There was big news in the NCAA transfer portal world yesterday with the announcement by Caleb Love that he is transferring to the University of Michigan. Love made the announcement on his social media account.
Many rumors and predictions had Love returning closer to his St. Louis home with either Missouri or possibly the University of Indiana. Not very many had Michigan on the radar as a possible destination. After the initial surprise, there are reasons that this move makes sense for both Love and head coach Juwan Howard.
Caleb Love, is known as a player that likes extended minutes, has an open playing style, and was used to a “hands-off approach” (putting it nicely) with former head coach Hubert Davis. He had all of those things in his first three years in Chapel Hill but after last season, it was time for a change of scenery. For both Love and the program. While there is much speculation as to what happened last season for the Tar Heels, one player that took a lot of the fire and criticism was Love. The fanbase in particular was frustrated with shot selection and extended playing time on off nights.
Coach Howard has had a number of players either enter the portal or declare for the NBA draft. He needs replacements and to bring in players that can score the basketball. He is known as a “players coach.”
When the dust clears, this appears to be a win-win for both Love and Coach Howard. Love can play within a style that he is used to. He will likely get the extended minutes he is used to and have a coach that will not maybe have the most strict accountability that other systems would have. Particularly Indiana.
Howard gets a proven scorer that has played at a high level and on the biggest of stages. His game-winning shot to close the game (and Coach K’s career) in the Final Four versus rival Duke will forever be remembered in Tar Heel history. He can also be featured and raise potential draft stock.
A few interesting storylines to keep an eye on as well – Michigan and the University of North Carolina could face one another in the Maui Invitational tournament to start next season. If that isn’t exciting enough, there are rumors that Hunter Dickinson (University of Michigan player currently in the transfer portal) could potentially land in Chapel Hill next season. He is actively being recruited by former AAU teammate and current Tar Heel Armando Bacot through his social media.
The NCAA transfer portal continues to change the entire landscape of college basketball.
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