Five-star guard Brandon McCoy Jr. has suffered a torn ACL in his right knee and will miss the entire upcoming season. McCoy had entered the year as the top-ranked signee in Michigan's 2026 recruiting class.

McCoy injured his knee slipping on the court early in Michigan's game against KK Mega Superbet in Montenegro and was unable to put weight on his leg as he was helped off the floor.

The injury represents a significant setback for the reigning national champions and for Mike Boynton Jr, who was named head coach on a two-year deal this summer following Dusty May's departure for the Dallas Mavericks. McCoy, ranked No. 15 nationally by Rivals, had been projected as a starter alongside returning players Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney, averaging 14.5 points and five rebounds through Michigan's first two European tour games.

McCoy entered the season considered a potential 2027 NBA lottery pick following a strong showing at April's Hoop Summit. The injury raises questions about whether he will still enter the 2027 draft or delay his decision until 2028, further thinning an already modest projected 2027 draft class.

McCoy had been expected to help fill the void left by NBA lottery picks Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr., all starters on last season's national championship team. Michigan also added transfers Moustapha Thiam from Cincinnati and JP Estrella from Tennessee this offseason, along with a six-player freshman class.