Michigan's Big Ten title hopes suffered a blow when redshirt sophomore D.J. Wilson decided he would forego his final two years of eligibility and stay in the NBA Draft, according to reports, though they have not been confirmed by either Wilson or the school.
Wilson is projected anywhere from late first round to late second-round pick. He told reporters he would return to school if he wasn't a guaranteed first round pick, leading some to believe he has a 'guarantee' from a team that they'll take him in the first round. Many believe that's Utah at No. 30.
Wilson leaves a legacy of unfulfilled potential. He had his ups and downs this season, including several consecutive games in which he managed two rebounds or less, but also helped lead the Wolverines to the Big Ten Tournament title and Sweet 16 with some solid shooting. He averaged 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game and shot 83.3 percent from the free throw line, 37.3 percent from long range.
He scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds in a one-point loss to Oregon in the Sweet 16, but blamed himself after allowing a rebound putback and missing a layup down the stretch.
"I lost the game for us," he said somberly, many times.
And while he was being too hard on himself, it appears that will unfortunately be the last memory he'll carry from his time in a Michigan uniform.
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