Michigan loses guard Cason (ACL) for rest of year

Michigan guard L.J. Cason suffered a torn right ACL and will miss the rest of the season, the school announced Saturday.

The injury occurred in the Wolverines' win over Illinois on Friday night.

"This isn't how I wanted my season to end, but I trust God's plan, and I'll attack rehab the same way I approach everything -- with focus and determination," Cason said. "We've got many goals as a team, and I'll be locked in supporting my brothers every step of the way."

Cason, a 6-foot-2 sophomore, had emerged as one of the premier backup guards in college basketball this season, providing a consistent boost off the bench for No. 3 Michigan. He was averaging 8.4 points and 2.4 assists in 18.6 minutes, making more than 40% of his 3-point attempts. Cason had nine points and two assists in just 13 minutes against Illinois before suffering the injury.

He had scored in double-figures in four of his last six games entering Friday night, including an 18-point performance in the Wolverines' comeback win against Northwestern earlier this month.

"First and foremost, our hearts hurt for L.J.," coach Dusty May said. "You never want to see a young man who has poured so much into this program have something like this happen. However, if there's anyone equipped to handle this and the rehab process, it's L.J. He's resilient, he's disciplined, and he has an incredible support system around him."

With Cason out, the point guard duties will fall almost solely on Elliot Cadeau. Cadeau has made major strides since transferring from North Carolina last spring, but Cason's consistent play has limited Cadeau. He has played more than 30 minutes just twice since January. The junior guard is averaging 10.1 points and 5.5 assists, shooting a career-best 38.4% from 3.

Michigan, which clinched the outright Big Ten regular-season title Friday, wraps up the regular season with games against Iowa and Michigan State next week.