Michigan freshman Brandon McCoy Jr., a five-star prospect, "will continue to be evaluated" after he suffered an injury during the Wolverines' exhibition in Croatia on Thursday and was carried off the court, the team announced.
McCoy, a 6-foot-4 guard whom ESPN recently projected as the 23rd pick in the 2027 draft, slipped early in Michigan's win over Megabasket, a professional team in Serbia. He fell to the floor and grabbed his knees as the training staff treated him.
When McCoy was helped off the court, it appeared that he could not put any weight on his right knee.
McCoy is a critical player in Mike Boynton Jr.'s first year as head coach following the departure of Dusty May, who was hired by the Dallas Mavericks months after leading the Wolverines to their second national title.
Boynton managed to keep Elliot Cadeau, the Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA tournament, and other key players from bolting in the portal after May left. He also convinced McCoy to maintain his commitment to the program.
Michigan finished 1-2 in its three-game exhibition tour overseas this week. But the loss of McCoy and Moustapha Thiam, the Cincinnati transfer who missed the past two exhibition games after suffering a leg injury in the first one, were the main storylines for a team that hopes to defend its championship.
The Wolverines lost three NBA lottery picks after winning the national title, including All-American Yaxel Lendeborg. McCoy enters the mix as a freshman with high expectations and a potential starring role for Boynton's squad in the 2026-27 season.