Michigan Friday: Purdue's Nojel Eastern Transfers to Michigan not Eastern Michigan

kokomotribune.com

I made a joke earlier this week that Nojel Eastern should transfer to EMU.   Instead, he picked another Washtenaw Country University and will play for Juwan Howard.

Eastern is known has a huge guard at 6'7 225 and a lockdown defender.  He was been on the Big Ten Defensive team for two years.  He also has a good handle and solid on dribble drives.    What he is lacking is a jump shot, he was 0/3 from the 3 point line last year. 

What's in question is, if Eastern will be immediately eligible next season?  Most experts believe he will have to sit out a year if he doesn't get a waiver or some special COVID-19 transfer policy. 

Does this transfer make sense for Michigan's basketball program? Hell yes, because he is a lockdown defender and the other option was nothing.  Sure it will be better if Eastern can play next year but either way, Michigan needs some upper classman leadership and hopefully he will be able to fill that role. 

If he wants to fill a Dennis Rodman role (from his time with the Pistons ) I'm all for it.   Welcome Nojel!

• Josh Gattis says there isn't a leader right now for starter at QB.  That is coach speak and wanting both guys to work hard prior to camp (whenever that happens).    I have no doubt they know who all the expected starters are.   The 2019 class will really need to step up at WR as the roster lost 2 upper classmen to the NFL and Texas.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/05/michigan-friday-purdues-nojel-eastern.html