) as a graduate transfer for the 2023-24 season. Nkamhoua becomes U-M basketball’s sixth graduate transfer.

“It’s a thrill to be able to bring in an efficient and skilled player like Olivier,” said Howard. “He brings so many intangibles and experiences we know he will have an immediate impact for us. His strength, rebounding, hustle, back-to-the-basket game as well right away. However, what people don’t realize is what a tremendous passer he is. He sees the floor and plays develop as good as anyone I have seen. We are very excited for him to get to Ann Arbor.”

“Choosing Michigan is another step in my development, both now and for the future,” said Nkamhoua. “I know the staff, my new teammates and everyone in Ann Arbor are going to challenge me to keep getting better. I can’t wait for that. I also want to be a part of the U-M culture Coach Howard has created — family and that never- back- down attitude. I look forward to being a part of a team full of guys that are hungry to prove themselves and everyone wrong.”

Nkamhoua spent the last four seasons playing for Rick Barnes at Tennessee (2020-23) where he played in 112 games (58 starts), compiling a 70-28 record. With the Volunteers, Nkamhoua made three straight trips to the NCAA Tournament (2021, ’22, ’23) reaching the Sweet 16 in 2023. In 2022, he helped UT win the SEC Tournament title — the first in 43 years and fifth in program history.

Posting 27 double-figure scoring games, he compiled 733 career points (6.5 ppg). He scored career-best 27 points, twice: Texas (Jan. 28, 2023) and vs. Duke (March 18, 2023, NCAA). He adds 330 rebounds (3.8 rpg) as he recorded 37 games of five-plus and six games with 10-plus. He grabbed a career-best 14 boards against UT-Martin (Nov. 9, 2021). Overall, he notched four double-doubles.

Last season, Nkamhoua was the lone Volunteer to start all 36 games (25-11) as he averaged 10.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. He led UT with 32 dunks while shooting 51.3 percent from the field. Highlighting 2022-23, he had a career-best 73 assists (2.0 apg), which was nearly three times more than any prior season.

Shooting 51.8 percent from the field for his career, Nkamhoua has expanded his game, draining 31 three-pointers over the last two seasons after making just one in his first two seasons. He made a career-best 18 triples last year and shot 36.4 percent.

In addition to his collegiate career, Nkamhoua continues to compete with the Finland National Team. He has more than seven International Friendlies under his belt, scoring in double figures in each game. In 2022, he played in four FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers and was a member of the 2016 FIBA U16 European Championship team.

With Nkamhoua’s addition, Michigan has brought in a graduate transfer in each of the last four seasons — guard Mike Smith (Columbia; 2020-21), guard DeVante’ Jones (Coastal Carolina; 2021-22), guard Joey Baker(Duke; 2022-23) and guard Jaelin Llewellyn (Princeton; 2022-23).

Former Wolverine guard Jaaron Simmons (Ohio) was U-M’s first ever grad transfer in 2017-18. Simmons, who currently serves as the Wolverines video analyst, helped the Maize and Blue a second straight Big Ten Tournament title as well as the Final Four (San Antonio) and national title game vs. Villanova.

Pronunciation: first: “OH-liv-ee-AY” | last: “KAHM-wuh”

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal title=”An offer for Wolverines fans” description=”For the best local Detroit news, sports, entertainment and culture coverage, subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.” url=”https://cm.freep.com/channeloffer?gps-source=CPSMGMIDARTICLE&utm_source=smg&utm_medium=inline&utm_content=wolverineswire&utm_campaign=smgtolocal&offer=W-SF&barBuild=atoms-pid” button_text=”$1 for 3 months”]

Olivier Nkamhoua announces transfer destination

Former Vol Olivier Nkamhoua announces transfer destination.

Former Vol Olivier Nkamhoua announced his transfer destination on Wednesday.

Nkamhoua is transferring to Michigan.

The 6-foot-9, 238-pound senior entered the NCAA Transfer Portal on March 30. He has one year of eligibility remaining due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Nkamhoua appeared in 112 games, including 58 starts, at Tennessee. He averaged 6.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and one assist per game, while recording 68 blocks and 36 steals for the Vols.

He came to Tennessee from Bishop Walsh School in Cumberland, Maryland.

Nkamhoua completed his degree in public relations from Tennessee in May. The former Vol is from Helsinki, Finland.

Tennessee men’s basketball all-time roster: Volunteer Legends

PHOTOS: Rick Barnes through the years

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

Michigan basketball lands Tennessee transfer in stunning fashion

Let’s go!!!

The transfer portal is a funny thing: You never quite know what’s going to happen.

At one point, it looked a sure thing that Michigan basketball would land Tennessee transfer Olivier Nkamhoua. But Nkamhoua wanted to test the professional waters, and when he didn’t receive an NBA combine invite, he took some visits.

Nkamhoua visited Michigan, Kansas State, Baylor and West Virginia. Reports a few days ago indicated the graduate transfer had eliminated the Wolverines from contention.

Oh, how that changed.

On Tuesday night, there were rumblings Michigan was back in on Nkamhoua, and it became official on Wednesday afternoon. On3’s Joe Tipton reported on Twitter that Nkamhoua committed to Juwan Howard and Michigan.

With the addition of the 6-foot-9 forward, the Wolverines have three incoming transfers for the upcoming season. Nkamhoua is joined by Nimari Burnett and Tray Jackson.

Nkamhoua was a solid option for the Volunteers and was one of their best players. Last season at Tennessee, Nkamhoua averaged 10.8 points, five rebounds, shot 51.3% from the field, and knocked down 33.3% of his 3s.

Michigan has two open scholarships remaining for the 2023-’24 season.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

REPORT: Michigan basketball misses out on another top transfer target

Wow, this is a big bummer.

Things continue to get worse for the Michigan basketball program.

Ever since Caleb Love, the former North Carolina star, was forced out and de-committed from the Wolverines due to credits not transferring, Michigan has been stuck with three open scholarship spots for 2023-’24 and it appears it’s still the case.

According to multiple reports on Monday, Twitter user Trilly Donovan was the first to report, Tennessee transfer Olivier Nkamhoua has officially eliminated Michigan from contention. The Finland native is down to Baylor and West Virginia.

On3’s Joe Tipton and Michigan insider Josh Henschke with Maize & Blue Review both confirmed the report.

This is a major blow for Michigan. Nkamhoua was long considered to be a Wolverines lean, especially before he opted to look towards professional basketball. But once the former Volunteer didn’t get an NBA Combine invite, Nkamhoua looked at all of his options, and apparently the Wolverines aren’t one any longer.

Nkamhoua is coming off of an official visit this past weekend in Ann Arbor and reports looked promising between the two after his visit. The Wolverines are now back to square one looking to add pieces from the transfer portal.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Michigan basketball report: Decision coming in the next few days for top transfer target

#Michigan could really use him!

Even after losing the top three scorers from last season, it appeared Michigan might still be in decent shape by adding four transfers to the 2023 class including former North Carolina guard Caleb Love. But due to credits not transferring, Love was forced to look elsewhere and eventually landed at Arizona.

The Wolverines have three open scholarships for the 2023-’24 season and Michgian needs to add another guard and a big man to round out the team.

It appears Michigan has a chance to add a player early next week, according to 247Sports’ David Moseley.

Tennessee transfer Olivier Nkamhoua, Michigan’s top transfer target, is expected to make a decision Monday or Tuesday. Nkamhoua visited Ann Arbor on Friday, but Baylor is still on the schedule for one last visit.

Nkamhoua is considering West Virginia, Michigan, Baylor, Kansas State and Memphis.

The 6-foot-9 power forward originally opted to test the NBA draft, but he did not receive an NBA combine invite.

Nkamhoua was a solid option for the Volunteers. Last season at Tennessee, Nkamhoua averaged 10.8 points, five rebounds, shot 51.3% from the field, and knocked down 33.3% of his 3s. There has been a connection between Nkamhoua, Juwan Howard and Michigan since he entered the transfer portal.

Stay tuned for breaking news regarding Nkamhoua.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Michigan basketball in hot pursuit for a couple of transfer portal targets

#Michigan appears to be in good shape for these two.

The Michigan basketball program still has three open scholarship spots for the 2023-24 season. The Wolverines are still searching in the portal to find the right guys to come to Ann Arbor and fit in with a team that lost their top three scorers from a year ago.

One player that has been linked to Michigan is Tennessee transfer Olivier Nkamhoua. Nkamhoua was looking into leaving the college scene and go pro, but after not receiving an NBA combine invite, the forward is headed back to college. He has already taken official visits to West Virginia and Kansas State. The 6-foot-9 Finland native is scheduled to take an official visit to Michigan on June 2.

Last season for the Volunteers, Nkamhoua averaged 10.8 points, five rebounds, shot 51.3% from the field, and knocked down 33.3% of his 3s. There has been a connection between Nkamhoua, Juwan Howard, and Michigan since he entered the transfer portal. If things go well on Friday, Michigan may be down to just two open scholarships.

Other rumblings:

Another player Michigan is interested in is UC Riverside transfer Zyon Pullin. On Wednesday, Pullin announced he had a final five of Florida, Gonzaga, LSU, Michigan, and Xavier.

Pullin, who will be a graduate transfer, was a standout for UC Riverside a year ago. He averaged 18.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game as a senior, shooting 48.6% from the floor and 39.4% from 3.

Michigan is in desperate need of a guard after Caleb Love wasn’t admitted due to credits and ended up at Arizona. The 6-foot-4 guard could be the exact thing Juwan Howard needs. Pullin has the ability to create his own shot and would be a good fit next to Dug McDaniel.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Michigan basketball to get a top transfer target on campus for visit

It’s significant to get this guy on campus!

Michigan basketball has three open scholarships for the 2023-24 season.

The Wolverines are working hard to land the former Toledo Rocket guard Rayj Dennis, and, hopefully, Michigan will know something on that front in the upcoming days.

Michigan is hoping to know something about another big target as well in the next few weeks. Tennessee transfer Olivier Nkamhoua announced he would take an official visit to Ann Arbor on June 2. Twitter user Trilly Donovan had the first scoop.

Nkamhoua was exploring the professional route but did not receive a combine invite. Now he is looking to go back to college for at least one more season. He also plans to visit West Virginia the weekend before going to Michigan.

Nkamhoua is a 6-foot-9 power forward but can also play the ‘3’ if needed. He is the 57th-ranked transfer in the portal according to 247Sports. Last season for the Volunteers, Nkamhoua averaged 10.8 points, five rebounds, shot 51.3% from the field and knocked down 33.3% of his 3s.

The Finland native has played four seasons with Tennessee and has seen a steady increase in the last two seasons. He has aspirations to play pro ball and with Michigan needing some scoring help, he could have a large role if he decides to play for Juwan Howard and the Wolverines.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Tennessee senior enters NCAA transfer portal

Tennessee senior enters the NCAA transfer portal.

Tennessee basketball forward Olivier Nkamhoua entered the NCAA transfer portal on Thursday, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.

The 6-foot-9, 238-pound senior played for the Vols from 2019-23.

Nkamhoua has one year of eligibility remaining due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Nkamhoua appeared in 112 games, including 58 starts at Tennessee. He averaged 6.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and one assist per game, while recording 68 blocks and 36 steals for the Vols.

He came to Tennessee from Bishop Walsh School in Cumberland, Maryland.

Tennessee lost to Florida Atlantic in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16. The Vols advanced to the Sweet 16 by defeating Louisiana and Duke.

The Vols finished 25-11 (11-7 SEC) during the 2022-23 season.

Tennessee men’s basketball all-time roster: Volunteer Legends

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz9dkec01s6y18 player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=]