One of the top graduate transfers in college basketball, Justin Pierce, will continue his career at the University of North Carolina
Pierce announced his decision on Thursday via his Twitter account. He was one of John Beilein’s top targets.
Officially a Tar Heel! 🐏🐏🐏 pic.twitter.com/0YAxILAaOe
— Justin Pierce (@JustinPierce23) May 2, 2019
He averaged 14.9 points per game last season at William & Mary while grabbing 8.9 rebounds per game. Pierce will look to find a place as a scorer in Roy William’s offense. Pierce could easily find himself in the Tar Heels’ starting lineup next season. UNC loses its five leading scorers from last season (Luke Maye, Kenny Williams, Nassir Little, Cameron Johnson, and Colby White).
What’s Next for UM?
As for Michigan, the Wolverines are losing at least two of their three top scorers, as Charles Matthews and Jordan Poole announced they would stay in the NBA draft.
Ignas Brazdeikis, Michigan’s leading scorer as a freshman last season, declared for the draft but is still undecided on whether he will return to school.
Michigan will have to turn to “Plan B” to try to replace the production that they lose from last year. Nah’shon Hyland is one of the top remaining guards left in the 2019 class. Beilein reportedly took a hard look at Hyland over the past weekend in his games at the Under Armour Association.
Franz Wagner, the brother of former Michigan star Moritz Wagner, also could land at Michigan for the coming season.
As far as recruiting goes, Jalen Wilson and Cole Bajema come in as talented forwards to try to fill some holes for Michigan.
The Wolverines may have to re-tool, but the Pierce news shouldn’t be the end of the world for Michigan fans, as there are still options available.
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