Michigan guard DeVante’ Jones ruled out after collision with teammate

Michigan guard DeVante’ Jones left the game against Tennessee for a second time on Saturday and will not return with a head injury, according to the CBS broadcast team. After injuring his right wrist in the first half, his head collided with teammate Moussa Diabate late in the first half.

The halftime report ruled out DeVante’ Jones with the head injury, saying he is currently feeling sick in the locker room. The key player for the Wolverines returned to action on Saturday after missing Thursday’s win over Colorado State with a concussion sustained at practice.

Jones has been a vital part of the Wolverines’ offense this year after transferring from Coastal Carolina. He started all 31 games prior to the NCAA Tournament and averaged 10.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists in those appearances.

Juwan Howard on DeVante’ Jones

When Michigan beat Colorado State on Thursday, the Wolverines did it without DeVante’ Jones. As they gear up to take on Tennessee on Saturday, Juwan Howard provided an update on Jones’ status for the Round of 32 showdown.

Jones missed the game with a concussion he suffered in practice. He practiced on Friday between games, and Howard said he really wants his starting point guard on the floor against the Volunteers on Saturday.

“DeVante’ was out there for more than practice, got out there, got a little lather and it’s a game-time decision,” Howard said. “I will be on my knees tonight praying he will hopefully be ready to go … because we’re going to need all hands on deck.”

Michigan started out slow against Colorado State in the Round of 64 and even trailed at halftime. But the Wolverines bounced back to shoot 60% after the break to beat the Rams 75-63 and advance to the next round. However, getting Jones back would be a huge boost for the 11th-seeded Wolverines against the 3-seeded Volunteers.