Michigan Basketball: Will Caris LeVert return for the Wolverines?

By Brian Rosen | Feb 29, 2016

Feb 13, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) moves the ball defended by Purdue Boilermakers guard Rapheal Davis (35) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Caris LeVert is running out of time to make his return for Michigan Basketball.

If the Michigan Wolverines want to avoid missing out on the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year, chances are they need to take down the Iowa Hawkeyes this Sunday.

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Just three years removed from a National Championship appearance and two years from an Elite Eight run, head coach John Beilein finds himself sitting firmly on the bubble.

This bubble, weighed down by many middling teams in similar situations to that of Michigan’s, has the potential to pop for the Michigan should they suffer a loss on Senior Night.

Michigan’s rendition of Senior Night has the potential to be more bittersweet than anything. Caris LeVert and Spike Albrecht have both had an immeasurable effect on the Wolverines over their successful careers – who can forget Albrecht’s improbable barrage of three pointers against Louisville on the brightest stage?. Both were unheralded recruits four years ago, but Beilein saw something he liked and took a chance on both.

Albrecht’s rehab process from hip surgery this offseason was arduous, and the balance of his playing career with the recovery was just too demanding.

Meanwhile, LeVert went from being labeled as a two-star recruit to gaining attention as a potential lottery pick in this summer’s NBA Draft. However, a lower leg injury has derailed his season for the second straight year.

Michigan has fared surprisingly well in some games without their star, knocking off Maryland and Purdue at home. In most other matchups, however, the Wolverines have often looked out of sync, on offense, defense, or both.

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LeVert returned from his foot injury to play 11 minutes in Michigan’s mid-February win over Purdue, but felt pain again and hasn’t seen the court since. The door has been left open for his return, but Coach Beilein understands his team needs to know if their leader will see the court again this year.

“I want to give him every benefit of the doubt if he wants to play, he’s going to get to play. But I want to give him every benefit as long as I can. But I also can’t have him make a judgment that hurts the rest of the team,” Beilein said.

LeVert has expressed a desire to return this year. At this point, though, the Wolverines will need him now or never.

A loss to Iowa will place Michigan with just three Top 50 wins on the season (Maryland, Purdue, Texas, per KenPom.com). Barring a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament, the Wolverines would in all likelihood be in line for a high seed in the NIT. Not quite what LeVert and Michigan were hoping for before the season began.

In his last chance to play in front of the Michigan faithful, LeVert will consider returning to lead his team. Of course, pain must be his guide, and he shouldn’t jeopardize his future for the sake of his college career.

Sometimes, though, Senior Night means more than any other game to student-athletes. All their hard work and preparation over the past four years is recognized not just by their teammates, but by a community that has backed them throughout their careers.

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Whether it’s just for five minutes or a full half, Caris LeVert would help his teammates out immensely with a return to the court. No one knows how healthy he is except himself; it’s up to him to determine his course of action.