Michigan Looks to Fill Void Left by Injured Guard L.J. Cason

Wolverines must adjust after losing top backup point guard for the season

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The No. 3 Michigan Wolverines suffered a big blow when backup point guard L.J. Cason tore a knee ligament in the team's win over Illinois, ending his season. Coach Dusty May said Cason was the best backup point guard in college basketball, and his absence will force the team's other guards to step up and play larger roles, including starting point guard Elliot Cadeau and reserves Trey McKenney, Nimari Burnett, and Roddy Gayle.

Why it matters

Cason was a key contributor off the bench for the Big Ten champion Wolverines, providing scoring punch and playmaking. His injury leaves a hole in Michigan's backcourt rotation as the team heads into the final stretch of the regular season and the postseason tournaments.

The details

Cason, a sophomore, averaged 8.4 points and over one 3-pointer per game for the Wolverines. He scored in double digits five times in February, including a career-high 18 points against Northwestern. With Cason out, coach Dusty May said the team's other guards will need to step up, including Cadeau playing more minutes and McKenney, Burnett, and Gayle seeing increased court time.

  • Cason was injured on Saturday night in a 14-point win over Illinois on Friday night.
  • The team announced the next day that Cason needed season-ending surgery.

The players

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team.

L.J. Cason

A sophomore backup point guard for Michigan who tore a knee ligament, ending his season.

Elliot Cadeau

Michigan's starting point guard who will need to play more minutes with Cason out.

Trey McKenney

A freshman guard who will see increased playing time with Cason's injury.

Nimari Burnett

A sixth-year player who will also have a chance to play more with Cason sidelined.

Roddy Gayle

A senior guard who will see his minutes increase to help fill the void left by Cason's injury.

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What they’re saying

“This will force Elliot to be much more solid with his defense and decision-making. He doesn't have that insurance anymore.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach (wbal.com)

“L.J. came in and carried the load several games.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach (wbal.com)

“We look at this as another challenge that's also an opportunity for guys to play a little bit more, to play longer periods, play through a mistake, play a little bit different role.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Wolverines will close the regular season at Iowa on Thursday night and at home against rival Michigan State on Sunday. They they will play in the Big Ten tournament next week in Chicago, hoping to win it and perhaps secure a top seeding in the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Michigan must find a way to replace the production and playmaking of backup point guard L.J. Cason, who was lost for the season with a knee injury. This will require increased roles and contributions from the team's other guards, including starter Elliot Cadeau and reserves Trey McKenney, Nimari Burnett, and Roddy Gayle.