No. 3 Michigan secured the Big Ten regular-season title with an 84-70 victory over No. 10 Illinois on Friday night, but the win came at a cost. Sophomore guard L.J. Cason tore his ACL during the game, ending his season ahead of March Madness. The injury leaves a gap in the Wolverines' backcourt as they enter the postseason as a projected No. 1 seed.
Michigan's dominant performance against Illinois highlighted their status as one of the nation's top teams, finishing the regular season with a 27-2 record and 17-1 in Big Ten play. However, the celebration was tempered by the announcement of L.J. Cason's torn ACL, which occurred during the game and will sideline the sophomore for the remainder of the season.
Coach Dusty May expressed sympathy for Cason, stating, "First and foremost, our hearts hurt for L.J. You never want to see a young man who has poured so much into this program have something like this happen. However, if there's anyone equipped to handle this and the rehab process, it's L.J. He's resilient, he's disciplined, and he has an incredible support system around him."
Cason, a key backup and the team's top 3-point shooter, responded positively: "This isn't how I wanted my season to end, but I trust God's plan, and I'll attack rehab the same way I approach everything -- with focus and determination. We've got many goals as a team, and I'll be locked in supporting my brothers every step of the way."
In his sophomore year, Cason averaged 8.4 points, 2.4 assists, and 18.5 minutes per game, shooting 50% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc—the best mark on the team. He improved dramatically from last season's under 25% 3-point shooting, reaching 45% in Big Ten play, second in the conference. Recently, Cason scored a career-high 18 points in a February 11 comeback win at Northwestern and reached double figures in four of his last six games. In February, he shot 57% from the floor and 54% from 3-point range, providing a contrast to starting point guard Elliot Cadeau's struggles that month (39% overall, 30% from deep).
The injury disrupts Michigan's guard rotation, where Cason and Cadeau handled 98% of point guard minutes over the last five games. Cadeau, averaging 25 minutes, will likely see increased time and must regain his shooting form. Players like Nimari Burnett, who has started all games but plays under 20 minutes, freshman Trey McKenney, and Roddy Gayle Jr. may fill the void, though none match Cason's ball-handling role. As Selection Sunday approaches in three weeks, May faces decisions on rotations for the tournament.
