Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson commits to Kansas

Michigan transfer forward Hunter Dickinson has committed to the Kansas Jayhawks. This comes after Dickinson entered the NCAA transfer portal on March 31.

Part of the 2020 recruiting class, Dickinson was a four-star prospect by the On3 Industry Ranking. Dickinson was the No. 44 overall player in the class and the No. 7 center in the class overall. From his first season with the Wolverines, the 7-foot-1 standout was able to make a big impact on the program.

Dickinson averaged 14.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game as a true freshman. He followed that up the next two years by averaging over 18 points per game and over eight rebounds per game in each of the next two seasons. The former Michigan star ended his three years in Ann Arbor by averaging 17.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. His play on the floor earned him All-Big Ten honors every year, including two First Team selections, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year honor and a consensus Second Team All-American in 2021.

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 Thursday. The former All-American has received interest from the likes of Georgetown, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Villanova and more.

The decision to enter his name into the transfer portal came from Dickinson just shy of two weeks after the Wolverines lost in the second round of the NIT to Vanderbilt. After the news broke of Dickinson’s decision, Michigan head coach Juwan Howard released a statement on the move.

“Today is bittersweet,” Howard said. “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.”

Recruitment of Dickinson was heavy

After hitting the transfer portal, Dickinson quickly became one of the most notable names for schools to go after. Kansas, Kentucky and Villanova were all big-name schools that were in the mix from the start and showed significant interest in landing Dickinson. But it was not just big schools interested in Dickinson.

In addition to those bigger schools, Georgetown was a school Dickinson unofficially visited, as was Maryland, his home state. The Terrapins hired Virginia Tech assistant coach Mike Jones, Dickinson’s high school coach, in early April.

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.”