Michigan Monday: Austin To Take a Medical

Detnews

Well, I guess we have our answer on how Michigan is looking to take one more player in this signing period for next year.  

Austin Hatch will take a medical redshirt which means he will never be able to play in another Michigan Basketball game.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan men's basketball head coach John Beilein and freshman guard Austin Hatch announced today (Monday, April 27) that Hatch will alter his position with the men's basketball roster by moving to a medical scholarship and becoming an undergraduate student assistant.

"This is, and has been, a very difficult decision; one that we have been discussing with Austin over the last few months," said Beilein. "Together, we made this decision at the end of the season and have been waiting for approval from the Big Ten for his status change. With the request for a medical exemption waiver approved (April 27), we are ready to move forward with the next steps in Austin's career."

"Over the past year, we closely observed Austin's academic and athletic progress. In the end, Austin and our staff agree that the waiver is the proper next step. This change allows Austin to devote the necessary time he needs to be successful in his studies and obtain a Michigan degree. We also wanted to be sure we continued our commitment to Austin keeping his full scholarship in place for the next three years. This waiver allows for both.

"What makes this move equally important is, with NCAA rules, it allows Austin to continue to be a valuable asset to our team as a leader, mentor and assistant. As a student assistant coach, Austin will be allowed to continue to be engaged in our practice and training and to travel with us when it can fit into his academic schedule. The only real change will be that he will no longer be on our active roster or allowed to play in games.

"Austin remains an important part of our program and culture, even if we do not have that chance to see him compete again."

Austin, speaking for myself and I hope all the readers of this blog.  It has truly been an honor to witness your bravery and love for Michigan over these past couple of years.    I have never met you but you sir are the definition of a Michigan Man and the Michigan Basketball program is a better program with you in it.    I applaud your sacrifice and dedication to this team and university.    

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This now frees up a scholarship for either Brown or Williams.   Michigan is considered to be in Brown's top two and Williams is planning a visit in the near future.