‘Unbelievably impressed’: Newly eligible Roddy Gayle Jr. standing out in early practices

Share

Tweet

Print

Email

Roddy Gayle Jr.’s offseason has been a whirlwind. He went through pre-draft workouts, played at NBA Summer League and was on the cusp of a professional career, only to end up back on Michigan’s roster a few weeks later.

The 6-foot-4 fifth-year guard is currently eligible for the Wolverines after a New York court granted a preliminary injunction.

Gayle’s addition to the roster was initially viewed as a luxury, but it’s now pivotal for Michigan after losing five-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. to an ACL injury. He’s not just an extra option and veteran off the bench; he’s Michigan’s starting three.

While the last few weeks have been filled with headlines about legal processes and rulings, Gayle’s current eligibility means he can focus on the simple stuff: basketball. Early returns indicate that focus is paying off.

“Individually, the one guy I would single out would probably be Roddy Gayle,” Michigan assistant coach and general manager Kyle Church said on Defend the Block. “I’ve just been unbelievably impressed with him.”

The addition of Gayle — and Columbia transfer Kenny Noland — is helping take Michigan from a fairly young team to an experienced one. Two 23-year-olds in the mix change the roster makeup for a program that saw so many freshmen log heavy minutes during Michigan’s overseas trip. Gayle brings experience, and more importantly, Big Ten experience.

Gayle has played over 140 college games. He’s won NCAA Tournament games; he’s been through tough stretches. He knows what it takes to survive a grueling season.

“His mentorship of the younger guys, his intensity, his practice habits, his overall play — he looks like a fifth-year guy, looks like a guy that’s been through high-level college basketball several times over,” Church said. “And his consistency has really come a long way, and we’re extremely glad to see him out there.”