Cason to Miami
Former Michigan Guard LJ Cason Transfers to Miami, Eyes Partial Season Return
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Key Points
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Cason appeared in 58 games as a reserve over two seasons at Michigan, averaging 8.4 points, 2.4 assists and 1.9 rebounds (18.6 minutes per game).
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He shot 40.2% from three-point range last season, a notable mark for his shooting efficiency.
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Cason is a Lakeland, Florida native and Victory Christian Academy product, returning to his home state as a Hurricanes transfer; his social-media post announced 'coming back to the crib.'
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Michigan coach Mike Boynton Jr. publicly praised Cason after his decision to transfer, saying, 'That kid has given this program a lot. He's a champion. He'll forever be a champion at the University of Michigan.'
Florida-born guard LJ Cason has transferred to Miami, returning to his home state after two seasons at Michigan. Cason, a Lakeland native, announced the move on social media with a simple message: 'coming back to the crib.' Yahoo Sports reported that he is one of the top players still available in the transfer portal.
The transfer comes after Cason tore his right ACL in February 2026 and underwent surgery. He planned to redshirt the 2026-27 season, but the NCAA's 'five years to play five seasons' rule may allow him to play part of the year while keeping two full seasons of eligibility after that, according to Yahoo Sports.
Cason Brings Shooting Punch to Miami Backcourt
At Michigan, Cason appeared in 58 games over two seasons as a reserve. He averaged 8.4 points, 2.4 assists, and 1.9 rebounds in 18.6 minutes per game. Last season, he shot 40.2% from three-point range — a strong mark that made him one of the more efficient guards in his role, per Yahoo Sports.
Miami finished 26-9 last season and reached the Round of 32. The Hurricanes, now led by coach Jai Lucas, are overhauling their roster. 247Sports noted that Cason is one of the key pieces added as Miami rebuilds its backcourt depth heading into the ACC next year.
Dusty May's NBA Move Set the Transfer in Motion
Cason's path to Miami started when Michigan coach Dusty May left to become the Dallas Mavericks head coach. That departure triggered a shake-up in the Michigan program. Cason was the only player to enter the transfer portal after May left, according to 247Sports.
Mike Boynton Jr. replaced May at Michigan. Boynton was public in his praise for Cason after the transfer. 'That kid has given this program a lot,' Boynton said. 'He's a champion. He'll forever be a champion at the University of Michigan.' 247Sports reported on Boynton's comments.
ACL Tear Clouds but Does Not End Cason's 2026-27 Season
Cason tore his right ACL in February 2026 and had surgery shortly after. The plan was for him to sit out the full 2026-27 season to recover. That would normally cost him a year of eligibility, but the NCAA's five-year clock rule changes the math, Yahoo Sports reported.
Under the rule, Cason can play in part of the 2026-27 season and still preserve two additional seasons of eligibility. That gives Miami a potential boost mid-year if his recovery goes well. It also gives Cason a longer runway to develop at the college level before his career ends.
A Florida Homecoming Caps a Busy Miami Offseason
Cason grew up in Lakeland, Florida, and played high school ball at Victory Christian Academy before heading north to Michigan. His return to the Sunshine State is personal. AOL reported that he committed to Miami as one of the top guards still on the board in the portal.
Miami's staff has been aggressive in the portal all offseason. Adding a shooter like Cason — even one recovering from an ACL tear — fits the program's push to reload around coach Lucas. The Hurricanes are betting that Cason's health and his 40.2% three-point shooting make him worth the wait.
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