Sophomore playmaker had declared for the project, but may have returned Wolverines if it had been removed by May 8. Instead, he will renounce his remaining eligibility, meaning Michigan will replace one of its most important players that it is trying to build on last season's impressive finish.
"It y had long discussions with my family, friends and my Michigan coaches", Morris said. "Ultimately I decided to go with my heart." Play basketball has always been a dream for me. I believe that this is the right time for me to pursue this goal. It will be difficult to leave the University of Michigan. However, I firmly believe that basketball program is moving in a very positive direction. ?
Morris averaged 15 points and 6.7 assists a game last season. Its ability to penetrate and to find open teammates was an essential element of the offence of coach John Beilein.
Michigan recovered from a 1-6 start in Big Ten play to make the NCAA tournament. Once there, Tennessee routed Wolverines in their first game before falling to Duke 73-71 when Morris just missed a shot that would have linked the game.
"We, as a staff, watched Darius grow as a person and a player of the past two years," Beilein said. "Its improvement on the Court was the result of her talent given by God and his intense desire to become the best player, it may be." His work habits, particularly in our time of development of individual skills, were exceptional, and we have all seen the results of his efforts this season. ?
It is the second shoulder straight that Michigan has lost a key player at the beginning for the project. Last year, it was Manny Harris, who finished with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Wolverine fired together without him and was a better team this past season, but it remains to see if they can do the same thing without Morris.
His likely departure means a role more important for Tim Hardaway Jr., the talented guard who came on strong at the end of his season freshman. Stu Douglass, which will be a senior next season, is the heir to the position of leader.
With no seniors on the list last season, Michigan seemed to have a promising future. That still be true, but Morris will be difficult to replace after flying record of the school with 235 assists season.
"Darius was a catalyst for the continued growth of our program and we wish him nothing but the best of his basketball career and beyond", Beilein said. "It will be a Michigan Wolverine".
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