Michigan guard George Washington III withdraws from transfer portal

Michigan freshman guard George Washington III has decided to withdraw from the transfer portal after previously entering his name, On3 has learned.

The Louisville, Kentucky native was once a touted recruit in the 2023 class and spent one year at Michigan under Juwan Hired before deciding to evaluate options in the portal following the school’s coaching change.

Now, with Dusty May leading the program, Washington has ultimately decided to remain with the Wolverines and play for the new regime in 2024-25.

As a rookie in 2023-24, Washington didn’t get the best first experience as a Wolverine, suffering through a brutal 8-24 season which included a 3-17 mark in Big Ten play — prime reasons for why it’s May leading Michigan now, and not Howard.

From an individual standpoint, Washington didn’t a ton of run, seeing just 6.6 minutes of action per game while scoring 1.2 points per outing. There’s potential for much more, though, as the On3 Industry Ranking pegged Washington as a three-star recruit and the No. 126 overall player in the nation from the 2023 cycle.

Washington discussed return with on3

By On3’s Clayton Sayfie

Wearing team-issued gear at May’s opening press conference, George Washington III spoke about his juncture in the transfer process, including consideration for a return

“Yeah, I have,” Washington said after being asked if he’s heard from schools since entering the portal. “But it’s still early. I love this place, and I’m interested to see what happens.”

May discussed bringing back and reeling in players that fit his vision at Michigan. He’ll evaluate them, and they’ll do the same to May and the staff that he’ll hire. Washington is excited for that to occur.

“Honestly, it was a lot of what he said when he was up there — that mutual fit between how he’s looking for the team to play, how I play the game, how he coaches, how I receive it,” Washington said.

“I already feel like that does kind of match up. Just making sure that we’re on the same page and that what we’re both looking for lines up together. I’m looking forward to talking.”

Apparently, those talks went pretty well and Washington is now set to play his sophomore season in Ann Arbor.