Mark Snyder, Detroit Free Press
Derrick Walton Jr.’s late-season emergence for Michigan elevated the whole team.
A Big Ten tournament title and a Sweet 16 berth reminded U-M coach John Beilein of the value of a dominant point guard, lacking during Walton's passive previous 2 1/2 years.
It forced Beilein into the graduate transfer market, a place that he had only used sparingly in recent seasons.
When the need arose and he had one open scholarship, there was no hesitation, even with sophomore Xavier Simpson and freshman Eli Brooks already on the roster.