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Michigan leading scorer Caris LeVert out for season

By Patrick Schmidt

Jan 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach John Beilein talks to guard Caris LeVert (23) during the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach John Beilein talks to guard Caris LeVert (23) during the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan’s disappointing season just went from bad to worse after losing leading scorer Caris LeVert to a season-ending left foot injury, sending ripples throughout the Big Ten and college basketball.

Caris Levert is done for the season after Michigan’s leading scorer injured his left foot in Saturday’s victory over the Northwestern Wildcats.

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LeVert had surgery on the same foot in May and is scheduled to undergo surgery later this week as the Wolverines regroup without their top player.

“Caris has been working so hard this season and for this to happen is very unfortunate,” Michigan coach John Beilein said in a statement, via ESPN. “If we know anything about Caris, he will do everything it takes to not only get better, but to help his teammates during this time.

LeVert is averaging 14.9 points per game, 4.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game for the 11-7 Wolverines and was playing like a first round pick prior to the injury.

He is expected to make a full recovery and is familiar with the rehab that lies ahead of him after going through a similar procedure last spring.

“While this is obviously not what I wanted, I know this team will come together and be stronger because of it,” LeVert said in the release. “Now more than ever, it is important for all of us to support this team.

“For me, I am familiar with the recovery process and what work lies ahead for me. I am very confident that I will return 100 percent and have already begun work to ensure that happens.”

Whether Michigan is able to make a complete recovery without LeVert would appear to be more of a challenge. Michigan has made five straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament but that streak is very much in jeopardy after early losses to NJIT and Eastern Michigan.

LeVert was the model of consistency for the Wolverines over the last two years having started 55 straight games for John Beilein’s team, but now they will not only need to replace his production on the court but also his veteran presence.

Michigan is 4-2 in Big Ten play so far this year and have 12 conference games remaining, but if there is a silver lining it is that only two of their games are against opponents who are currently ranked, including No. 7 Wisconsin who comes to Ann Arbor on Saturday.

The Wolverines are one game back for the Big Ten lead, but after losing LeVert do you think they can remain competitive in the conference and make it to the Tournament?

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