Jon Horford To Transfer
underneath the Banyan tree, wherever he goes
Uh…
University of Michigan men's basketball head coach John Beileinannounced today (Thursday, April 10) that senior forward Jon Horford (Grand Ledge, Mich./Grand Ledge HS) will not return to the Wolverine program in 2014-15, planning to transfer for his final season of eligibility.
That is not good. With Jordan Morgan graduating, Michigan's only other post is Mitch McGary. Even if he comes back next year, Horford figured to get a significant amount of playing time when McGary was tired or in foul trouble.
While Horford struggled badly down the stretch, you could say the same for Jordan Morgan last year and that worked out okay. Fifth-year senior bigs tend to be better than you'd expect. Horford's departure opens up time for Mark Donnal and likely means a redshirt for Ricky Doyle is no longer an option. That latter is unfortunate; again, see Jordan Morgan.
The one possible silver lining here is that the reason Horford is moving on is that he feels he'll get more playing time elsewhere, a decision that implies McGary's return and maybe even Robinson's since that would increase competition for minutes everywhere. It's hard to believe he would skip town with 30 minutes a night staring him in the face. But Horford was always a bit of a different guy.
Don't be sorry, it's okay to disagree. Just stay calm.
It's all relative. Like I said all minutes in the tournament are important, those just weren't that important by comparison.
was looking forward to seeing Horford's emotionless zen face next year. it was the perfect balance for Dakich overload.
if that is the only thing you worry about. then i envy you. i worry about a repeat of the Ed Martin scandal.
injuries i can deal with. the complete re-destruction of the program would finally kill me.
April 11th, 2014 at 12:06 AM ^
I'm worried Ed Martin's bag man's bag man has an uncle who knows a guy that lives by the university and travels back and forth between the major metro area and....
This is a horrible, terrible blow for Michigan and it's BS to sugarcoat it otherwise.
But: the most important thing for Jon Horford is to do what he has to do. Go get it young man.
April 10th, 2014 at 10:10 PM ^
Not sure I'd quite say it is a massive blow; Horford wasn't necessarily tearing it up this year, and unlike Morgan I'm not sure if his ceiling is much higher. Wish him the best, but (I guess) I suspect his loss will be less pronounced than people think.
You do remember Belien won a BIG title with Zack Novak playing the 4 for almost 20 minutes a game right?
I agree. On top of that, I think Michigan will have so many shooters that they will be able to make up for lack in size. They also will have just as much if not more experience back--especially in important places--ie Walton (!), Caris, even GRIII. Irvin may be able to make the Staukas leap. Future looks bright despite Horford.
That said...wasn't Horford a CAPTAIN? What about THOSE WHO STAY, Jon? Ouch. He was supposed to be a leader. It's too bad he left--for the program and for him I think
Never complained about playing time or being a natural 2 playing 3&4.
Good luck Jon. I hope that you have fond memories of your time as a Wolverine.
April 10th, 2014 at 10:25 PM ^
Replaceable. With all due respect of course.
April 10th, 2014 at 10:37 PM ^
and that's about all. Horford seemed like a good teammate and was a servicable back-up center, but that's about it as far as on court contributions. The difference between him and Morgan, especially defensively, was stark this season. The team would be better with him, but he was never going to be more than a back-up level player forced to start this season.
April 11th, 2014 at 12:17 AM ^
I wish Jon Horford all the best in his next destination. He has been a Michigan man through and through. His plays and quotes will be desperately missed irregardless. We don't know his reason for transfering. Could be for basketball but given what we know about him, I wouldnt be surprised if it is because of education or family. So please stop trashing the guy and thank him for his contributions in the past 4 years instead.
at least buy him a couple, cheapskate.
I have a friend that works in the compliance office at UCF and they said that he is coming there. FWIW
April 11th, 2014 at 10:35 AM ^
He has been buried on the depth chart since he got here and that likely wasn't going to change much. He just wasn't big or skilled enough to play big minutes here.
Horford on the other hand, has played big minutes and was going to get even more minutes next year so I really don't get that one. Methinks there are too many people whispering in his ear.
April 11th, 2014 at 11:31 AM ^
is not muscling under the boards. If I remember right, he used to take 15-foot jump shots and even 3's that are no longer an option at Michigan given the talent level around him. I think he'll find a place that values a pretty good shooter, and maybe he shows skills that get him a career in Europe.
I don't begrudge Jon, or Evan, or GRIII, making the decisions they think are right for them. Unfortunately I think Glenn will leave because he feels Beilein didn't live up to the deal last year (even before McGary got hurt) and can't have confidence he will get to priarily play the 3 with or without Horford.
Comments