A New Chapter for the Wolverines
Kenny Noland, a former Columbia guard, has officially joined the Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball program after completing his transfer from the Ivy League school.
The Wolverines announced that Noland will serve as a backup point guard and will have one season of NCAA eligibility remaining, a status clarified by the recent 5‑in‑5 ruling that governs graduate transfers.
During his senior season at Columbia, Noland posted a career‑high 28 points and 11 rebounds against Dartmouth, shooting a perfect 11‑for‑11 from the free‑throw line, and he finished the year averaging 17.1 points per game while leading the team in assists, three‑pointers and minutes played.
His shooting efficiency placed him fifth nationally in free‑throw percentage at 92.1%, and he set a single‑season program record for free throws made, earning three Ivy League Player of the Week honors and a spot on the All‑Ivy League Second Team.
Beyond the numbers, Noland ranks among Columbia’s all‑time leaders in games played, points, assists and steals, underscoring a career that blended consistency with impact.
After graduation, he signed a professional contract with the Artland Dragons in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga ProA, bringing international experience back to Ann Arbor.
What This Means for Michigan
Head coach Mike Boynton Jr. confirmed that Noland’s eligibility is now exhausted and that he will not return, but the coaching staff remains open to adding another 5‑in‑5 transfer such as Rodny Gayle Jr. to fill the remaining roster spot.
The program continues to monitor potential changes in NCAA transfer rules that could affect future eligibility pathways, keeping the roster flexible for the upcoming season.