Michigan opened its overseas tour with a gritty 84‑81 victory over Mega Superbet in Podgorica, but the win was overshadowed by a frightening moment just 55 seconds into the contest.
A Setback in the Balkans
Freshman guard Brandon McCoy Jr., a five‑star recruit and McDonald’s All‑American, collapsed to the floor after a non‑contact play, clutching his right knee. He was unable to bear weight and was escorted from the court, leaving the team without its top prospect.
Despite the early setback, the Wolverines rallied, with senior guard Trey McKenney pouring in 25 points and J.P. Estrella adding 16 before fouling out. Their second‑half surge secured the narrow win and showcased depth beyond the injured recruit.
Coach Mike Boynton Jr., who has been emphasizing culture and cohesion, praised the team’s resilience, noting that the experience would forge stronger bonds as they prepare for the regular season.
McCoy’s ranking — No. 2 among shooting guards nationally, No. 3 in California, and No. 10 overall in the 2026 class according to 247 Sports — highlights the significance of his loss for Michigan’s recruiting narrative and future prospects.
The exhibition series concluded with a 1‑2 record, and while the Wolverines expressed satisfaction with the trip, the injury to McCoy and a separate lower‑body issue to Moustapha Thiam underscore the physical toll of playing abroad.