4 transfer portal priorities for Michigan Basketball this offseason

Michigan just completed one of the greatest seasons in program history, finishing 37-3 overall and cutting down the nets as 2026 national champions. But if there’s one thing Dusty May has already proven, it’s that standing still isn’t an option.

With key departures already looming in Yaxel Lendeborg, Nimari Burnett, Will Tschetter and Roddy Gayle Jr. — and decisions being awaited by others — Michigan now shifts into roster-building mode with the opening of the transfer portal. And while the Wolverines were the best team in the country, they can still focus on improving some things when filling out next season’s squad via the transfer portal.

While having an elite overall defense — allowing opponents to hit just 29.3 percent from deep — Michigan saw roughly 27 attempts per game from beyond the arc. Wisconsin exposed that in a conference loss by knocking down 15 threes, which proved to be the difference in that game.

It’s not just about contesting shots, but also about limiting volume. Michigan allowed too many three-point attempts, and that’s something that has to be cleaned up with more versatile perimeter defenders and better rotational discipline.

On the flip side, the Wolverines need more consistent perimeter shooting of their own.

Cold spells from deep nearly cost them multiple times, including in the National Championship, as Michigan opened the game 0-for-11 from three and finished just 2-of-15. The Wolverines survived because of elite defense and interior scoring, but that’s a dangerous formula we saw the team have to overcome rather frequently throughout the season.

Adding a true knockdown shooter should be near the top of the portal wishlist.

Starting backcourt production

We generally already know what the top of this rotation will look like in Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney, but there were some inconsistencies in the back court, especially when the front court wasn’t able to carry the load.

Cadeau had plenty of moments — including a championship game performance for the ages — but the roster could still benefit from another experienced guard who can create offense, defend the perimeter, and take pressure off the primary ball-handlers. Whether that’s through development or the portal, it’s a must.

And then there’s the biggest underlying issue that showed up in all three losses: fundamentals.

Turnovers and defensive rebounding were a recurring problem — in games against Michigan State, Illinois and Maryland, the Wolverines combined for 42 turnovers while allowing 44 offensive rebounds. For most teams that don’t have the depth and firepower to overcome such miscues, that’s a losing formula.

As May said after the Maryland game, “When you’re not finishing, you’re turning it over, and you’re not shooting well from three, you’ve got to figure out other ways.”

Michigan has to be better at boxing out, valuing possessions, and finishing plays. All these things are easily fixable, and the Wolverines were obviously able to overcome them with all of the other things they did so exceptionally well.

At the end of the day, Michigan proved it could win in multiple ways (even ugly ones). The National Championship was the perfect example — shots weren’t falling and the offense stalled early, but they still found a way by leaning on defense and toughness. That’s what championship teams do.

But if the goal is to stay there, the Wolverines have to evolve. Add shooting. Add guard stability. Reinforce the glass. Clean up the turnovers. And find a front court piece that can handle the grind of high-level postseason basketball.