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Michigan Basketball: Aubrey Dawkins Transferring to Central Florida

By Zac Snyder

Dec 23, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Aubrey Dawkins (24) dunks the ball in the second half against the Bryant University Bulldogs at Crisler Center. Michigan won 96-60. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Aubrey Dawkins (24) dunks the ball in the second half against the Bryant University Bulldogs at Crisler Center. Michigan won 96-60. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Michigan Basketball program was set to enter next season one over the scholarship limit, but are now one under with two players transferring.

The Michigan basketball continues to undergo a roster transformation with news today that Aubrey Dawkins will transfer. This comes on the heels of Ricky Doyle also deciding to transfer for his final two years of eligibility and Spike Albrecht choosing to seek a fifth-year as a graduate transfer.

Instead of finishing his college basketball career for the Michigan Wolverines, Dawkins will transfer to Central Florida to play for his father. Johnny Dawkins was releived of his duties after eight seasons as head coach at Stanford and was quickly hired by Central Florida. The opportunity to coach a son is something John Beilein touched on in his statement in the athletic department’s press release:

"“While we certainly did not wish for this to happen, it is quite understandable,” said Beilein. “I was able to coach my son and see him grow as a person and player and it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Aubrey is a wonderful and thoughtful young man who has a bright future in front of him. We wish him well.”"

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Unlike Ricky Doyle who was likely to see his role reduced in the future, Dawkins figured to take on a bigger role over his final two years in Ann Arbor. That won’t happen now with the decision which Dawkins admits was difficult. From the Michigan press release:

"“This was not an easy decision, however, the chance to play for my father is a special opportunity for me and my family,” said Dawkins. “Coach (John) Beilein and Michigan took a chance on me and that is something I will never forget. I want to thank all the coaches, staff and especially the U-M fans for making my time in Ann Arbor truly special. Go Blue.”"

Due to NCAA transfer rules, Dawkins will have to sit out a year before suiting up for Central Florida for his final two years of eligibility.

The Wolverines had been facing a situation of being one scholarship over the limit with their four-player recruiting class coming in. The transfers of Doyle and Dawkins changes that so they now have one scholarship free to use if they so desire.

That could open the door for Spike Albrecht to return considering his departure was due to the lack of scholarship as much as anything else. Albrecht had been set to play out his final year of eligibility this season but will be able to play one more following his hip injury.

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Whether Albrecht or someone else, the Wolverines could use the scholarship on a one-year player like a grad transfer.

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