Michigan five-star freshman carried off court seconds into exhibition game

Michigan basketball’s final exhibition game of its European tour took a frightening turn before it had barely begun.

Five-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. was carried off the court just 20 seconds into Thursday’s game against Mega SuperBet in Croatia after suffering an apparent lower-leg injury. McCoy created the game’s first highlight by forcing a steal and pushing the ball in transition. As he approached the basket for a layup, he slipped and fell to the court.

The freshman immediately appeared to be in significant pain.

Michigan athletic trainer Chris Williamson and another staff member helped McCoy to his feet, but he was unable to put much weight on his right foot. The two staff members then carried him away from the court.

McCoy did not return to the game or rejoin his teammates on the bench, according to Wolverine Digest. Michigan had not announced a diagnosis or provided an official update on his condition immediately after the game.

Brandon McCoy Jr. Expected To Play Major Role For Michigan

McCoy’s injury created immediate concern because of the substantial role he is expected to fill during his first college season. The 6-foot-5 guard was rated as the No. 3 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class by Rivals. He brings a 6-foot-11 wingspan, exceptional athleticism and a reputation as one of the best perimeter defenders in his class.

Michigan freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. was carried off the court just 20 seconds into Michigan’s exhibition game pic.twitter.com/xbaBEiTQgY

McCoy started all three games during Michigan’s overseas exhibition tour. He scored 14 points, grabbed five rebounds and recorded four steals in the Wolverines’ opening game against Lithuania’s national team. That early performance offered a glimpse of the two-way influence he could provide for first-year head coach Mike Boynton Jr.

McCoy also represented one of Boynton’s most important offseason victories. The freshman initially committed to Michigan under Dusty May, who left the program after winning the national championship to become head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. McCoy considered his future before announcing in July that he would remain with the Wolverines.

He is projected to start alongside returning guards Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney.

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Wolverines Cannot Escape Injury Trouble On European Tour

McCoy became the latest Michigan player to encounter an injury issue during the trip. Center Moustapha Thiam exited the opening exhibition after Cadeau rolled into his leg. Thiam played fewer than six minutes and did not participate in either of the final two games.

Lincoln Cosby and Jalen Reed did not travel because they still were recovering from injuries suffered last season. Ricky Liburd also missed all three exhibitions, while McKenney sat out the second game before returning Thursday. The depleted roster created opportunities for freshmen Quinn Costello, Marcus Moller, Joseph Hartman and Malachi Brown to play extended minutes.

Michigan ultimately recovered from McCoy’s abrupt departure to defeat Mega SuperBet, 84-81. Cadeau and McKenney helped lead the second-half comeback as the Wolverines ended their European tour with a victory.

The result, however, quickly became secondary to McCoy’s health.

An exhibition tour is designed to build chemistry, test lineups and give young players experience. Michigan must now hope its most highly regarded freshman avoided an injury that will affect considerably more important games this winter.

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