Jon Horford To Transfer Comment Count

Brian

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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.

Comments

SysMark

April 11th, 2014 at 8:30 PM ^

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.

RobM_24

April 10th, 2014 at 7:50 PM ^

The only thing I worry about, is if Mitch gets hurt again. Then you don't have a true big man -- just a bunch of undersized guys and stretch 4's.

LSA Superstar

April 10th, 2014 at 9:24 PM ^

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.

BrainwashedBlue

April 10th, 2014 at 9:49 PM ^

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

HollywoodHokeHogan

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. 

fukkyt

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.

Prince Lover

April 11th, 2014 at 1:54 AM ^

I don't care what his reasons are and I don't care to ever really know.

All I do know is I enjoyed his time as a wolverine, I enjoyed reading his article posted on the Huffington Post, and I am a fan of his. And from what I've read about his comments, he enjoyed a lot of his experiences while at the University I loved.
So from me to him, I say, Go blue, good luck bud, cheers!! And if I ever see you in a bar, 1st one is on me!

amaizenblue402

April 11th, 2014 at 7:11 AM ^

He always seemed like he was in his own little world while every other player seemed connected and engaged. This has been brewing for a while.

Rabbit21

April 11th, 2014 at 9:22 AM ^

I can't say I love where this leaves the team for next year. But, I wish them the best wherever he goes. He put in his four years and you really can't begrudge him this.

ClearEyesFullHart

April 11th, 2014 at 9:57 AM ^

Someone on umhoops forum says big Max is transferring too. This is the very definition of unsubstantiated rumor, but...Yeah. We could see a real youth movement inside.

93Grad

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. 

Blue69

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.