Michigan basketball: Juwan Howard comments on Hunter Dickinson's 'unfortunate' departure to transfer portal
Michigan Wolverines basketball center Hunter Dickinson rocked the college basketball world by entering the transfer portal as a graduate transfer after three seasons in Ann Arbor. Head coach Juwan Howard, hours later, released a statement, sharing his thoughts on the news.
“Today is bittersweet,” the Michigan head coach began. “While Hunter Dickinson’s departure is unfortunate, there are so many reasons to be thankful for and celebrate. This young man has accomplished so much in his three seasons.
“Statistics aside, Hunter helped us to a Big Ten title, back-to-back Sweet 16s, as well as a memorable Elite Eight run. These are memories that will last a lifetime.
“What I love most is he was an Academic All-Big Ten honoree, twice. That says so much about his character and maturity. As much as I tried to instill in him, he was a guide and inspiration for me.
“We wish Hunter and his family all the best in the future.”
In 2023, Dickinson was named All-Big Ten for the third time in his Michigan career, with the media tabbing him to the first team and the coaches voting him second team. The 7-foot-1, 260-pounder was named honorable mention All-American by the Associated Press.
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Dickinson averaged 18.5 points, 9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game this past season. He shot 56 percent from the field and a career-best 42.1 percent from three-point range.
For his career, Dickinson averaged 17.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists along with 149 career blocks. He was the eighth Michigan player to put up 1,500-plus points and 750-plus rebounds in his career.
Dickinson was a first-team honoree by the media and second team selection by the coaches in 2021, and a second-team choice by both groups in 2022. The big man is one of 11 players in Michigan history to be named first-team All-Big Ten in at least two seasons, joining Bill Buntin (1963-64-65), Cazzie Russell (1964-65-66), Bob Harrison (1948-49), Rudy Tomjanovich (1969-70), Henry Wilmore (1971-72), Rickey Green (1976-77), Mike McGee (1978, ‘81), Roy Tarpley (1985-86), Gary Grant (1987-88) and Glen Rice (1988-89).
Dickinson helped Michigan win 60 games over the last three seasons. The Maize and Blue won the 2021 Big Ten title before advancing to the Elite Eight, made the Sweet 16 in 2022 and failed to make the Big Dance this past season.
The former Michigan center has not publicly commented on the reason for his departure.
