Hunter Dickinson pens heartfelt farewell message to Michigan, will not return

Former Michigan center Hunter Dickinson became the No. 1 player in the NCAA Transfer Portal when he opted to test the waters following the 2022-23 season. While he initially left the door open for a return – while also fielding interest from programs across the country – the 7-foot-1 Wolverine icon is officially saying goodbye.

In a statement given to On3’s Joe Tipton, released on Wednesday evening, Dickinson confirmed that he will not return for the 2023-24 season in Ann Arbor and that he will announce his transfer decision on Thursday. The former All-American has received interest from the likes of Georgetown, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Villanova and more.

Last season, Dickinson averaged 18.5 points and 9.0 rebounds while shooting 56 percent from the field and 72.7 percent from the free throw line. He added 1.8 blocks and 0.5 steals per game to his statline.

Hunter Dickinson entered the college ranks as a 2020 Top 50 recruit after starring at DeMatha Catholic (MD), according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He now holds an NIL valuation of $280,000 following three-straight All-Big Ten honors in three seasons.

Statement from Hunter Dickinson

The following statement was released by Hunter Dickinson on his decision to leave Michigan and pursue new opportunities.

“The initial decision for me to enter the portal was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. The thought of potentially leaving the place I love and called home for 3 years, was and is extraordinarily difficult to process. After conversations with my family and a lot of time in thought, I realized entering the portal was the best decision for myself and my future.

“I’ve grown and learned so much in my 3 years at Michigan, and if I could do it all over again out of high school there is no doubt in my mind I would make the same choice. That being said, it’s time for me to move on.

“Before I announce tomorrow where I will be attending next year, I wanted to take the time to say thank you. Thank you to the coaching staff who believed in me and made me the player I am today. To all the players I’ve played with during my time at Michigan, I know without you guys I could’ve never become the player I am today and accomplish what we accomplished. And lastly to the fans, you guys showed me so much love in my 3 years. I really felt like a part of the community and like Ann Arbor was my second home. Thank you.

“No matter where I decide to go, after I get my degree in the summer I will always think of myself as a Michigan man. I know the decision to transfer came as a shock, and I hope that with time you can come to understand why I chose to do it.”