Michigan center Mitch McGary will forego his final two years of college to enter the 2014 NBA Draft. Though his decision appeared to be a difficult one, it became easier when the NCAA informed Michigan that the sophomore had tested positive for marijuana after the Final Four.
McGary's positive test resulted in a one-year ban from playing college basketball. Instead, he chose to leave school and avoid the consequences of that test, which would have sidelined him for a second straight season.
"Being a part of a program that values integrity, it is important to let everyone know of a poor decision I recently made," McGary told the press. "I tested positive for marijuana during the NCAA Tournament. We were notified of that result after the Final Four. I regret thoroughly disappointing my family, coaches and administration. Despite all of this they have been understanding and helpful over the last couple of weeks."
Though he committed to Michigan as a five-star recruit, McGary never quite lived up to the hype. He showed flashes of the brilliance fans expected during Michigan's National Championship run in 2013, but missed all but eight games of the following season due to a back injury.
"I take full responsibility for this poor choice and want to apologize to everyone, especially those I have grown close to during my fabulous two years at the University of Michigan," McGary said. "I love the University of Michigan and all it has allowed me to do. I have had my ups and downs, especially with my injury this season. I want to thank all the fans for embracing me. This has been the best two years of my life and I have some unbelievable memories. I know that I will be a Wolverine forever. Go Blue."
Michigan will enter the 2014 season with a team that has suffered even more losses than the 2013 team did. Fellow sophomores Nik Stauskas and Glenn Robinson III announced their decisions to enter the NBA Draft last week, and center Jon Horford decided to transfer for his fifth year of eligibility.
Redshirt freshman Mark Donnel and incoming freshman Ricky Doyle may represent the top candidates for the starting center position. Neither player has played in a college game, and both are listed at just 6'9.
