Jalen Reed, a guard who began his college career at LSU before transferring to the University of Michigan, entered the 2025‑26 season with the expectation of playing under head coach Dusty May. The move was seen as a key addition to the Wolverines' backcourt, and Reed was eager to contribute to the team's ambitions.
Loyalty in the Face of Uncertainty
May's sudden decision to leave Michigan for an NBA front‑office position sent shockwaves through the program, catching players and fans off guard and reshaping the team's coaching dynamics just weeks before the season began.
Rather than seeking an immediate exit, Reed announced his intention to remain with the Wolverines, emphasizing his commitment to the university and his desire to see the project through despite the abrupt change in leadership.
The guard's relationship with interim coach Mike Boynton Jr. deepened after Reed discovered that Boynton and his late father had once been roommates during their playing days, adding a personal layer to their professional collaboration.
Reed has been sidelined by a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered early in the 2025‑26 season, but medical staff report steady progress and he is now participating in on‑court drills as part of his rehabilitation program.
With each passing week, Reed expresses confidence that his physical condition will return to pre‑injury levels, and he looks forward to resuming his role in the Wolverines' lineup as the team prepares for the upcoming schedule.