# Michigan's Unknown Player Could Surprise Fans

> Jalen Reed might surprise Michigan basketball this season after injury rehab.
- Title: Michigan's Unknown Player Could Surprise Fans | Shortify
- Summary: Jalen Reed might surprise Michigan basketball this season after injury rehab. Jalen Reed, a Michigan basketball player recovering from injuries, could…
- Keywords: jalen reed, michigan basketball, big ten, michigan wolverines, nba, rehab, injury, exhibition game, sports, Michigan's, Unknown, Player
- Source: Michigan Wolverines On SI — https://si.com/college/michigan/basketball/michigan-basketball-biggest-unknown-player-could-surprise-fans-this-season
- Published: 2026-10-09T20:15:20+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jalen reed, michigan basketball, big ten, michigan wolverines, nba, rehab, injury, exhibition game, sports
## Michigan's 2026-27 season
Michigan basketball's 2026-27 season is right around the corner and the Wolverines are picked to finish third in the Big Ten, according to preseason voters.
## New Head Coach
Boynton Jr. kept all but L.J. Cason on the roster after Dusty May moved to coach the Dallas Mavericks.
## Big 3 Missing
Michigan lost Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Morez Johnson Jr. to the NBA, so the team focuses on the backcourt.
## Backcourt Experience
Michigan retained Trey McKenney, Elliot Cadeau, and Roddy Gayle Jr. with LSU transfer Jalen Reed as the biggest unknown.
## Backcourt Strength
Boynton Jr. said Michigan's experience is more in the backcourt for their program, with strong frontcourt play.
## Jalen Reed's Injury
Reed played 14 games in two seasons, suffered a torn ACL in 2024-25, and an Achilles injury in 2025-26.
## Reed's Recovery
Reed's rehab has gone well, and he might suit up for Michigan this Sunday against Eastern Michigan.
## Reed's Role
Reed could play either position, but is unlikely to start as a '2' or '3' in the Big Ten.
## Reed's Shooting
Reed shot nearly 43% from three in six games for LSU last season, bringing intriguing elements to the court.
## Reed's Return
Reed might be the first big man off the bench for Michigan this season once fully healthy.
## Key takeaway

Jalen Reed, a Michigan basketball player recovering from injuries, could surprise fans with strong performance this season.