ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May gave a career update on key reserve L.J. Cason following his season ending ACL injury.
May said on Monday (March 9) that Cason will redshirt during his junior season, as he was expected to be out until January of 2027.
Recommended Videos
“I mean, he hasn’t had a surgery yet. And I think I can’t imagine bringing him back in January after not playing for a year and a half,” said May.
May said the timing of surgery and rehabilitation remains unresolved, and that medical staff will guide decisions on recovery and any return timeline.
May said the program will not rush medical decisions and is relying on its elite support staff for guidance.
“I just lean on our elite support staff,” May said.
He emphasized the team is in a good place mentally and physically overall, though May noted concern for Cason identified.
L.J. Cason
Cason tore his right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the Wolverines’ victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini on Friday (Feb. 27), the University of Michigan announced on Feb. 28, 2026.
The sophomore guard was a key reserve during Michigan’s breakout season and helped the Wolverines secure the 2026 Big Ten regular-season title.
He came off the bench in every game and posted career highs in scoring (8.4 points), assists (2.4), rebounds (1.9), and steals (1.0).
He shot a career-best 50.3% from the field and made 33 three-pointers after making 15 as a freshman.
There is no timeline for surgery, as May said the team wants Cason to be part of the magical run they are on.
The men in maize do not want Cason to miss the NCAA Tournament or the Big Ten Tournament.
“I think the longer we play, the longer surgery will be, but no, we don’t have a date for sure. And then the medical people sometimes they want to get all the swelling out. Sometimes we lean on them. Once again, I don’t comment on things that I haven’t spent a lot of time thinking, studying, and reading about. And so when it comes to the medical side, I just lean on our elite support staff.”
Discussing the redistribution of minutes after Cason’s injury, May framed the change as an opportunity for other players to grow into larger roles.
“This is a great opportunity for you to really get back into playing longer in longer stretches and being more aggressive,” May said.
May singled out Trey McKenney for poise and noted Roddy Gayle Jr.‘s return to form.
“Trey McKenney’s poise, he played his second half, was phenomenal,” May said.