Kenny Noland and Roddy Gayle Jr. both had significant wins in court this week, bringing them one step closer to eligibility for 2026-27.
As of today, both players are eligible to compete. However, the legal process will continue over the coming weeks and months. The NCAA will inevitably appeal the rulings, and some (not all) similar rulings have been stayed by the NCAA’s appeals. This legal process could continue into the season, and Michigan will be among the many teams juggling it.
It’s impossible to predict the legal actions to come, but this week was the biggest step yet toward both Noland and Gayle being eligible for the 2026-27 season. Because of those legal wins, it feels like a great time to look at the basketball impact and what having both players on the roster would mean for the Wolverines this season.
1. The perfect cover for Brandon McCoy Jr.
Together, Kenny Noland and Roddy Gayle Jr. are probably the perfect combination to fill Brandon McCoy Jr.’s shoes.
Sure, there are better individual players out there. Gayle and Noland don’t have McCoy’s lottery upside or freakish athleticism. Neither player is a one-for-one replacement, and there’s a chance neither averages double figures or plays 30 minutes per game.
But together, the two potential fifth-year additions will contribute in two main areas where McCoy was expected to contribute. They also add to the mix without disrupting the top end of Michigan’s rotation, and they can even coexist.
This isn’t a desperate swing at a big-egoed star; it’s two sensible additions that make Michigan better without making Michigan different.
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