Michigan Adjusts Lineup as Players Sidelined
Michigan basketball began Monday's matchup against Lithuania's B-team with two starters absent from the lineup. Shooting guard Trey McKenney and center Moustapha Thiam were not listed among the starters, and a person with knowledge told the Detroit Free Press that both "will sit out with minor injuries." Quinn Costello and Oscar Goodman started in their places.
The game followed a 96-84 loss to Lithuania on Sunday. Thiam's injury occurred during that contest when Elliot Cadeau went for a loose ball on an attempted offensive rebound and rolled up on Thiam's lower right leg, which appeared to hyperextend. Thiam went down in pain for a few moments before being helped off the floor by assistant coach Mike Boynton Jr. and trainer Chris Williams.
Despite the incident, the Free Press reported that the injury is not significant. A person with knowledge of the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity because the details have not been released publicly, said, "Moustapha is fine. Nothing serious."
McKenney's injury remains undisclosed. The All-Big Ten freshman team member from last season scored 15 points on Sunday, going 3-for-6 from three-point range, but he battled foul trouble all afternoon and played fewer than 21 minutes. The Free Press noted that the decision to hold him out appears more precautionary than a response to a long-term concern.
Freshmen Step Up in European Tour
The absences opened opportunities for Michigan's freshmen, who have been gaining valuable experience during the team's foreign tour. According to the Free Press, Costello scored 17 points on five three-pointers in his debut, while Brandon McCoy contributed 14 points but also tied for a team-high with six turnovers. Marcus Moller added seven points and five rebounds, and Joseph Hartmann chipped in seven points, five assists, and two rebounds.
Thiam, in his limited 5:54 of action on Sunday, finished with six points, two rebounds, and two assists before leaving the game.
Roster Notes and Eligibility Status
The Free Press also provided updates on several other players. Ricky Liburd did not suit up for the game. Jalen Reed has an Achilles injury, and Lincoln Cosby has an ACL injury. Roddy Gayle Jr. traveled with the team to Europe, but there is no change in his status, and he is not part of the team.
Kenny Noland, who committed to Michigan last week, is currently ineligible. His eligibility is pending court rulings on the NCAA's eligibility rules, according to the Free Press.
As the team continues its tour, the emphasis on giving freshmen and other players meaningful minutes could shape Michigan's rotations heading into the regular season. The Free Press highlighted that these opportunities provide "invaluable reps" for younger players competing for playing time.
No further details were provided on the extent of McKenney's injury or the timeline for either player's return.