Infomastaro

By Anne EricksonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberPrefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

The Michigan Wolverines and head coach Dusty May are riding high on their NCAA men's national title after beating Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies in Monday's championship game on April 6, 69-63.

So, the Michigan Wolverines have a lot to smile about, and they're celebrating with a parade and all the usual parties that come after a national championship win.

But, the team is also losing some players. For the second time this week, a freshman from the Wolverine basketball team has decided to enter the transfer portal and see what other options are out there for him.

On Thursday, April 9, news broke that Malick Kordel, a 7-foot-2 center from Germany, had entered his name into the transfer portal, according to a report from On3 Sports. Kordel appeared in 14 games this past season and has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

Head coach Dusty May of the Michigan Wolverines watches "One Shinning Moment" after defeating the UConn Huskies 69-63 in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Kordel came to Michigan as an international prospect with a history of playing handball and didn’t start playing basketball competitively until 2021. But he's quickly become a strong component of the team. During his time with the Wolverines, he's recorded a total of 17 points, 21 rebounds and five blocked shots in 58 minutes and shot 8-for-14 from the field.

More sports news: Jon Scheyer, Duke Hit With 5-Star Transfer Portal Departure

Earlier this week, Winters Grady, a freshman wing, also put his name into the transfer portal. Grady appeared in nine games as a freshman at Michigan, averaging 2.9 points and 1.1 rebounds across 6.0 minutes per game. So, Michigan may already lose two of its players for next season.

But the positive news is that on Thursday, Michigan also landed a commitment from Tennessee transfer J.P. Estrella, a 6-11 big man.

More sports news: Former All-Conference Guard Enters Transfer Portal, Eyes 4th Team in 4 Years

The Michigan Wolverines' win over the UConn Huskies solidified the Big Ten's first NCAA men's national title since the Michigan State Spartans did so back in 2000.

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