Hunter Dickson reveals major reason behind return to Michigan

Michigan center Hunter Dickinson announced over the weekend that he plans to return to Michigan for his junior season, foregoing the choice to enter his name in the NBA Draft and test the waters. On Tuesday, he made comments on why he decided to play for head coach Juwan Howard again instead of turning pro.

Hunter Dickinson revealed to Michigan Insider’s Alejandro Zuniga that the school’s NIL collective, “Defend the Block,” played a major role in his return for the 2022-23 season.

“If you had said at the beginning of the year – asked me if I was gonna come back – I would’ve told you ‘No way,’” said Dickinson. “With NIL, that door opened up to come back.”

Hunter Dickinson first told Stadium that he planned to return to Ann Arbor for one more season. “At the end of the day I felt like I wasn’t done with college basketball yet,” Dickinson said.

He later posted a graphic on his social media page, confirming the news while saying, “I ain’t done yet.”

Last season, Dickinson averaged 18.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists for the Wolverines on the way to another NCAA Tournament appearance and a Sweet 16 run.

The former four-star recruit from the 2020 class ranked No. 34 overall and No. 6 among centers, according to the On3 Consensus. Hunter Dickinson also holds an NIL value of $61,000, which ranks No. 46 among college basketball players according to On3.

While many players with his accolades – which include All-American, Big 10 freshman of the Year and Big Ten All-Defensive team honors – have left for the NBA Draft in previous years to earn money as a professional. However, the ability to make money through endorsements at the college level has led many stars to return this season.

More on Michigan basketball

Michigan basketball and head coach Juwan Howard waited things out over the weekend as rising sophomore Caleb Houstan chose not to make an announcement regarding the NBA Draft, then revealing after the deadline on Monday that he had entered the field. He still holds the option to return for the 2022-23 season with hopes of improving his stock.

Meanwhile, fellow 2021 recruit and Michigan forward Moussa Diabate entered the NBA Draft while retaining his college eligibility. This allows him to test the NBA waters while leaving the door open for a collegiate return prior to the deadline in June.

The Wolverines now look to round out their roster for the upcoming season through the transfer portal with several targets to help make another deep NCAA Tournament run.