Some fans might not realize it yet, but we’re smack-dab in the middle of one of the best eras of Big Ten basketball in the conference’s existence. The Big Ten title race has been heated for years and it usually features teams that are still around during the second and third weekends of the NCAA Tournament.
This season will be no different after a Big Ten team (Michigan, unfortunately) just won a national title and will be bringing back some key players to chase another one.
Unfortunately, the worst-case scenario has happened for the Wolverines that could shake up the potential Big Ten title race down the line in the spring.
Days after Moustapha Thiam had to exit a game with an injury during an exhibition game on Michigan’s European tour, star freshman Brandon McCoy was carried off the court following an injury in the first 20 seconds of the game after slipping on a wet spot (at least that’s hot it looked) on the floor. He was down for about a minute before being helped up, trying to walk but not being able to put weight on his right leg, and then being carried to the locker room.
Michigan freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. was carried off the court just 20 seconds into Michigan’s exhibition game pic.twitter.com/xbaBEiTQgY
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) August 27, 2026
This exact scenario is why a lot of fans dislike the idea of exhibitions, pro-ams, and overseas trips where teams face European pro squads. A lot of coaches are taking note, too.
Getting an opportunity to experience a different country and culture as a team is a really cool bonding exercise and Izzo has utilized it before, but these injuries just can’t be worth it. Heck, schedule a regular-season game against another NCAA team overseas if you want the trip, but risking injuries during a pointless scrimmage against European pros doesn’t seem worth it.
Let’s just hope McCoy is OK because getting carried off is never a good sign.
Michigan’s repeat hopes could be on life support
If McCoy is seriously injured and doesn’t return for the start of the season or before Big Ten play, the Wolverines could be in some serious trouble. They’re already going to look a lot different after losing their three-headed monster to the NBA as well as their head coach, but now the Wolverines would have to replace arguably their most talented player and top pro prospect.
That’s not something that most teams are equipped to do.
Teams like Michigan State, Illinois, USC, UCLA, Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, and Purdue are all prepared for a grueling Big Ten title fight while Michigan is hoping for some good injury news to remain in it.
Michigan is already trying to tread water in the Big Ten title race after losing Dusty May to the Dallas Mavericks and Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson, and Aday Mara, too, but with these recent injuries to Thiam and now a potentially serious one to McCoy, its hopes of a repeat are on life support.
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