Chaundee Brown Declares for Draft
Well we can’t have everything. Michigan’s energetic three-and-d bench wing is also going to be a one-year rental, as Chaundee Brown Jr. announced on Twitter that he intends to enter his name in the draft and hire an agent, meaning he’s not coming back.
— ⭕️Chaundee️⚠️Brown (@cbrownballin935) April 10, 2021
Like the other seniors, Brown had the opportunity to come back for an extra year because of COVID. However the grad transfer from Wake Forest is already 22, and probably figures he’s gotten enough tape out there for the league to know if they’re interested.
Like fellow grad transfer Mike Smith, Chaundee dramatically changed his role at Michigan. A regular starter and inside-the-arc bucket-getter at Wake, Brown became an off-the-bench ball of energy, and a lethal outside shooter, launching more of those than twos for the first time in his career, and hitting them at a 42% clip
Brown’s signature skill—well okay, his second signature skill—was converting those against closeouts. His 7/12 hot streak in the tournament was a major part of Michigan’s run to the Elite 8, and there were a few times when I thought one more pass his way against UCLA could have extended that run another round or two. While the Big Ten named Illinois’s Andre Curbelo the conference’s 6th man, they also named somebody other than Franz Wagner the defensive player of the year. Anyway Brown got to cut down the nets at the end of the season. We know what's up.
His signature skill, of course, was coming in like this:
I’m weak https://t.co/nsYUZn6msg
— ⭕️Chaundee️⚠️Brown (@cbrownballin935) February 12, 2021
He should catch on with some team, as both of those skills are marketable on the next level.
His old team should also be okay, with starting SG Eli Brooks back to settle the backcourt, some very skilled potential off-guards in Kobe Bufkin and Isaiah Barnes coming in. A good offseason, perhaps imbibing some of Brown’s attitude on defense, could also see Zeb Jackson blossom into a starter.
That doesn’t meant we won’t miss the senior, but that would have been quite a luxury. If Michigan’s not comfortable gambling on the above, they may now look to the portal for a true point guard since that’s not Brooks’s main thing. If there’s another Chaundee Brown, well, you’d take that every year. Hopefully an NBA team thinks so as well.
April 10th, 2021 at 10:41 PM ^
One of my favorite Michigan players to watch even with him only here for one year!
April 10th, 2021 at 10:43 PM ^
One of the easiest players to root for. Just enthusiasm, smiles and Leroy Jenkins energy on the court
April 10th, 2021 at 10:52 PM ^
Goona miss him! He was a ball of energy out there, always working hard and staying active. Never saw him take a play off... And his smile reminds me of Denard Robinson's.
Good luck in the League, Chaundee!!
April 10th, 2021 at 10:56 PM ^
Damn it all.
Go forth and prosper, Chaundee.
April 10th, 2021 at 11:06 PM ^
Well that worked out didn't it? Around this time a year ago we were looking at Dejulius and Brooks in the backcourt, with Zeb and Cole Bajema in the two-deep (and Nunez), thinking Franz could help out and praying Josh Christopher would come on board. Praise Portal!
More than grateful to Chaundee (and Mike), left it all on the court and earned being a Michigan man
April 11th, 2021 at 12:50 AM ^
Remember how upset people were when Christopher and Todd went another direction? Turns out that Chaundee and Mike ( and Hunter D) were WAAAAY better!
April 11th, 2021 at 12:28 PM ^
I dunno. It’s as likely that Christopher and Todd chose poorly in turning down Howard’s tutelage. He’s got a stellar reputation for developing players, so it’s fair to wonder what if.
April 10th, 2021 at 11:32 PM ^
Godspeed Chained.
April 11th, 2021 at 12:04 AM ^
The little girl's video after reference to Chaudee's defense was hilarious!! (And adorable)
Upvote to Seth!
April 11th, 2021 at 10:55 AM ^
I think she was smirking at the end...I’m still laughing.
Really was an awesome guy to have on the floor and was definitely earned his fan-favorite status for both his play and his attitude through the season. Wishing Chaundee nothing but the best, I would imagine his all-round skillset should be valued where ever he winds up, whether its in the NBA or overseas.
Michigan will be alright without him, but this is going to be an extremely young team next year barring some portal additions. Eli, Johns and maybe Davis will be the only scholarship upperclassmen next season once Livers and Wagner declare as expected. While Juwan has handled the Beilein transition marvelously, there is a gap where guys like DeJulius, Castleton, Bajema, and Jalen Wilson were slated to come in. Loving the talent that Juwan is bringing in, but I think some growing pains should be expected as the underclassmen (sans Hunter) learn to tackle Big 10 level teams.
Michigan graduate
Big Ten Champion
Like his other departing teammate, Mike Smith, he's accomplished more in one year than most men do in a lifetime.
Godspeed, sir!
April 11th, 2021 at 10:12 AM ^
"However the grad transfer from Wake Forest"
Are "grad transfers" actually in graduate school?
April 11th, 2021 at 11:09 AM ^
Yes, but fwiw I don’t think Chaundee was a grad transfer bc he needed a waiver to be eligible this season
April 11th, 2021 at 11:08 AM ^
have the pundits projected how high he will be drafted? If at all?
April 11th, 2021 at 11:24 AM ^
Maybe late 2nd according to this. One way or another he can certainly set himself up for life playing hoops for the next 10 years. He sure seems like an NBA fit in my amateur view.
https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-mock-draft-macio-teague-quentin-grimes-johnny-juzang-isaiah-mobley/
April 11th, 2021 at 11:27 AM ^
Never had a one year player endear himself to me and the whole fanbase like Chaundee. I am bummed I won't get to see him play more for us but I think he made the right decision, and I would want him on my NBA squad.
April 11th, 2021 at 11:30 AM ^
This is the first time since McGary that it feels our player is leaving with alot of unfinished business.
April 11th, 2021 at 12:43 PM ^
Disagree. He is 22, played for 4 years and showcased a different skill set this year compared to wake forest (now also a very good 3 pt shooter). Also, showed willingness to sacrifice for the team and come off the bench. Nothing left to prove. If it doesn’t, work out so be it but I hope it does obviously and happy it worked out so well for him to experience some winning! Without him, we lose a couple more games easily this year.
You realize "unfinished business" is not synonymous with something left to prove?
It's synonymous with something left to accomplish!
Corner Three Chaundee was one of the most reliable sources of offense all year.
Most players hustle, but it felt like Chaundee had more hustle. Echoing the sentiments of others he definitely endeared himself to the myself and the rest of the fanbase in a short amount of time.
More hustle is why that gif of the little girl D-ing up is so golden & spot on!
Best of luck Chaundee!! Wishing you success and a long NBA career!
His energetic 3-and-D style and emotion added a great deal to the pleasure of watching this team, and I will miss watching him. I was sure hoping he'd come back, but it's totally understandable that he declared.
April 11th, 2021 at 11:39 PM ^
My money is on Chaundee to play more career games in NBA than anyone else on this years team.
April 11th, 2021 at 11:45 PM ^
I love that guy. Such a great player. So fun to watch. Big part of what made this season so much fun!
Good luck to Chaundee, I will miss him dearly. He's a real one.
Thank you, Mr. Brown.
April 12th, 2021 at 10:53 AM ^
It was a treat to watch Chaundee play for Michigan this year and his contributions were critical to the team. His work ethic and attitude will bring him success whether it's in the NBA, Europe or outside of basketball.
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