Struggling Michigan Basketball Team Dealt Major Blow
Michigan basketball could use some good news in a major way. Instead, the 8-18 Wolverines have been dealt a major blow to its already struggling roster. Versatile forward Olivier Nkamhoua has opted to get wrist surgery and will miss the rest of the season. The entire release on the injury can be read below.
David and Meredith Kaplan Men's Basketball Head Coach announced Wednesday (Feb. 21) that graduate transfer Olivier Nkamhoua will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on his left wrist. He is expected to have three to four months of recovery.
"Decisions like this are never easy," said Nkamhoua. "Playing with this injury became taxing and we knew something had to be done. I feel like I wasn't able to finish what I came here to do; however, the support and love from the coaches, my teammates and everyone involved with this program has been so amazing.
"Coming to Ann Arbor and having the opportunity to play for a coach like Coach Howard has been something I will cherish. I cannot thank Chris (Williams) and his training staff enough for all they have done for me throughout this season and going forward in my recovery. I am proud to be able to say I was part of this great university. I am proud to be a Michigan Wolverine."
"This is not how things were meant to be for Olivier," said Howard. "From the moment he stepped on campus, he brought maturity, class, insight and leadership. I truly feel blessed that I was able to learn a tremendous amount from him both on and off the court. He was a true warrior playing with this injury; however, it was just time to do something. We know this will pass and he will return to have a successful playing career. We are so grateful to have been a small part of his journey."
After four years with Tennessee (2020-23), Nkamhoua came to Ann Arbor as a graduate transfer. Voted team captain at the beginning of the season, he started 26 games for U-M, averaging career bests in points (14.8), rebounds (7.1) and assists (2.7). He set single-season bests for three-point field goals (27), rebounds (185) and minutes played (33.4)
Throughout his collegiate career, Nkamhoua played in 138 games with 84 consecutive starts. He scored more than 1,100 points (1,117), grabbed more than 600 rebounds (612) while adding 183 assists (1.3 apg) with 89 blocks and 52 steals With the Volunteers and helped UT to three straight NCAA appearances (2021, '22, '23), the 2023 Sweet 16 as well as the 2022 SEC Tournament title -- the first in 43 years.
