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 will be without sophomore guard L.J. Cason for the rest of the season after he suffered a torn knee ligament in the team's win over Illinois. Cason was the Wolverines' top backup point guard, averaging 8.4 points and over one 3-pointer per game. Coach Dusty May says this will create opportunities for other guards like starting point guard Elliot Cadeau and reserves Trey McKenney, Nimari Burnett, and Roddy Gayle to step up and play larger roles.

Why it matters

Cason's injury is a significant loss for the Big Ten champion Wolverines, who were relying on his scoring punch and playmaking off the bench. Michigan will need its other guards to step up and fill the void left by Cason's absence as the team closes out the regular season and heads into postseason play.

The details

Cason suffered the season-ending knee injury in Michigan's 14-point win over Illinois on Friday night. He had been a key contributor for the Wolverines, scoring in double digits five times in February and averaging at least seven points per game last month. With Cason out, starting point guard Elliot Cadeau will likely see his minutes increase, while reserves Trey McKenney, Nimari Burnett, and Roddy Gayle will all have chances to play larger roles.

  • Cason was injured on Saturday night in Michigan's win over Illinois on Friday.
  • The Wolverines will close the regular season at Iowa on Thursday and at home against Michigan State on Sunday.
  • Michigan will then play in the Big Ten tournament next week in Chicago.

The players

Elliot Cadeau

Michigan's starting point guard who plays about 25 minutes per game.

L.J. Cason

Michigan's sophomore backup point guard who averaged 8.4 points and over one 3-pointer per game before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Trey McKenney

Michigan freshman guard who averages about 20 minutes per game.

Nimari Burnett

Michigan sixth-year guard who averages about 20 minutes per game.

Roddy Gayle

Michigan senior guard who averages about 20 minutes per game.

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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, Michigan Head Coach (newser.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, Michigan Head Coach (newser.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This injury to Michigan's top backup point guard L.J. Cason will force the Wolverines' other guards to step up and take on larger roles as the team closes out the regular season and heads into postseason play. It's a significant loss, but also an opportunity for players like Elliot Cadeau, Trey McKenney, Nimari Burnett, and Roddy Gayle to prove themselves.