Michigan Wolverines point guard Dug McDaniel has entered the transfer portal, as confirmed by a university spokesperson to Maize n Brew, just three days after head coach Juwan Howard was fired. McDaniel’s entry into the transfer portal follows freshman guard George Washington III’s decision to do the same in recent days.
During his time with the Michigan Wolverines, McDaniel played in 60 games over two seasons, with averages of 12.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. He shot 39.9 percent from the field, 36.3 percent from three-point range, and 77.1 percent from the free-throw line. McDaniel notably led Michigan in scoring during the previous season, averaging 16.3 points per game in 26 appearances.
Originally from the DMV area, McDaniel attended Paul VI Catholic High School in Virginia. He was a highly touted four-star recruit and ranked as the third-highest recruit in Michigan’s 2022 class, behind Tarris Reed Jr. and Jett Howard.
During the 2023-24 season, McDaniel faced a suspension for six road games due to academic-related goals. Michigan struggled during his absence, losing all six games and finishing the season with an 8-24 record.
McDaniel’s decision to enter the transfer portal was somewhat anticipated, especially after he hinted at potential changes in an interview with Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press following a loss in the Big Ten Tournament, stating, “I’ll worry about that later” when asked about his plans to return to Michigan.
Dug McDaniel has certainly been an exciting player to watch, showcasing his lightning-fast speed, impressive ball handling skills, and ability to quickly heat up from beyond the arc. He had some standout moments during his time at Michigan, such as leading the team with 18 points in a victory over Michigan State in the 2022-23 season and scoring a career-high 33 points in an overtime loss to Oregon this past season.
Despite his individual successes, McDaniel never had the opportunity to play in an NCAA Tournament game. The challenges faced by the program during his tenure, including his suspension, contributed to this. Additionally, his smaller stature posed challenges on the defensive end, often leading to opponents exploiting him off the dribble and inside the three-point line.
Nevertheless, McDaniel’s dynamic style of play made him a fan favorite. Losing a top scorer like him is a significant blow to any college basketball program, especially for Michigan following a historically tough season.
Looking ahead to the next season, Michigan will have to address the point guard position with Jaelin Llewellyn’s eligibility ending. The incoming 2024 commits, Christian Anderson Jr. and Durral Brooks, both play point guard in high school, offering potential options for the team.
The Maize n Brew team will miss covering McDaniel’s performances and wishes him the best in his future basketball endeavors.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215603/2075558034.0.jpg)
